Recall 23V552 covers 1 2018 Nelson CBC-40ST trailer for a steering arm that can break. The affected trailer was repaired free of charge.
Nelson is recalling one 2018 CBC-40ST trailer because the Dexter Smart-Steer axle's bolt-on steering arm can break under low-speed, high side-loading conditions. A broken steering arm can let the tie rod separate and fall to the ground, which raises the risk of a crash, and Nelson dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The Dexter Smart-Steer Axle on the 2018 Nelson CBC-40ST trailer is designed to help the trailer axle follow the turn instead of scrubbing sideways through a corner. Its bolt-on steering arm is the linkage point that guides that steer axle as the trailer moves at low speed and under side load.
On this trailer, the recalled Dexter axle uses a steering arm that is at risk of breaking under low-speed, high side-loading conditions. If the arm breaks, the steer axle no longer follows the normal steering path. The repair is to update the axle under Dexter Safety Bulletin SB015.
The warning signs are independent castering of the steer axle and noise from parts dragging. In plain terms, the axle can start turning on its own path, and you can hear metal or other parts dragging where they should not be touching the road.
Who's affected?
| 2018 Nelson CBC-40ST | steering system |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 1 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2018 Nelson CBC-40ST trailer is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific trailer is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the steering arm or tie rod breaks, steering parts can separate, fall to the ground, and increase the risk of a crash. Watch for independent castering of the steer axle or noise from dragging parts, then stop using the trailer and contact Nelson. Repair is free at any franchised Nelson dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018 Nelson CBC-40ST is included in this recall.
- Contact Nelson customer service at 1-419-523-5321 to confirm the free steering-arm repair is complete.
- Keep the trailer out of service until Nelson confirms the steering-arm repair that prevents the tie rod from separating has been completed.
- Bring the recall notice if Nelson sent one. If not, reference recall number 23V552 when you call.
What happens at the repair
The recall work is already complete on the affected 2018 CBC-40ST trailer. A Nelson technician repaired the Dexter Smart-Steer axle steering-arm issue at no charge, so parts and labor are covered under this campaign. Nelson has a general reimbursement plan on file for documented out-of-pocket repairs tied to this defect. Keep any repair paperwork, invoices, and payment records together, and contact Nelson customer service at 1-419-523-5321 for the reimbursement process.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| October 25, 2022 | Owner notification mailed |
|---|---|
| August 4, 2023 | NHTSA published the recall |
| August 4, 2023 | Dealer notification began |
| August 4, 2023 | Dealer notification ended |
| August 4, 2023 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 23V552?
Recall 23V552 covers 1 2018 Nelson CBC-40ST trailer equipped with a Dexter Smart-Steer Axle and bolt-on steering arm. The steering arm can break under low speed and high side-loading, and the tie rod can separate. Nelson has repaired the affected trailer free of charge.
What should I do if my 2018 Nelson CBC-40ST is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific trailer is included in recall 23V552. If it is, contact Nelson customer service at 1-419-523-5321 and reference recall 23V552. Nelson says the affected trailer has already been repaired free of charge.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to correct the safety defect at no cost to the owner. For recall 23V552, Nelson says the affected 2018 CBC-40ST trailer has been repaired free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of steering control at the trailer axle. If the steering arm breaks, the tie rod can separate and fall to the ground, increasing crash risk. Confirm the trailer VIN, then contact Nelson if the repair status is unclear.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/23V552000 |
|---|---|
| Nelson customer service | 1-419-523-5321 |
| NHTSA recall # | 23V552 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 23V552000 |
Source documents
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 →