2003–2004 Benson Bullet, 2003–2004 Benson Cannon Recall: ON CERTAIN STEEL DUMP TRAILERS EQUIPPED WITH TWO-WAY TAILGATES WHICH CAN…
NHTSA campaign 03V469000 · Structure · filed Nov 12, 2003 · verified Jul 30, 2026
The defect
ON CERTAIN STEEL DUMP TRAILERS EQUIPPED WITH TWO-WAY TAILGATES WHICH CAN OPEN AS BOTH A CONVENTIONAL TOP SWING AND A SIDE DOOR "BARN DOOR" TAILGATE, WHEN OPERATED AS CONVENTIONAL OR TOP SWING MODE, THE HINGE/LATCH MECHANISM ON THE ROADSIDE REAR POST MAY FAIL TO CONTAIN THE TAILGATE LATCHING/PIVOT PIN. THIS COULD ALLOW THE TAILGATE TO SWING OPEN.
The risk
THE UNEXPECTED OPERATION OF THE TAILGATE MAY RESULT IN DAMAGE TO THE TRAILER BODY AND IN PERSONAL INJURY.
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
BENSON WILL INSTALL A REDESIGNED TAILGATE LOCKING MECHANISM. 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 BENSON AT 1-877-489-9020.
BENSON RECALL NO. 031015.CUSTOMERS CAN 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
Other campaigns involving Benson vehicles
Source: NHTSA recall database, campaign 03V469000 (manufacturer number 031015). Data last verified Jul 30, 2026.