The defect
Kaufman Trailers of NC, Inc. and Kaufman Trailers of NE, Inc. (Kaufman) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 gooseneck auto transport trailers and equipment trailers manufactured June 26, through August 6, 2013. These trailers are equipped with kingpins attched to square bottom plates which may crack over time, causing the button to separate from the bottom plate.
The risk
If the kingpin button separates, the trailer could become detached from the towing vehicle increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Kaufman will notify owners instructing them to inspect their trailers for kingpins with square bottom plates. Kaufman will ship replacement kingpins to owners of affected trailers, free of charge. The recall began on August 16, 2013. Owners may contact Kaufman at 1-336-790-6800.
NHTSA's own wording · initiated by MFR
Vehicles covered
| Model | Model years |
|---|---|
| Kaufman Trailer | 2012, 2013 |
Components: TRAILER HITCHES
Model years in this recall
NHTSA complaints and the number of recall campaigns for each model year this recall covers.
| Model | Year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kaufman Trailer | 2012 | 0 | 1 |
| Kaufman Trailer | 2013 | 3 | 1 |