No complaints are listed for the 2003 Unimog U500. NHTSA's API and bulk file list none in this build.
Data build 2026-10-09.
NHTSA lists this vehicle as UNIMOG U500.
Model-generated complaint tags: No complaints are listed for tagging.
Recalls
See new recalls and investigations this week.
4 recalls.
Date: 2006-11-30. Systems: POWER TRAIN.
Defect: ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH THE EAS TRANSMISSION OPTION, A PROGRAMMING LOGIC ERROR IN THE TRANSMISSION AUTOMATIC SHIFT SYSTEM MAY PREVENT THE VEHICLE'S CLUTCH FROM DISENGAGING WHEN THE VEHICLE IS OPERATED IN WORKING GROUP OR CRAWLER GEAR RANGE (LOW-LOW RANGE).
Consequence: THE BRAKE SYSTEM IS NOT CAPABLE OF OVERCOMING THE ENGINE TORQUE TRANSMITTED TO THE WHEEL ENDS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS OPERATED IN WORKING GROUP OR CRAWLER GEAR RANGE. IF THE CLUTCH FAILS TO DISENGAGE THE ENGINE MUST BE SHUT-DOWN IN ORDER TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO A STOP POTENTIALLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH OR PERSONAL INJURY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL MODIFY THE AUTOMATIC SHIFT SYSTEM TO PROVIDE REDUCED ENGINE TORQUE WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED WHILE THE VEHICLE IS OPERATED IN WORKING GROUP OR CRAWLER GEAR RANGE. THE GEAR SHIFT ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT WILL BE REPLACED AND TWO RELAYS WILL BE ADDED. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 28, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712.
Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.
Date: 2006-07-03. Systems: POWER TRAIN.
Defect: ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC SHIFT, AIR MAY LEAK INTO THE CLUTCH HYDRAULIC SYSTEM AT THE CENTRAL RELEASE BEARING SEAL PREVENTING THE CLUTCH FROM OPENING COMPLETELY AND POTENTIALLY PREVENTING THE TRANSMISSION FROM SHIFTING INTO NEUTRAL.
Consequence: FAILURE OF THE CLUTCH TO OPEN COMPLETELY OR THE TRANSMISSION TO SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL COULD MAKE THE VEHICLE DIFFICULTY TO BRING TO A COMPLETE STOP OR CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO ROLL FORWARD WHILE STOPPED INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CENTRAL RELEASE BEARING AND UPDATE THE CLUTCH ACTUATION ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU) SOFTWARE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 24, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712.
Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.
Date: 2004-11-08. Systems: TIRES.
Defect: ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH MICHELIN 365/85 R20 TIRES, THE TIRES MAY NOT BE COMPATIBLE WITH THE MAXIMUM LOAD AND MAXIMUM SPEED RATINGS.
Consequence: VEHICLE OVER-LOADING AND TIRE UNDER-INFLATION WILL RESULT IN VEHICLE ROLLOVER AND INJURY TO OCCUPANT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TIRES WITH MICHELIN 395/85 R20, AND AN UPDATED GROSS AXLE WEIGHT RATINGS (GAWR) CERTIFICATION LABEL WILL BE AFFIXED TO THE VEHICLE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 3, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712.
Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.
Date: 2003-05-01. Systems: EQUIPMENT, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SEAT BELTS.
Defect: CERTAIN TRUCKS DO NOT COMPLY WITH SEVERAL FEDERAL STANDARDS: (1) THE VEHICLE CERTIFICATION LABELS, PART 567, "CERTIFICATION;" (2) TIRE LABELS, FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD (FMVSS) NO. 120, "IRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN PASSENGER CARS;" (3) INCOMPLETE VEHICLE DOCUMENT, PART 568, "VEHICLES MANUFACTURED IN TWO OR MORE STAGES;" (4) FRONT SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, FM (excerpt)
Consequence: Unavailable (excerpt)
Remedy: ONLY TWO OF THESE VEHICLES HAD BEEN SOLD TO CONSUMERS AND BOTH VEHICLES HAVE BEEN REMEDIED. THE REMAINING VEHICLES ARE AT DEALERSHIPS AND WILL BE REPAIRED AT THOSE LOCATIONS. NO OWNER NOTIFICATION IS NECESSARY FOR THIS CAMPAIGN. (excerpt)
Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.