VehicleVerdict

1997 Dorsey Trailer problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 1997 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.

1

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1997 compare to other Trailer years?

Trailer NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted1 complaint1987: 1 complaints1996: 0 complaints1997: 1 complaints1998: 0 complaints1999: 0 complaints
Trailer NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Trailer years to avoid →

What are the most common 1997 Dorsey Trailer problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Tires & Wheels1100%

Does the 1997 Dorsey Trailer have recalls?

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

98V126000BrakesJune 8, 1998 · 1,534 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PLATFORM TRAILERS AND DOLLIES. THE TUBING INSTALLED IN THE AIR BRAKE SYSTEM ON THE PLATFORM TRAILERS WAS NOT RECOMMENDED FOR USE WITH THE TUBING FITTINGS USED IN THE AIR BRAKE SYSTEM AND THE TUBING INSTALLED ON THE DOLLIES DOES NOT HAVE THE PROPER LABELING AND MINIMUM BURST STRENGTH. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 106, "BRAKE HOSES."

Consequence

IF THE TUBING IN THE SUPPLY (EMERGENCY) LINE BURSTS OR BECOMES DISENGAGED FROM A FITTING, THE TRAILER CAN EXPERIENCE A PANIC STOP WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING TO THE DRIVER. IF THE TUBING IN THE CONTROL (SERVICE) LINE BURSTS, THE TRAILER CAN BE OPERATING WITHOUT SERVICE BRAKES.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BRAKE SYSTEM TUBING AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT TUBING INSTALLED IN THE BRAKE SYSTEM.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“1997 DORSEY TRAILER. CONSUMER WAS DRIVING 65 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN THE RIGHT REAR TIRE BLEW OUT. *MC (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT) *JB A VEHICLE QUESTIONAIRE WAS MAILED TO CUSTOMER TO OBTAIN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION PERTAINING TO THE COMPLAINT. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · March 11, 2007

1997 Dorsey Trailer — common questions

Is the 1997 Dorsey Trailer reliable?

The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 1997 Dorsey Trailer have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1997 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.