The problem
Gulft Stream Coach (Gulf Stream) is recalling certain model year 2007-2013 Cavalier, lnnsbrook, Conquest, Amerilite, Stream lite, Emerald Bay, Fire Fly, V Stream Ultra, Mako, Gulf Breeze, Side Track, Matrix, Mini Superlite, Zero Gravity, Visa, Capri, Northern Express, Vista, Aztec, Yellowstone, Prairie Schooner, G Force, Max Wide Open, Endura Max, Canyon Trail, Sedona, Ridgeline, Kingsport, Trail Master, Sky and Bull Dog travel trailers manufactured January 1, 2006, through April 25, 2013 and equipped with Fastec-brand door locks. It may be possible to remove the key from the lock in a way that potentially jams the deadbolt.
The risk
If the deadbolt jams, the interior side of the door lock may also jam. A person inside the travel trailer at the time will then be locked in and be unable to exit the vehicle without using the emergency exit, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix
Gulf Stream will notify owners, and Fastec will coordinate the inspection and replacement of the cylinders, as needed, free of charge. The recall began on December 20, 2013. Owners may contact Fastec at 1-800-837-2505 or Gulf Stream at 1-574-773-7761. Gulf Stream's recall number is 13FI-1013.
Contacts
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
What to do
- Check your VIN. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls - it shows whether this recall applies to your vehicle and whether the repair has been done.
- Call a dealer. Any authorized Gulf Stream dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 13V511000.
- Ask about parts and a loaner. If parts aren't available yet, ask what to do in the meantime.
- Keep your paperwork. If you paid for this repair before the recall, you may be able to get reimbursed - here's how.