VehicleVerdict

1998 Utility Trailer problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 13 complaints on file for the 1998 Utility 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.

13

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1998 compare to other Trailer years?

Trailer NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 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, 1998 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Trailer years to avoid →

What are the most common 1998 Utility Trailer problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Tires & Wheels431%
Other323%
Brakes215%
Transmission18%
Body & Structure18%
Latches & Locks18%
Suspension18%

Does the 1998 Utility Trailer have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns 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.

98V120004Tires & WheelsJuly 22, 1998 · 28 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: DUAL AXLE, SEMI-VAN AND FLATBED, TRAILERS EQUIPPED WITH AFTERMARKET ALUMINUM DUAL WHEELS, 22.5X8.25, ONE-PIECE, TUBELESS, SUPPLIED BY ACCURIDE/AKW. CERTAIN DESIGN REVISIONS COMBINED WITH PROCESS CONDITIONS CAUSED FATIGUE CRACKS IN THESE WHEELS.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE FAILURE OF THESE WHEELS.

Remedy

ACCURIDE/AKW WILL REPLACE THESE WHEELS.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“1998 UTILTY TRAILER'S RIGHT REAR TIRE BLEWOUT DAMAGING THE UNIT. *KB THE CONSUMER PULLED OFF THE ROAD AND THE TIRE CAUGHT ON FIRE. *NM”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · July 30, 2006 · fire

“THE 1998 HYUNDAI CONTAINER TRAILER AIR BRAKES LEAKED CAUSING LOCK UP RESULTING IN COLLISION WITH GUARDRAIL (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT). *MJS”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · June 8, 2000

“SUNLINE RECREATIONAL TRAILER (T2553), 1998 YEAR BUILT, DEXTER AXLE HAD NO LUBRICANT IN BEARINGS OR MINUMAL AMOUNT CAUSING BEARING TO OVERHEAT AND BURN UP ALMOST DETACHING WHEEL.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · January 13, 1998

“(MAKE: COLE MODEL: GRANDVIEW TENT TRAILER) TRAILER SWAYS BADLY AT HIGHWAY SPEED, AXLE MOVED BACK BY DEALER, IMPROVED CONDITIONS HOWEVER STILL SWAYS. MJS”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · August 1, 1998

1998 Utility Trailer — common questions

Is the 1998 Utility Trailer reliable?

The record is thin — 13 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 1998 Trailer problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are tires & wheels (4 complaints), other (3 complaints), brakes (2 complaints).

Does the 1998 Utility Trailer have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1998 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.