Recall 11V117 covers 384 2007-2009 Utility Trailer VS2DX and VS2RA trailers for loose axle spindle nuts. Repair is free at a Utility Trailer service location.
Utility Trailer is recalling 384 2007-2009 VS2DX and VS2RA refrigerated and dry vans because the spindle nut on certain ArvinMeritor TL Series trailer axles was not torqued enough. Low torque can create excessive wheel-end play and progress to wheel separation, which raises crash risk; the dealer repair will be free once Utility Trailer makes it available.
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What's wrong?
The axle assembly on affected Utility Trailer 2007-2009 VS2RA and 2008 VS2DX vans supports the trailer’s wheel ends and carries the load through the axle spindle. The spindle nut holds the wheel-end hardware in the correct position on the ArvinMeritor TL Series trailer axle, so the hub can stay clamped and aligned while the trailer rolls.
On these refrigerated and dry vans, the spindle nut was not tightened with enough torque during assembly. The stake washer, which is meant to help lock that nut in place, was staked in one spot instead of multiple spots. With less clamp force and less locking support, the nut is not secured the way the axle design requires.
There is no warning sign before failure. If a wheel-end problem is suspected, keep the trailer out of service and have the axle inspected before it moves again.
Who's affected?
Covers VS2DX and VS2RA trailer models across the 2007, 2008, and 2009 model years, all tied to the drive axle.
| 2008 Utility Trailer VS2DX | drive axle |
|---|---|
| 2009 Utility VS2RA | drive axle |
| 2007 Utility VS2RA | drive axle |
| 2008 Utility VS2RA | drive axle |
| Units affected | 384 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific trailer is included.
What's the safety risk?
Low or missing torque on the wheel-end nut allows excessive movement in the wheel-end system. If that movement progresses, the wheel can separate and increase the risk of a crash. Have the vehicle checked promptly if your VIN is included. Repair will be free at any franchised Utility Trailer dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2007-2009 Utility Trailer VS2DX or VS2RA van trailer is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Utility Trailer dealer before scheduling service because the current remedy status is not listed.
- Ask for the free ArvinMeritor axle inspection and spindle-nut repair that corrects low wheel-end torque.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. Reference recall number 11V117 when you call.
- Keep the trailer out of service until Utility Trailer or the dealer confirms the wheel-end system has been inspected and repaired.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Utility Trailer technician checks the ArvinMeritor TL series trailer axle, including the spindle nut and stake washer arrangement identified in the recall. If the trailer has the affected axle setup, the service team completes the axle repair through the manufacturer recall process. The final dealer repair will be free once available, with parts and labor covered under the recall. Use the appointment to confirm which axles are installed and what repair action applies to that trailer.
Timeline
| February 18, 2011 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| February 22, 2011 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 11V117?
Recall 11V117 covers 384 2007-2009 Utility Trailer VS2DX and VS2RA vans with ArvinMeritor TL series trailer axles. The spindle nut on the axle wheel end was not torqued enough, which allows excess end play and raises the risk of wheel separation and a crash.
What should I do if my 2007-2009 Utility Trailer VS2DX or VS2RA is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 11V117. If it is, contact an authorized Utility Trailer service location or ArvinMeritor at 1-248-273-4641. Reference recall 11V117 and ArvinMeritor defect report 10E-058 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. ArvinMeritor worked with vehicle manufacturers to identify and repair trailers with the affected axles free of charge, including the spindle-nut and wheel-end correction tied to recall 11V117.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is wheel separation. Low or missing torque on the spindle nut creates excessive end play in the wheel-end system. If the wheel separates from the trailer, the driver faces a higher crash risk and nearby road users face danger from the loose wheel assembly.
What if I bought this Utility Trailer used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific VS2DX or VS2RA is included, then contact an authorized Utility Trailer service location with recall number 11V117.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/11V117000 |
|---|---|
| Utility Trailer customer service | 1-248-273-4641 |
| NHTSA recall # | 11V117 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 11V117000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 3, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →