Recall 12V298 covers 16 2013 Utility VS2DX dry vans with an incorrectly installed brake check valve. Utility retrofitted affected trailers for free.
Utility is recalling 16 2013 VS2DX dry van trailers because the brake system check valve was installed incorrectly, delaying trailer brake application. That delay increases stopping distance and crash risk, and the Utility dealer repair will be free once the remedy is available.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The 2013 Utility VS2DX dry van uses an air brake system, which relies on compressed air to move the brake hardware when the driver applies the pedal from the tractor. The brake system check valve is a directional valve in that air supply circuit. Its job is to keep air pressure moving the right way so the trailer brakes apply when commanded.
On affected dry vans, that check valve was installed incorrectly. With the valve installed the wrong way, air does not reach the brake system as quickly as designed. The result is a delay in brake application, which is why the recall says these dry vans do not meet the federal air brake standard.
There is no warning sign before failure. The driver does not get a specific light, sound, or pedal change from the trailer that confirms this check valve problem before the delayed brake response happens.
Who's affected?
| 2013 Utility VS2DX | brake system |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 16 |
Not every 2013 Utility VS2DX trailer is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific trailer is included.
What's the safety risk?
Delayed trailer brake application increases stopping distance and raises crash risk, especially when stopping under load. If your VIN is included, schedule the recall repair and allow extra following distance until the work is complete. Repair will be free at any franchised Utility dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013 Utility VS2DX is included in this recall.
- Contact Utility customer service at 1-626-854-7215 to confirm whether the brake-system check-valve retrofit has already been completed.
- Reference recall number 12V298 when you call, and ask for documentation if the retrofit is already complete.
- Avoid hauling the trailer until Utility confirms the check-valve installation is correct, because delayed brake application increases stopping distance.
What happens at the repair
Utility reported that owners were notified and the affected VS2DX dry vans were retrofitted free of charge, so no separate owner notice was issued. At a Utility service location, a Utility technician checks the brake system check valve installation and corrects the retrofit work tied to the delayed brake application condition. If your VIN still shows this recall open, ask the service desk to confirm whether the free retrofit was completed and to document the recall closure.
Timeline
| June 13, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
|---|---|
| June 26, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V298?
Recall 12V298 covers 16 2013 Utility VS2DX dry vans with an incorrectly installed brake system check valve. The defect can delay trailer brake application, increase stopping distance, and increase crash risk. Utility reported that affected vehicles were retrofitted free of charge.
What should I do if my 2013 Utility VS2DX is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 12V298. If it is, contact Utility or a franchised Utility service location and reference recall 12V298. Utility reported that the affected trailers were already retrofitted free of charge.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Utility stated that the affected VS2DX trailers were retrofitted free of charge. Have your VIN and recall number 12V298 ready when you contact Utility.
What is the safety risk on this Utility VS2DX recall?
The safety risk is longer stopping distance. The incorrectly installed brake system check valve can delay trailer brake application, which increases crash risk under recall 12V298. If your VIN is included and the retrofit is not documented, contact Utility before putting the trailer back in service.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V298000 |
|---|---|
| Utility customer service | 1-626-854-7215 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V298 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V298000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (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 →