VehicleVerdict

2003 Kentucky Trailer problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 2003 Kentucky Trailer — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

0

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

Does the 2003 Kentucky Trailer have recalls?

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

04V501000BrakesOctober 19, 2004 · 800 units

Defect

CERTAIN TRAILERS EQUIPPED WITH BENDIX BRAKES HAVE EXPERIENCED AIR LEAKAGE ON THE BRAKE VALVE PIPE NIPPLE CONNECTING THE AIR RESERVOIR. THE PIPE NIPPLE STARTS TO CRACK CREATING AN AIR LEAK.

Consequence

IF THE AIR LEAKS FASTER THAN THE TRACTOR COMPRESSOR CAN KEEP UP, THE EMERGENCY SPRING BRAKE CHAMBERS WILL ACTIVATE AND STOP THE TRAILER INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR THE TYPE OF PIPE NIPPLE USED AND REPLACE ALL PIPE NIPPLES AS NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 6, 2004. ONLY UNITED PARCEL SERVICE (UPS) TRUCKS ARE INVOLVED. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT KENTUCKY TRAILER AT 1-888-598-7245.

03V379000BrakesOctober 8, 2003 · 1,330 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN VAN TRAILERS EQUIPPED WITH BENDIX EC-30T ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNITS (ECU). IF THE TRAILER-MOUNTED ABS WARNING LAMP CIRCUIT EXPERIENCES AN ELECTRICAL SHORT AND THE SHORT IS NOT REPAIRED, THE HIGH SIDE POWER SWITCH INSIDE THE ECU THAT CONTROLS THE ILLUMINATION OF THE TRAILER-MOUNTED ABS WARNING LAMP MAY EVENTUALLY BECOME THERMALLY STRESSED AND EXPERIENCE AN ELECTRICAL SHORT.

Consequence

IF THE POWER SWITCH SHORTS, IT CAN RESULT IN AN OVER-CURRENT CONDITION IN THE ECU AND LEAD TO EXCESSIVE HEAT, SMOKE, AND POSSIBLE FIRE.

Remedy

BENDIX WILL PROVIDE A REMEDY KIT AND DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS AND ALSO PROVIDE A LABOR ALLOWANCE FOR THE REPAIR. 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 BENDIX AT 1-800-478-1793 OR KENTUCKY MANUFACTURING AT 1-502-637-2551.

03V226000TransmissionJune 16, 2003 · 300 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN VAN TYPE TRUCK TRAILERS (45') EQUIPPED WITH STEMCO "PRO-TORQ" AXLE NUT ASSEMBLIES THAT WERE SOLD ONLY TO ONE CUSTOMER, UNITED PARCEL SERVICE, THE KEEPERS/LOCK RINGS WERE MISSING ALLOWING THE AXLE NUT TO COME LOOSE CAUSING WHEEL OIL TO LEAK OUT.

Consequence

THIS COULD EVENTUALLY ALLOW THE HUB, DRUM, AND WHEEL ASSEMBLY TO SEPARATE FROM THE TRAILER, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

UPS HAS INSPECTED ALL 300 TRAILERS AND ANY TRAILER FOUND TO BE MISSING THE KEEPER/LOCK RINGS WILL BE CORRECTED.

2003 Kentucky Trailer — common questions

Is the 2003 Kentucky Trailer reliable?

The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2003 Kentucky Trailer have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2003 Kentucky 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.