Rear swaybar link broke under normal driving conditions - heard loud pop when going over speedbump. This suspension component is under stress in turns, and if it were to break at that time, would suddenly change vehicle handling, possible causing a crash. Dealer has ordered parts. Part broke at a weld where the link connects to the vehicle body.

- Austin, TX, USA

While driving the Honda Ridgeline and pulling a 2006 keystone zeppelin trailer on April 11, 2007 in the early day. I pressed the brakes due to a stop sign and the entire rear axle completely detached from the trailer. The trailer could not be pulled unless it had both of its two axles attached. I called the trailer dealer. The local sheriff arrived, although I did not call him and accompanied me at 5 mph to a nearby commercial trailer stop. I called a trailer repair station located a block away, who came to the site to retrieve the detached axle. The trailer manufacturer said they were not responsible, even though the dealer made an inquiry before the warranty ended. They requested that the axle be returned to them. They inspected it, and determined that the bolts were loose. I believe they were incorrect, and other trailers will experience similar axle separation, perhaps causing a serious accident. The bolts were rusted and difficult to remove. The axle had a plate welded to it with holes at the top that attach to the frame with bolts. Neither the bolts nor the welds showed any damage. Rather, there was a giant tear located approximately midway between the weld on the axle and bolts through the frame. In other words, the steel tore in the middle of the plate away from either connection. Tests will discover that the steel was simply too thin for the braking forces of the trailer. The trailer has not been repaired because I am sure the same tear will occur if the same too-thin steel plates were used. Please inspect it as soon as you can. I want to have a welder double the plate before a new axle was installed. If my supposition was correct then there will be a serious injury in the future when more of these trailers have more hours on them. Please advise me if you want to see the trailer so I can complete repairs. The consumer stated there is no structural cross beams, the beams are so thin the frame flexes.

- Saratoga Springs, NY, USA