NHTSA Recall 02V333000
Filed by Utility Trailer Manufacturing Company. Component: Trailer Hitches. Reported 2002-12-03. An estimated 24 vehicles are affected. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.
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.
Risk
FULL OR PARTIAL SEPARATION OF THE PINTLE HOOK ASSEMBLY FROM ITS MOUNTING COULD OCCUR, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
What the manufacturer will do
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.
Notes
CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).