1998–2002 Rhodes Dump Trailer Recall: CERTAIN TRAILERS WERE EQUIPPED WITH SYNTHETIC AXLE GREASE
NHTSA campaign 03V436000 · Suspension · filed Nov 4, 2003 · verified Jul 30, 2026
The defect
CERTAIN TRAILERS WERE EQUIPPED WITH SYNTHETIC AXLE GREASE. WHEEL BEARING FAILURE OCCURS RESULTING IN DAMAGED WHEEL HUBS, AXLE SPINDLES, WHEEL SEALS, ETC.
The risk
EXTREME HEAT CAN OCCUR THAT COULD CAUSE THE AXLE SPINDLE TO SEPARATE FROM THE AXLE AND CAUSE THE TIRES AND WHEELS TO COME OFF WHILE IN OPERATION, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →The fix — what to do
DEALERS WILL REMOVE TIRES AND WHEELS, DISASSEMBLE THE AXLE HUB WHEEL BEARINGS, AND INSPECT AND REPLACE, IF NECESSARY. THE SUSPECT GREASE WILL BE REMOVED AND CLEANED THOROUGHLY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 26, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT RHODES AT 1-304-863-8078.
CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Affected vehicles
Related recalls
More Rhodes Dump Trailer recalls
Other campaigns involving Rhodes vehicles
Source: NHTSA recall database, campaign 03V436000. Data last verified Jul 30, 2026.