Structure: body: tailgate: hinge and attachments
- Component
- Structure: body: tailgate: hinge and attachments
- Manufacturer
- BENSON INTERNATIONAL, INC.
- Vehicles affected
- 15
- Reported to NHTSA
- 2003-11-12
- Owners notified
- 2003-11-19
Defect description
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.
Safety risk
THE UNEXPECTED OPERATION OF THE TAILGATE MAY RESULT IN DAMAGE TO THE TRAILER BODY AND IN PERSONAL INJURY.
Manufacturer remedy
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.