VehicleVerdict

1999 Utility Trailer problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 16 complaints on file for the 1999 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.

16

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1999 compare to other Trailer years?

Trailer NHTSA complaints by model year, 1999 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, 1999 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Trailer years to avoid →

What are the most common 1999 Utility Trailer problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Other638%
Tires & Wheels319%
Trailer Hitch319%
Electrical System213%
Lighting213%

Does the 1999 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.

“TWO OF THE FOUR WATER TANKS HAVE FALLEN OFF THE VEHICLE ONTO THE AXLE BECAUSE THE WELDED METAL WAS TOO THIN AND WHEN HEATED IT CRACKED CAUSING THE TANKS TO FALL. CONSUMER BELIEVES THESE FAILURES RESULTED FROM POOR DESIGN AND POOR CONSTRUCTION. NLM”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other

“TIRE SIZE 75016, COMMERCIAL TRAILER TIRE, TIRES HAVE FIFTY PERCENT OF TREAD LIFE LEFT. THREE TIRES HAVE FAILED WITH SIX TO EIGHT INCHES OF TREAD SEPARATING FROM THE TIRE, ALL TIRES STAYED INFLATED. *AK DOT NUMBERS 1300 AND 279 FAILED. *SLC”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels

“(PULLRIGHT 5TH WHEEL TRAILER HITCH) LATCHING PIVOT WELD ON THE HITCH BROKE COMPLETEY OFF, REPAIRED BY REWELDING HOWEVER BROKE AGAIN, THIRD REPAIR WAS REPLACING PIVOT WITH BOLT AND NUT HOWEVER THREE OF THE FOUR BOLTS BROKE COMPLETELY THROUGH. MJS”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Trailer Hitch · January 4, 1999

1999 Utility Trailer — common questions

Is the 1999 Utility Trailer reliable?

The record is thin — 16 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 1999 Trailer problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are other (6 complaints), tires & wheels (3 complaints), trailer hitch (3 complaints).

Does the 1999 Utility Trailer have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1999 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.