Recall 23V550 affects 65 2020-2024 Lakota Bighorn and Charger horse trailers for weak axle-carrier rails. Do not drive. Repair is free at a franchised Lakota dealer.
A broken axle carrier can cause the axles and tires to fail, increasing crash risk. Do not drive with the trailer attached, even for short trips; arrange service or towing if it needs to move. If the trailer sits significantly off level on level ground, treat that as a warning sign. Repair will be free at any franchised Lakota dealer once available.
Lakota is recalling 65 2020-2024 Bighorn and Charger triple axle horse trailers because the axle carrier main rails were built with steel that is too thin, which can let the carrier break. A broken carrier can lead to axle and tire failure and raise crash risk. Do not drive the trailer; the Lakota dealer repair will be free once Lakota makes it available.
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What's wrong?
On 2020-2024 Lakota Bighorn and Charger triple axle horse trailers, the BFA triple axle carrier is the steel structure that holds and supports the axle group under the trailer. It keeps the axles tied into the trailer frame so the suspension carries the trailer's weight evenly on level ground.
The problem is in the main rails of that carrier. Lakota and Lippert found that the carrier print was changed from 7-gauge steel to 11-gauge steel, leaving the main rails with lighter steel than intended for these trailers. With less steel in that structure, the carrier welds and rails do not have the same margin under load. The carrier can crack or break instead of holding the axle group in position.
The warning sign is visual: the trailer sits significantly off level while parked on level ground. If you see that lean, treat it as a sign that the axle carrier needs inspection before the trailer is used again.
Who's affected?
Covers both Bighorn and Charger trailers across the 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024 model years, all with the same triple axle carrier.
| 2020 Lakota Bighorn | suspension component |
|---|---|
| 2022 Lakota Charger | suspension component |
| 2023 Lakota Bighorn | suspension component |
| 2020 Lakota Charger | suspension component |
| 2024 Lakota Charger | suspension component |
| 2024 Lakota Bighorn | suspension component |
| 2022 Lakota Bighorn | suspension component |
| 2023 Lakota Charger | suspension component |
| 2021 Lakota Charger | suspension component |
| 2021 Lakota Bighorn | suspension component |
| Units affected | 65 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 2 field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific trailer is included.
What's the safety risk?
A broken axle carrier can cause the axles and tires to fail, increasing crash risk. Do not drive with the trailer attached, even for short trips; arrange service or towing if it needs to move. If the trailer sits significantly off level on level ground, treat that as a warning sign. Repair will be free at any franchised Lakota dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020-2024 Lakota Bighorn or Charger trailer is included in this recall.
- Do not drive or use the trailer until the axle-carrier repair is complete.
- Arrange a tow or transport if the trailer must be moved for service; do not tow it there behind your vehicle.
- Call Lakota customer service at 1-574-848-1636 to ask when the free gusset and tube repair for the weak axle-carrier rails is available.
- Reference recall number 23V550 when you call Lakota or a franchised Lakota dealer.
What happens at the repair
Until the remedy is complete, do not use the trailer. Once Lakota opens the dealer repair, a Lakota technician will install gussets and additional tubes on the axle carrier structure, free under the recall. The work is meant to reinforce the carrier rails that were built with insufficient gauge steel. If you already paid for this recall-related repair before the recall, Lakota says those customer-paid repairs will be reimbursed. Keep your repair invoice and payment proof, and contact Lakota customer service at 1-574-848-1636 for the claim path.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| August 3, 2023 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 21, 2023 | Dealer notification began |
| August 25, 2023 | Dealer notification ended |
| August 28, 2023 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| September 1, 2023 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 23V550?
Recall 23V550 covers 65 2020-2024 Lakota Bighorn and Charger Triple Axle 5&6 horse trailers with axle-carrier main rails made from insufficient-gauge steel. The carrier can break, causing axle and tire failure and increasing crash risk. Lakota's dealer repair adds gussets and tubes for free.
What should I do if my 2020-2024 Lakota Bighorn or Charger is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 23V550. Do not drive or use the trailer until the remedy is complete. Contact a Lakota dealer or Lakota customer service at 1-574-848-1636 and reference recall 23V550.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 23V550, Lakota dealers will install gussets and additional tubes on the axle carrier free of charge.
What does do not drive mean for this Lakota trailer?
Do not drive means the trailer should stay out of service until the recall repair is complete. The axle carrier can break and cause axle or tire failure. If the trailer has to move, ask Lakota customer service or the dealer about the safest way to handle transport.
When were owners notified about recall 23V550?
Lakota mailed owner notification letters on September 1, 2023. If you bought the trailer used or never received a letter, the VIN check still decides whether your exact Bighorn or Charger is included. Reference recall 23V550 when you call Lakota or the dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/23V550000 |
|---|---|
| Lakota customer service | 1-574-848-1636 |
| NHTSA recall # | 23V550 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 23V550000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →