- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- 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.
- The fix
- 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.
Vehicle safety record
1996 Utility Trailer Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 7 complaints about the 1996 Utility Trailer with NHTSA, most often about the wheels & tires (3) and the brakes (1). Those complaints describe 1 fire. It is covered by 1 recall, the latest in August 2002 for the check valve. For comparison, the 1995 has 12 and the 1997 has 10.
NHTSA data checked
CAbout as many problems as a typical Trailer year, for its age
#162 most complained-about 1996 vehicle
- Complaints
- 7
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1996 Utility Trailer problems
Share of all 7 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1996 Utility Trailer recalls 1
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
What owners say
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7 complaints about the 1996 Utility Trailer
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
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
Consumer states that received a recall letter, and parts are not available. Please provide any further information. Nlm
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
Tire blewout while driving causing damage to the mud flap and also causing damage to another vehicle (ohio trafic crash report). Nlm
BRAKES FAILED.
REAR AXLE WHEEL SEAL FAILED.
Trailer tongue snapped off trailer, causing loss of contro/accident.
Utility Trailer: every year compared
All Trailer yearsQuestions about the 1996 Utility Trailer
Does the 1996 Utility Trailer have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 1996 Utility Trailer: check valve (August 2002). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 1996 Utility Trailer?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the wheels & tires (3), brakes (1), equipment & accessories (1).
How many complaints has the 1996 Utility Trailer had?
7 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on August 20, 1997 and the latest on September 30, 2008. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 1 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1996 Utility Trailer a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 45 out of 100 (grade C: about as many problems as a typical Utility Trailer year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Utility Trailer years have the most complaints?
1995 (12), 1998 (12), 1997 (10). See every Utility Trailer year compared.
What should I do if my 1996 Utility Trailer has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data