Utility Recalls 2015 Refrigerated Vans Due to Axle Bearing Failure Risk
Utility Trailer Manufacturing Company is recalling 2015 VS1RA, VS2RA, and VS3RA refrigerated vans because over-tightened axle nuts may cause bearing failure and loss of vehicle control.
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 bearing failure) that may lead to loss of vehicle control and crash risk, meeting the criteria for a Severe rating.
Plain-English summary
Utility Trailer Manufacturing Company is recalling certain model year 2015 VS1RA, VS2RA, and VS3RA refrigerated vans. The affected units were manufactured between January 6, 2014, and March 14, 2014. The recall involves 507 vehicles.
The defect involves over-tightened axle nuts, which may result in axle bearing failure. This failure could lead to a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
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 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.
The recalled product
- Product
- UTILITY VS1RA, VS3RA, VS2RA
- Brand
- UTILITY
- Manufacturer
- Utility Trailer Manufacturing Company
- Category
- Vehicle — Refrigerated Van
- Affected units
- 507
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 (3)
- VS1RA
- VS3RA
- VS2RA
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
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