Exterior lighting (Benson)
Vehicle recall 03V-485. NHTSA received BENSON INTERNATIONAL, INC.’s report on Nov 25, 2003.
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The short answer
NHTSA received BENSON INTERNATIONAL, INC.’s report on Nov 25, 2003. Copied from NHTSA on Oct 20, 2026.
Every line below is in NHTSA’s own words, with its source beside it.
What’s wrong with it?
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.
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.
NHTSA, Recalls flat file before 2010. Released Oct 20, 2026. Updated daily.
- NHTSA’s part: Exterior lighting.
What should you 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.
NHTSA, Recalls flat file before 2010. Released Oct 20, 2026. Updated daily.
- How to reach the firm: 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).
- Check a vehicle by its VIN at NHTSA: the recalls still open on it are listed there.
Which ones are recalled?
NHTSA counts 225 vehicles potentially involved, across everything this recall names.
NHTSA, Recalls flat file before 2010. Released Oct 20, 2026. Updated daily.
- Benson Trailerand 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2001, before the model years listed here
Who is recalling it?
- Made by BENSON INTERNATIONAL, INC..
NHTSA, Recalls flat file before 2010. Released Oct 20, 2026. Updated daily.
What the record doesn’t say
- NHTSA’s recall file doesn’t say whether anyone was hurt.
- Whether one vehicle or seat has been fixed: only its maker, or NHTSA’s lookup with a VIN, can say.
- This recall names only model years before 2015, which have no pages here. Your VIN, at NHTSA, says which recalls are open on a vehicle.
- How many have been returned or fixed isn’t in the notice.
Hearth Record wrote these lines.
Sources
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National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Recalls flat file before 2010 (FLAT_RCL_PRE_2010).
Released Oct 20, 2026 and checked Oct 20, 2026. Updated daily. Public domain (U.S. Government work).
Vehicle, car seat, tire and vehicle equipment recalls, owner complaints and crash ratings are from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Copied on Oct 20, 2026.