VehicleVerdict

1996 Dorsey Trailer problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1996 Dorsey Trailer — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

0

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1996 compare to other Trailer years?

Trailer NHTSA complaints by model year, 1996 highlighted1 complaint1987: 1 complaints1996: 0 complaints1997: 1 complaints1998: 0 complaints1999: 0 complaints
Trailer NHTSA complaints by model year, 1996 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Trailer years to avoid →

Does the 1996 Dorsey Trailer have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

97V238003BrakesFebruary 17, 1998 · 2,021 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TRAILERS EQUIPPED WITH ANTILOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS) ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNITS (ECU) FOR OVER-THE-ROAD TRAILER APPLICATIONS. THE COVER SEAL (O-RING) MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY INSTALLED IN CERTAIN EASY-STOP TRAILER ABS ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNITS. AN INCORRECTLY INSTALLED SEAL COULD PERMIT WATER TO ENTER THE ECU CAUSING A FAULT TO DEVELOP. THIS WILL CAUSE THE VEHICLE'S TRAILER ABS WARNING LAMP TO ILLUMINATE IMMEDIATELY WHEN THE WATER CONTACTS THE BOARD, DEACTIVATING ALL OR PART OF THE ABS.

Consequence

IF THE WARNING LAMP SIGNAL IS IGNORED FOR A PERIOD OF TIME, CORROSION CAN DEVELOP EVENTUALLY LEAKING TO A COMPLETE LOSS OF ECU FUNCTION. THE SERVICE BRAKES WOULD CONTINUE TO BE FULLY FUNCTIONAL.

Remedy

ROCKWELL IS CONDUCTING THE NOTIFICATION AND REMEDY FOR THIS RECALL. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ECU ON THESE TRAILERS. 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 ROCKWELL AT 1-810-435-8001 OR DORSEY TRAILERS AT 1-334-897-5711.

95V249001SteeringDecember 2, 1995 · 50 units

Defect

THESE AXLES CONSIST OF A STEEL TUBULAR CENTER SECTION AND FORGED STEEL SPINDLES THAT ARE WELDED TO EACH END OF THE TUBE. EITHER SPINDLE CAN CONTAIN A CIRCUMFERENTIAL CRACK THROUGH A PORTION OF ITS CROSS SECTION.

Consequence

THIS CRACK CAN REDUCE THE EFFECTIVE SERVICE LIFE OFTHE SPINDLE AND CAUSE THE SPINDLE TO FRACTURE DURING NORMAL VEHICLE OPERATION INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.

Remedy

EATON WILL USE PORTABLE ULTRASONIC TESTING EQUIPMENT TO INSPECT EACH SUSPECT TRAILER AXLE. TRAILER AXLES CONTAINING DEFECTIVE SPINDLES WILL BE REPLACED WITH EQUIVALENT AXLES.

1996 Dorsey Trailer — common questions

Is the 1996 Dorsey Trailer reliable?

The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 1996 Dorsey Trailer have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1996 Dorsey Trailer. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.