2002 Utility Vs2r problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 2002 Utility Vs2r — 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.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other Vs2r years?

Vs2r NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Vs2r years to avoid →

Does the 2002 Utility Vs2r have recalls?

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

03V361000BrakesOctober 7, 2003 · 307 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN 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 UTILITY AT 626-965-1541.

02V333000Trailer HitchDecember 3, 2002 · 24 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN DUAL AXLE, REFRIGERATED TRAILERS BUILT WITH AN OPTIONAL PINTLE HOOK ASSEMBLY (PREMIER TYPE) FOR USE IN "SUPER DOUBLES" OPERATIONS, SOME WELDS MAY HAVE BEEN MISSED THAT ATTACH THE REINFORCEMENT CHANNEL TO THE PINTLE HOOK MOUNTING PLATE AT THE REAR SUBFRAME.

Consequence

FULL OR PARTIAL SEPARATION OF THE PINTLE HOOK ASSEMBLY FROM ITS MOUNTING COULD OCCUR, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PINTLE HOOK MOUNTING ASSEMBLY. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING DECEMBER 2002 OR JANUARY 2003. 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 UTILITY AT 1-800-423-6591.

01V189002BrakesJune 26, 2001 · 1,095 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TRAILERS EQUIPPED WITH CERTAIN HALDEX BRAKE SYSTEM TWO AND FOUR PORT RELAY VALVES. THE VALVE MAY STICK OPEN WHEN A HIGH-PRESSURE APPLICATION IS RELEASED.

Consequence

WHEN THE VALVE STICKS OPEN, IT CAN RESULT IN A TOTAL LOSS OF AIR FROM EITHER THE SERVICE OR THE PARK BRAKE SYSTEM. THE DRIVER MAY LOSE BRAKING ABILITY UNDER A SERVICE APPLICATION, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THESE VALVES. HALDEX IS CONDUCTNG THE OWNER NOTIFICATION AND REMEDY FOR THIS CAMPAIGN. 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 HALDEX AT 1-816-891-2470 OR UTILITY TRAILER AT 1-626-965-7215.

2002 Utility Vs2r — common questions

Is the 2002 Utility Vs2r 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 2002 Utility Vs2r have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2002 Utility Vs2r. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 2002 compare to other Vs2r years?

Does the 2002 Utility Vs2r have recalls?

2002 Utility Vs2r — common questions

Is the 2002 Utility Vs2r reliable?

Does the 2002 Utility Vs2r have recalls?

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