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2003 Unimog U500 recalls

Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.

4 recalls found in NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026

For the 2003 Unimog U500. These apply to the model and year, not to one particular vehicle: check your VIN to see whether yours is included and whether it has been repaired.

Has your Unimog been repaired?

Recalls here come from NHTSA’s records for the model and year. Not every vehicle of a model is included in every recall, and this site can’t see whether a repair has been done. Only a VIN lookup can tell you that.

NHTSA’s VIN search doesn’t show recalls that were already repaired, recalls more than 15 years old, or some small manufacturers’ recalls. A Unimog dealer can also check your VIN. Recall repairs are free.

2003 Unimog U500 recalls, newest first

November 30, 2006NHTSA 06V45700080 vehicles potentially affected

Power train › Automatic transmission

Summary
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.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

July 3, 2006NHTSA 06V23700054 vehicles potentially affected

Power train › Clutch assembly

Summary
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.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

November 8, 2004NHTSA 04V53700045 vehicles potentially affected

Tires

Summary
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.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

May 1, 2003NHTSA 03V16300028 vehicles potentially affected

Equipment › Other › Labels

Summary
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, FMVSS no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment;" (5) lighting functionality, part 393; (6) driver and passenger seat mounting bolts are not sufficient to ensure compliance with FMVSS no. 207, "seating systems;" and no. 210, "seat belt assembly anchorages;" and (7) seat belt latches on twin passenger seat do not comply with FMVSS no. 209, "seating systems."
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.
Components
Equipment › Other › Labels; Seat belts › Front › Anchorage; Exterior lighting

This recall on nhtsa.gov

Owner complaints

No owner complaints about the 2003 Unimog U500 were found in NHTSA’s complaint data.

Other Unimog U500 years

Other 2003 Unimog models

Most recalled 2003 vehicles

  1. 2003 Honda Accord (24 recalls)
  2. 2003 Honda Civic (24 recalls)
  3. 2003 Honda Odyssey (15 recalls)
  4. 2003 Subaru Outback (15 recalls)
  5. 2003 Subaru Legacy (15 recalls)
All of 2003’s most recalled vehicles

Questions

Does the 2003 Unimog U500 have any recalls?
4 recalls found in NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026, covering: power train, tires, equipment, seat belts, exterior lighting. Recalls apply to the model and year; whether a particular vehicle is included, and whether it has been repaired, depends on its VIN.
How do I check if my 2003 Unimog U500 recall has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask a Unimog dealer. Recall repairs are free. NHTSA's VIN search doesn't list recalls that were already repaired.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2003 Unimog U500?
0 complaints filed with NHTSA. Complaints are unverified reports from the public that NHTSA uses to decide what to investigate.