The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereNHTSA·11V117000·Announced 2011-02-18

Utility Trailer Recalls 2007-2009 Models Due to Axle Nut Torque Defect

Utility Trailer is recalling 2007-2009 VS2RA and 2008 VS2DX models because insufficient torque on axle spindle nuts could lead to wheel separation.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).

The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural vehicle defect (axle assembly) where the source text explicitly states the condition could progress to wheel separation and result in a crash, meeting the criteria for a Severe rating.

Plain-English summary

Utility Trailer Manufacturing Company is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 VS2RA and model year 2008 VS2DX refrigerated and dry van trailers. These vehicles are equipped with ArvinMeritor TL Series trailer axles. The recall addresses a defect where insufficient torque may have been applied to the spindle nut on these axles, specifically where the stake washer for the nut is staked in a single location rather than multiple locations.

The defect poses a safety risk because low or no torque on the nut can result in excessive end-play in the wheel-end system. This condition could progress to a wheel separation, which could result in a crash. ArvinMeritor is working with vehicle manufacturers to identify and repair the affected vehicles free of charge. The safety recall was expected to begin during March 2011.

Owners of affected trailers should contact ArvinMeritor at 1-248-273-4641 for more information. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or visit safercar.gov.

The recalled product

Product
UTILITY TRAILER, UTILITY VS2DX, VS2RA
Brand
UTILITY TRAILER
Manufacturer
UTILITY TRAILER MANUFACTURING COMPANY
Category
Vehicle — Trailer
Hazard
Affected units
384

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Model numbers (2)

  • VS2DX
  • VS2RA

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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