Recall 11V191 affects 105 2011 Utility VS2RA heavy duty trucks for slack adjuster housings that can crack. Repair is free at a franchised Utility dealer.
Utility is recalling 105 2011 VS2RA heavy duty trucks because Gunite automatic slack adjuster housings can crack or break under normal braking loads. A broken slack adjuster can cause loss of braking and increase crash risk, and the Utility dealer repair will be free once the remedy is available.
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What's wrong?
The automatic slack adjuster on a 2011 Utility VS2RA is part of the air brake system. It keeps the brake mechanism set at the right clearance as the brake linings wear, so the brake applies with the intended movement when air pressure reaches the brake chamber. The adjuster housing is the metal body that holds that mechanism together.
On affected trucks, the iron in the slack adjuster housing was not fully bonded during casting. The filing describes this as incomplete knitting of the iron, which means the casting did not form with the intended structural strength. Under normal operating loads, the housing can break at the handle instead of carrying the force through the adjuster.
If the housing breaks, the slack adjuster is no longer a sound brake component and the vehicle needs repair. There is no warning sign before failure.
Who's affected?
| 2011 Utility VS2RA | brake system |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 105 |
Not every 2011 Utility VS2RA trailer is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific trailer is included.
What's the safety risk?
Slack adjusters help keep the trailer brakes applied correctly. If one cracks during normal braking, the trailer can lose braking and the risk of a crash increases. If braking feels abnormal, pull over safely and call the dealer before moving the trailer again. Repair will be free at any franchised Utility dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011 Utility VS2RA is included in this recall.
- Use Utility's March 21, 2011 owner notice to confirm the dealer instructions before scheduling service.
- Contact a franchised Utility dealer and ask about the free Gunite automatic slack-adjuster replacement that fixes the crack-prone brake adjuster housing.
- Reference recall number 11V191 when you call, and bring the recall notice if you have it.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Leave extra following distance and avoid hard braking.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Utility technician replaces the subject Gunite automatic slack adjusters on the affected 2011 VS2RA trailer. The filing says the safety recall was expected to begin during March 2011. The dealer repair will be free once available, with the slack adjusters replaced at no charge for parts or labor. Ask the Utility dealer to confirm parts availability and whether the trailer needs any handling limits before it moves to the service location.
Timeline
| March 21, 2011 | Owner notification mailed |
|---|---|
| March 24, 2011 | NHTSA published the recall |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 11V191?
Recall 11V191 covers 105 2011 Utility VS2RA heavy duty trucks equipped with Gunite automatic slack adjusters. The slack adjuster housing can crack under normal braking loads, causing loss of braking and increasing crash risk. Utility dealers will replace the subject slack adjusters for free.
What should I do if my 2011 Utility VS2RA is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 11V191. If it is, contact a franchised Utility dealer to schedule replacement of the Gunite automatic slack adjusters. Reference recall number 11V191 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Utility's remedy says dealers will replace the subject slack adjusters free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at a franchised Utility dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of braking. The recall report says the slack adjuster housing can crack under normal braking conditions, which can cause loss of braking and result in a crash. If your VIN is included, arrange the free dealer repair before putting the truck back into regular service.
What if I bought this Utility VS2RA used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the original owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2011 Utility VS2RA is included, then give recall number 11V191 to the dealer service desk when you schedule the slack adjuster replacement.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/11V191000 |
|---|---|
| Utility customer service | 1-800-677-3786 |
| NHTSA recall # | 11V191 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 11V191000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation 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 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →