Utility Flatbed Trailers recalled over injury risk

Recall date

July 5, 2016

Source

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Official notice title

Utility Trailer Manufacturing Company recalls 2014–2016 Utility Flatbed Trailers, Refrigerated Trailers, Dry Van Trailers

Recall number

16V503000

Brand / firm

Utility

Sold / distributed

Potentially affected: 98,000 units

Why it was recalled

If there is a delay of the spring brake application, the trailer may roll away after it has decoupled from the tractor, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

What was recalled

Utility Trailer Manufacturing Company (Utility) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 FS1CHA, FS1CHS, FS2CDHA, FS2CHA, FS2CHS, FS3CDHA, FS3CHA, FS3CHS, TS1CA, TS2CDHA, TS2CHA, VS1DC, VS1RA, VS2DX, VS2RA, VS2RAP, VS3DX, VS3RA, and VS4DX refrigerated, dry van, and flatbed trailers manufactured January 1, 2014, to March 4, 2016, equipped with certain Bendix SR5 spring brake valves. These valves may have been improperly machined which may cause a delay of application of the spring brakes while parking.

What to do

Utility will contact owners and provide a remedy kit, complete with instructions, to repair any affected SR-5 trailer relay valves, free of charge. Utility distributed an interim notification to owners on July 27, 2016. The recall began on August 18, 2016. Owners may contact Utility customer service at 1-800-423-6591.. Follow the official notice for full instructions.