UTILITY VS1RA Recalls
Item Affected: SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY
Date Announced: 04/24/2014
Description of Recall: Utility Trailer Manufacturing Company (Utility) is recalling certain model year 2015 VS1RA, VS2RA, and VS3RA refrigerated vans manufactured January 6, 2014, through March 14, 2014. The affected trailers may have over-tightened axle nuts which may result in axle bearing failure.
Conequence: Bearing failure may lead to a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Action Need To Fix It: Utility has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the bearings, correct the axle nut tightening and verify the proper amount of wheel-end play, free of charge. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Owners may contact Utility customer service at 1-800-423-6591.
Notes: 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.
Item Affected: PARKING BRAKE:DRIVELINE:HYDRAULIC:ACTUATOR
Date Announced: 02/04/2015
Description of Recall: Utility Trailer Manufacturing Company (Utility) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 FS2CHA, VS2DX, VS1DC, VS2RA, and VS1RA trailers manufactured April 14, 2014, to November 4, 2015, equipped with certain Haldex Life Seal Type 30/30 Long Stroke Air Brake Actuators manufactured January 9, 2014, to October 28, 2014. The affected actuators may have an incomplete attachment of the internal rubber diaphragm to the actuation mechanism of the parking brake section of the Life Seal actuator.
Conequence: If the diaphragm is not completely attached, there may be internal leakage from the service section past the diaphragm, potentially trapping air pressure in the parking brake section. This air pressure in turn, if not vented, may prevent full release of the actuator unit, and may induce brake drag and may result in overheated wheelend service brakes, increasing the risk of a fire.
Action Need To Fix It: Utility will notify owners and dealers will replace the actuators, free of charge. The recall began on April 9, 2015. Owners may contact Utility customer service at 1-800-423-6591. Utility's number for this recall is 14E075.
Notes: 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.
Item Affected: STRUCTURE
Date Announced: 07/30/2014
Description of Recall: Utility Trailer Manufacturing Company (Utility) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 VS1RA, and 2013-2014 VS1DC, VS2DX, VS2RA, VS3DX, and VS3RA trailers manufactured April 2011, to May 2013. The pintle hook tube sub assembly that is welded to the pintle hook safety chain loop may break and fall off the vehicle.
Conequence: If the loop were to break off, the air lines and electrical lines would detach, applying the towed trailer's brakes, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Action Need To Fix It: Utility will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the pintle hook safety chain loop if it is cracked, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in September 2014. Owners may contact Utility customer service at 1-800-423-6591. Utility's number for this recall is SB 07-011/370258.
Notes: 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.
Item Affected: SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:ABS WARNING LIGHT
Date Announced: 10/07/2003
Description of Recall: ON CERTAIN TRAILERS EQUIPPED WITH BENDIX EC-30T ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNITS (ECU). IF THE TRAILER-MOUNTED ABS WARNING LAMP CIRCUIT EXPERIENCES AN ELECTRICAL SHORT AND THE SHORT IS NOT REPAIRED, THE HIGH SIDE POWER SWITCH INSIDE THE ECU THAT CONTROLS THE ILLUMINATION OF THE TRAILER-MOUNTED ABS WARNING LAMP MAY EVENTUALLY BECOME THERMALLY STRESSED AND EXPERIENCE AN ELECTRICAL SHORT.
Conequence: IF THE POWER SWITCH SHORTS, IT CAN RESULT IN AN OVER-CURRENT CONDITION IN THE ECU AND LEAD TO EXCESSIVE HEAT, SMOKE, AND POSSIBLE FIRE.
Action Need To Fix It: BENDIX WILL PROVIDE A REMEDY KIT AND DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS AND ALSO PROVIDE A LABOR ALLOWANCE FOR THE REPAIR. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BENDIX AT 1-800-478-1793 OR UTILITY AT 626-965-1541.
Notes: ALSO, CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
