VehicleVerdict

1997 Carriage Carri-Lite problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 10 complaints on file for the 1997 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.

10

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1997 compare to other Carri-Lite years?

Carri-Lite NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted10 complaints1992: 1 complaints1995: 2 complaints1996: 3 complaints1997: 10 complaints1998: 0 complaints1999: 7 complaints2000: 2 complaints2001: 1 complaints2002: 0 complaints2003: 0 complaints2004: 1 complaints2005: 0 complaints2006: 0 complaints2007: 0 complaints2008: 0 complaints2009: 1 complaints2010: 0 complaints2011: 0 complaints
Carri-Lite NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Carri-Lite years to avoid →

What are the most common 1997 Carriage Carri-Lite problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Other330%
Electrical System220%
Trailer Hitch220%
Engine110%
Suspension110%
Tires & Wheels110%

Does the 1997 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.

“CONSUMER STATED AFTER 3 OR 4 DAYS OF USE, THE REFRIGERATOR WOULD LEAK WATER ONTO THE KITCHEN FLOOR, CONSUMER WAS INFORMED BY CUSTOMER ASSITANCE TO CHECK AND TIGHTEN THE DRAIN LINES, HOWEVER THAT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM, CONSUMER WAS THEN INFORMED THAT IF THE INSTRUCTIONS WERE FOLLOWED WITH NO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other

“CONSUMER STATED THAT THE WELD HOLDING THE KING PIN TO THE HITCH CRACKED. CONSUMER CALLED THE MANUFACTURER, BUT MANUFACTURER REFUSED TO DEALER WITH THE PROBLEM. CONSUMER FELT IT WAS A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT. CONSUMER HAD NOT TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION BECAUSE IT HAD TO BE REPAIRED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Trailer Hitch · May 20, 2004

“CONSUMER STATED SHE WAS EXPERIENCING A GROUND FAULT PROBLEM, WHEN PLUGGING INTO A GROUND FAULT CIRCUIT, THE CIRCUIT BREAKER WOULD BE THROWN, CONSUMER WAS INFORMED BY MANUFACTURER THAT THEY WERE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, HOWEVER CONSUMER HAD PROBLEM REPAIRED BY SOMEONE ELSE.*JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System

“CONSUMER STATED THE TRAILER SPRINGS RECENTLY BROKE, DUE TO FATIGUE, ALSO THE SHOCKS ABSORBER MOUNTS WERE LOOSE FROM NOT BEING WELDED CORRECTLY AND HAD BROKEN OFF, CONSUMER WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THE UNIT AXLES CAME OFF THE ASSEMBLY LINE OVERLOADED WHICH ALSO RELATED TO THE SHOCK ABSORBER MOUNTS.*JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension

1997 Carriage Carri-Lite — common questions

Is the 1997 Carriage Carri-Lite reliable?

The record is thin — 10 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 1997 Carri-Lite problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are other (3 complaints), trailer hitch (2 complaints), electrical system (2 complaints).

Does the 1997 Carriage Carri-Lite have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1997 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 1997 Carriage Carri-Lite under NHTSA investigation?

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

Related

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.