1998–2001 Benson Trailer Recall: CERTAIN COAL DUMP TRAILERS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE…
NHTSA campaign 03V485000 · Exterior Lighting · filed Nov 25, 2003 · verified Jul 30, 2026
The defect
CERTAIN COAL DUMP TRAILERS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE VEHICLES MAY NOT BE EQUIPPED WITH HIGH MOUNTED REAR CLEARANCE LAMPS.
The risk
THE ABSENCE OF HIGH MOUNTED REAR CLEARANCE LAMPS DURING DARKNESS MAY CAUSE THE AVERAGE MOTORIST NOT TO REACT TO THE PRESENCE OF APPROACHING THE REAR OF A HEAVY VEHICLE 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
BENSON WILL INSTALL A HIGH MOUNTED REAR CLEARANCE LAMP. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN FEBRUARY 2004. 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. 2003CDTRCL.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
More Benson Trailer recalls
Other campaigns involving Benson vehicles
Source: NHTSA recall database, campaign 03V485000 (manufacturer number 2003CDTRCL). Data last verified Jul 30, 2026.