Recall 11V241 affects 313 2011 Ky Trailer vehicles for automatic slack adjuster housings that can break. Repair is free at any franchised Ky dealer.
Ky is recalling 313 2011 Trailer vehicles because a Gunite automatic slack adjuster housing can break under normal operating loads. If the housing breaks, the attached wheel brake stops working, reducing braking capacity and pulling the vehicle to one side on a steer axle; the Ky dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The automatic slack adjuster is part of the air brake system on the 2011 Ky Trailer trailers. Its job is to keep the brake shoes set at the right distance from the brake drum as the brake lining wears. That adjustment helps the air brakes apply with the expected force when the driver presses the pedal.
The affected trailers use Gunite automatic slack adjusters with a housing made from cast iron. During casting, the iron did not knit together completely, which left the housing without enough structural strength. Under normal operating loads, the housing can break at the handle, leaving that brake adjuster unable to do its job.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner or driver is not told to expect a dashboard light or a change in pedal feel before the slack adjuster housing breaks.
Who's affected?
| 2011 Ky Trailer | brake system |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 313 |
A matching 2011 Ky Trailer does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific trailer is included.
What's the safety risk?
A broken slack adjuster housing disables the attached wheel brake and reduces braking capacity. If that adjuster is on the steer axle, the vehicle can pull to one side, which increases crash risk. Schedule the recall repair soon and avoid hauling until a Ky dealer inspects the trailer. Repair will be free at any franchised Ky dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011 Ky Trailer is included in this recall.
- Check for the Ky owner notice from May 16, 2011, or ask a franchised Ky dealer to confirm recall instructions for your VIN.
- Contact a franchised Ky dealer about the free slack-adjuster replacement that restores full air-brake function.
- Reference recall number 11V241 when you call, and bring the recall notice if you have it.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Leave extra following distance and avoid hauling heavy loads.
What happens at the repair
Ky has identified a dealer repair: replace any affected Gunite automatic slack adjusters at no charge. When the repair is available for your trailer, a Ky technician removes the affected slack adjuster and installs a replacement so the brake adjustment hardware has an intact housing. Parts and labor are covered by the recall. Call the dealer with your VIN before bringing in the trailer so the service desk can confirm parts, scheduling, and whether the trailer needs to stay parked until the work is complete.
Timeline
| April 18, 2011 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 16, 2011 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 11V241?
Recall 11V241 covers 313 2011 Ky Trailer units equipped with Gunite automatic slack adjusters with weak housing castings. If the housing breaks, the attached wheel brake no longer works, reducing braking capacity and increasing crash risk. Dealers replace affected slack adjusters for free.
What should I do if my 2011 Ky Trailer is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 11V241. If it is, contact a Ky dealer and ask for the automatic slack adjuster replacement. Reference recall number 11V241 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Ky dealers replace affected automatic slack adjusters free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for trailers included in recall 11V241.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is reduced braking capacity. If the slack adjuster housing breaks, the wheel brake attached to that adjuster stops working. If it is mounted on the steer axle, the trailer can pull to one side, increasing crash risk.
What if I bought my Ky Trailer used?
The free repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2011 Ky Trailer is included, then call a Ky dealer with recall number 11V241.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/11V241000 |
|---|---|
| Ky customer service | 1-888-598-7245 |
| NHTSA recall # | 11V241 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 11V241000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (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 →