VehicleVerdict

2001 Utility Trailer problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 3 complaints on file for the 2001 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.

3

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2001 compare to other Trailer years?

Trailer NHTSA complaints by model year, 2001 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, 2001 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Trailer years to avoid →

What are the most common 2001 Utility Trailer problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes133%
Other133%
Tires & Wheels133%

Does the 2001 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.

02V139003BrakesMay 16, 2002 · 2,620 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN TRAILERS EQUIPPED WITH BENDIX SR-5 TRAILER SPRING BRAKE VALVE ASSEMBLIES, THE MOLDED RUBBER FACE OF THE INLET/EXHAUST VALVE (I/E VALVE) COMPONENT OF THE AFFECTED VALVES CAN SEPARATE FROM THE VALVE'S METAL INSERT. AIR CAN BE TRAPPED BY A SEPARATED I/E VALVE CAUSING IT TO BALLOON AND BLOCK THE EXHAUST PASSAGE OF THE TRAILER SPRING BRAKE CIRCUIT.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN THE AFFECTED VEHICLES BEING UNABLE TO APPLY THE TRAILER PARKING/EMERGENCY SPRING BRAKES DURING PARKING IN THE EVENT OF A TRAILER SUPPLY LINE FAILURE. UNINTENDED ROLLAWAY COULD OCCUR, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH TO THE VEHICLE OCCUPANT OR ANY BYSTANDERS.

Remedy

BENDIX WILL NOTIFY CUSTOMERS AND PROVIDE A REPAIR KIT AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS 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 BENDIX AT 440-329-9000 OR UTILITY TRAILER AT 1-800-423-6591.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“2001 UTILITY TRAILER LOST A REAR DUAL TANDEM TIRE THAT ALSO HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE ON THE OHIO TURNPIKE. *KB OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0608-89. *JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · August 30, 2009

“2001 UTILITY TRAILER CAUGHT ON FIRE. *TS IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE LEFT FRONT TRAILER BRAKE OR BEARING CAUGHT ON FIRE, WHICH CAUSED THE TRAILER TO CATCH ON FIRE. *JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · September 5, 2006 · fire

“2001 UTILITY TRAILER CAUGHT ON FIRE. *TS IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE LEFT FRONT TRAILER BRAKE OR BEARING CAUGHT ON FIRE, WHICH CAUSED THE TRAILER TO CATCH ON FIRE. *JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · September 5, 2006 · fire

2001 Utility Trailer — common questions

Is the 2001 Utility Trailer reliable?

The record is thin — 3 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2001 Utility Trailer have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2001 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.