1996 Carriage Carri-Lite problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 3 complaints on file for the 1996 Carriage Carri-Lite — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1996 compare to other Carri-Lite years?

Carri-Lite NHTSA complaints by model year, 1996 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Carri-Lite years to avoid →

What are the most common 1996 Carriage Carri-Lite problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Brakes	1	33%	new
Body & Structure	1	33%	new
Tires & Wheels	1	33%	— flat

Does the 1996 Carriage Carri-Lite have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

02V312000Trailer HitchNovember 19, 2002 · 1,450 units

Defect

CERTAIN FIFTH WHEEL TRAILERS MAY HAVE AN INSUFFICIENT FRAME STRUCTURE TO SUPPORT THE PIN BOX.

Consequence

OVER TIME STRESS CRACKS COULD BEGIN TO OCCUR AT THE FRAME INSERTION POINTS AND FRONT CROSS STRUCTURE SURROUNDING THE PIN BOX (HITCH). THIS COULD RESULT IN THE TRAILER BECOMING PARTIALLY OR FULLY DETACHED FROM THE TOW VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH, PERSONAL INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REINFORCEMENT KIT TO THE FRAME STRUCTURE SURROUNDING THE PIN BOX. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 30, 2003. OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CARRIAGE AT 1-800-895-0108.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“ADJUSTER SPRINGS ON THE ELECTRIC BRAKES WORE OUT, CAUSING THE BRAKE ADJUSTER DROP INTO THE BRAKE DRUM . ALSO, BRAKE DRUMS HAVE BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES. *AK”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · May 13, 1999

1996 Carriage Carri-Lite — common questions

Is the 1996 Carriage Carri-Lite reliable?

The record is thin — 3 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 1996 Carriage Carri-Lite have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1996 Carriage Carri-Lite. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1996 Carriage Carri-Lite under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 1996 compare to other Carri-Lite years?

What are the most common 1996 Carriage Carri-Lite problems?

Does the 1996 Carriage Carri-Lite have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

1996 Carriage Carri-Lite — common questions

Is the 1996 Carriage Carri-Lite reliable?

Does the 1996 Carriage Carri-Lite have recalls?

Is the 1996 Carriage Carri-Lite under NHTSA investigation?

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