- 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
1998 Utility Trailer Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 12 complaints about the 1998 Utility Trailer with NHTSA, most often about the wheels & tires (4) and the brakes (2). Those complaints describe 1 crash and 1 fire. It is covered by 2 recalls, the latest in August 2002 for the check valve. For comparison, the 1997 has 10 and the 1999 has 5.
NHTSA data checked
DMore problems than a typical Trailer year, for its age
#159 most complained-about 1998 vehicle
- Complaints
- 12
- Recalls
- 2
- Crashes
- 1
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1998 Utility Trailer problems
Share of all 12 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1998 Utility Trailer recalls 2
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
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- This condition can cause failure of these wheels.
- The fix
- ACCURIDE/AKW WILL REPLACE THESE WHEELS.
What owners say
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12 complaints about the 1998 Utility Trailer
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
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
Two kelly springfield tires on 5th wheel travel trailer experienced tread separation with only 6,000 miles on tires. Tread was coming off tire because steel belt underneath tread was not properly attached to sidewall. Tire size: st225/75r15, dot number: puhhp1kr. Both times tires came apart, consumer was traveling at approximately 60 mph and tires were not overloaded. Tires were only carrying 1900 to 2000 lbs, approximately 70 degrees, when rated to carry 2540 at 65 psi.*Ak kelly springfield tires are labeled as towmaster, goodyear and kelly dealers have denied consumer replacement tires. *Slc
The 1998 hyundai container trailer air brakes leaked causing lock up resulting in collision with guardrail (ohio traffic crash report). *Mjs
(Stoughton box/utility trailer) trailer unit was too high and denied access onto roadway, however during travel unit must have struck bridge/roadway at the top of the unit causing damage which resulted in buckle/bowing of trailer and collapsing. (Ohio traffic crash report). *Mjs
Pop off valve for water heater. (Nash 5th wheel trailer) yh
Terry trailer rear door popped, latches on both sides failed. Yh
(Make: cole model: grandview tent trailer)lp cover blew off due to latch failure. Mjs
WATER HEATER PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE FAILED. *YC
Tires rub the inner panel and could result in a blowout. (P235 x 15)
TIRE TREADS FAILED.( MAKE: HULLO)
Brakes not working properly due to bare wire and bad controller.
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.
Utility Trailer: every year compared
All Trailer yearsQuestions about the 1998 Utility Trailer
Does the 1998 Utility Trailer have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 1998 Utility Trailer: check valve (August 2002); rim (July 1998). 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 1998 Utility Trailer?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the wheels & tires (4), brakes (2), equipment & accessories (2).
How many complaints has the 1998 Utility Trailer had?
12 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on February 18, 1998 and the latest on August 22, 2006. Of these, 1 describe a crash and 1 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1998 Utility Trailer a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 25 out of 100 (grade D: more problems than 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 1998 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