Recall 11V188 affects 5,200 2010-2011 Wabash National Van vehicles for cracking automatic slack adjusters. Repair is free at any franchised Wabash National dealer.
Wabash National is recalling 5,200 2010-2011 Van vehicles equipped with Gunite automatic slack adjusters because a casting defect can weaken the slack adjuster housing. If the housing cracks during normal braking, the vehicle can lose braking and crash; the dealer repair will be free once Wabash National makes it available.
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What's wrong?
The slack adjuster in a 2010-2011 Wabash National Van is part of the air brake linkage. Its job is to keep the distance between the brake chamber pushrod and the brake mechanism correctly adjusted as the brake linings wear. That adjustment helps the air brake apply the expected force when the driver presses the brake pedal.
On the affected vans, the Gunite automatic slack adjuster has a casting problem in the iron housing. The iron was not fully knitted during casting, which means the metal did not form with the structural strength it was supposed to have. Under normal operating loads, the housing can break at the handle, leaving the brake linkage with a damaged adjuster instead of a solid part.
There is no warning sign before failure. A driver should not count on noise, pedal feel, or a dashboard alert to identify this defect before the adjuster housing breaks.
Who's affected?
The 2010 and 2011 Van listings are both tied to the same brake system component.
| 2011 Wabash National Van | brake system |
|---|---|
| 2010 Wabash National Van | brake system |
| Units affected | 5,200 |
A matching year and model does not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific trailer is included.
What's the safety risk?
Slack adjusters can crack under normal braking, causing loss of braking and increasing the risk of a crash. There is no warning sign before failure. Schedule the recall repair soon and keep loads and trips limited until the braking system is checked. Repair will be free at any franchised Wabash National dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2010-2011 Wabash National Van is included in this recall.
- Contact Wabash National customer service at 1-800-677-3786 to confirm the repair status for your VIN.
- Ask a franchised Wabash National dealer about the free automatic slack-adjuster replacement that fixes the brake component that can crack and reduce braking.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 11V188 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Leave extra following distance and avoid hauling loads that require hard braking.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Wabash National technician replaces the recalled Gunite automatic slack adjusters. These brake parts keep the brake adjustment in range as the brakes wear, so the repair focuses on removing the affected adjusters and installing replacement parts. Wabash National's recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. The recall notice says the repair program began on May 12, 2011.
Timeline
| March 21, 2011 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 12, 2011 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 11V188?
Recall 11V188 covers 5,200 2010-2011 Wabash National Van trailers equipped with Gunite automatic slack adjusters. The slack adjuster housing can crack under normal braking, causing loss of braking and increasing crash risk. Wabash National dealers replace the subject slack adjusters for free.
What should I do if my 2010-2011 Wabash National Van is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 11V188. If it is, contact a Wabash National dealer to schedule the slack adjuster replacement. Reference recall number 11V188 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the safety defect at no cost. For recall 11V188, Wabash National dealers replace the affected Gunite automatic slack adjusters free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk in NHTSA campaign 11V188 is loss of braking. The automatic slack adjuster housing can crack during normal braking, which can reduce braking control and increase crash risk. Confirm your VIN, then arrange the free dealer repair if your trailer is included.
When did the recall repair start?
The safety recall began on May 12, 2011. Wabash National notified owners, and dealers were instructed to replace the affected slack adjusters free of charge. If you bought the trailer used or missed the notice, check your VIN and reference recall 11V188 when you call the dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/11V188000 |
|---|---|
| Wabash National customer service | 1-800-677-3786 |
| NHTSA recall # | 11V188 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 11V188000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →