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Utility Trailer brake failure problems

15 of the 77 owner complaints about the Utility Trailer describe brake failure, most of them for the 1993 model year.

owner complaints
15
worst model year
1993
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 1997
    3
  • 1996
    1
  • 1995
    2
  • 1994
    4
  • 1993
    5

What owners say

Filed Nov 1, 1998 · Brakes · KS

Brakes failed.

Filed Nov 1, 1998 · Brakes · KS

Brakes failed.

Filed Nov 1, 1998 · Brakes · KS

Brakes failed.

Filed Nov 1, 1998 · Brakes · KS

Brakes failed.

Filed Nov 1, 1998 · Brakes · KS

Brakes failed.

Filed Nov 1, 1998 · Brakes · KS

Brakes failed.

Filed Nov 1, 1998 · Brakes · KS

Brakes failed.

Filed Nov 1, 1998 · Brakes · KS

Brakes failed.

Filed Nov 1, 1998 · Brakes · KS

Brakes failed.

Filed Nov 1, 1998 · Brakes · KS

Brakes failed.

Related recalls

Service brakes, air: supply: check valveReported August 15, 2002 · 206 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
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.
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.

Recall number 02V210001 · Recall details

Service brakes, air: supply: check valveReported May 16, 2002 · 2,620 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 02V139003 · Recall details

Questions about the Utility Trailer brake failure

Which Utility Trailer years have brake failure problems?

The model years with the most reports are 1993 (5 complaints), 1994 (4 complaints) and 1997 (3 complaints).

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