VehicleVerdict

1996 Utility Trailer problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 9 complaints on file for the 1996 Utility Trailer — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

9

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1996 compare to other Trailer years?

Trailer NHTSA complaints by model year, 1996 highlighted24 complaints1991: 2 complaints1992: 7 complaints1993: 7 complaints1994: 9 complaints1995: 12 complaints1996: 9 complaints1997: 24 complaints1998: 13 complaints1999: 16 complaints2000: 4 complaints2001: 3 complaints2003: 1 complaints2012: 1 complaints2013: 1 complaints
Trailer NHTSA complaints by model year, 1996 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Trailer years to avoid →

What are the most common 1996 Utility Trailer problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes333%
Tires & Wheels333%
Other111%
Trailer Hitch111%
Transmission111%

Does the 1996 Utility Trailer have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

02V210001BrakesAugust 15, 2002 · 206 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN TRAILERS EQUIPPED WITH SPRING BRAKE CONTROL VALVE ASSEMBLIES, THERE IS A RECESSED AREA ON TOP OF THE VALVE IN WHICH A BRASS GUIDE PIN FITS DOWN INSIDE THE BODY OF THE VALVE AND IS HELD IN PLACE BY A STEEL SNAP RING. THE RECESSED AREA ALLOWS ACCUMULATION OF WATER, DIRT, AND/OR CHEMICALS TO BUILD UP BEHIND THE SNAP RING TO THE POINT WHERE IT WILL NO LONGER CONTAIN THE GUIDE PIN RESULTING IN A FAILURE OF THE AIR VALVE.

Consequence

FAILURE OF THE VALVE IN AN EMPTY OR LIGHTLY LOADED TRAILER WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION COULD RESULT IN A HARD APPLICATION OF THE SPRING BRAKES, POSSIBLY LOCKING UP THE TRAILER WHEELS AND RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

SEALCO WILL PROVIDE A REPAIR KIT AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS TO ITS CUSTOMERS FREE OF CHARGE. 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 SEALCO AT 602-253-1007 OR UTILITY AT 626-965-1541.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“WHILE DRIVING THE RIGHT REAR OUTSIDE TIRE BLEW OUT, IT RIPPED A 4 INCH STRIP OFF THE MUD FLAP, KNOCKED OUT THE RIGHT REAR TAILIGHT AND PIGTAIL WIRING (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT). NLM”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · March 1, 2001

“1996 UTILITY TRAILER. THE TRAILER'S RIGHT REAR AXLE CAUGHT FIRE BECAUSE OF A HOT BRAKE. DRIVER STOPPED AT SERVICE PLAZA TO PUT OUT FIRE. *NJ OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT 10-0578-90. *JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · August 18, 2008 · fire

1996 Utility Trailer — common questions

Is the 1996 Utility Trailer reliable?

The record is thin — 9 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 1996 Utility Trailer have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1996 Utility 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.