Recall 11V396 affects 127 2007-2012 Featherlite trailers with FAG bearing systems that degrade axle grease. Repair is free through Featherlite.
Featherlite is recalling 127 2007-2012 Trailer units equipped with ArvinMeritor axles and FAG brand bearing systems because the bearing system has shown low durability life in these applications. Prolonged use can degrade bearing grease, which can lead to bearing failure and a wheel end fire; the Featherlite dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The axle assembly on a 2007-2012 Featherlite Trailer supports the trailer and lets the wheel ends rotate under load. Inside that assembly, the bearing system helps the hub turn smoothly while carrying weight from the trailer and its cargo. This recall involves ArvinMeritor axles that use the FAG brand bearing system.
On affected trailers, that bearing system does not last as long as designed in certain vehicle applications. As the bearing wears, the axle assembly loses the smooth, supported rotation it needs at the wheel end. The recall information identifies low durability life, but it does not name a deeper root cause.
There is no warning sign before failure. Do not rely on noise, vibration, or visible damage to decide whether a Featherlite Trailer is included in recall 11V396.
Who's affected?
Covers the Trailer across six model years (2007-2012), all tied to the drive axle.
| 2008 Featherlite Trailer | drive axle |
|---|---|
| 2011 Featherlite Trailer | drive axle |
| 2012 Featherlite Trailer | drive axle |
| 2009 Featherlite Trailer | drive axle |
| 2007 Featherlite Trailer | drive axle |
| 2010 Featherlite Trailer | drive axle |
| Units affected | 127 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific trailer is included.
What's the safety risk?
Prolonged use can degrade the wheel bearing grease, leading to bearing failure and a wheel-end fire. Limit use, watch for heat, smoke, noise, or odor near the wheel end, and schedule the recall work soon. Repair will be free at any franchised Featherlite dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2007-2012 Featherlite Trailer is included in this recall.
- Contact Featherlite or ArvinMeritor to confirm the free axle-bearing repair for the FAG bearing system.
- Reference recall number 11V396 when you call so the service desk can match the trailer to the axle recall.
- Bring the owner notice if Featherlite mailed one, plus any axle or trailer service records you have.
- Limit trailer use until the repair is complete; the recall concerns bearing grease degradation that can lead to bearing failure and a wheel-end fire.
What happens at the repair
The repair work is handled through ArvinMeritor for the ArvinMeritor axle FAG brand bearing system installed on the affected Featherlite trailers. Featherlite notified owners, and the campaign record says the work is performed free of charge. Because the remedy status is not listed as available in this campaign data, confirm the repair path with Featherlite or the Featherlite service desk before arranging service. The final dealer repair will be free once available through the recall process.
Timeline
| March 1, 2011 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 29, 2011 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 11V396?
Recall 11V396 covers 127 2007-2012 Featherlite Trailer units equipped with ArvinMeritor axles that use the FAG brand bearing system. Prolonged use can degrade the bearing grease, leading to bearing failure and a wheel-end fire. ArvinMeritor is performing the repair free of charge.
What should I do if my 2007-2012 Featherlite Trailer is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 11V396. If it is, contact Featherlite or ArvinMeritor's OnTrac Performance Plus call center at 1-866-668-7221 for repair instructions. Reference recall number 11V396 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to correct the defect at no cost, and the recall remedy says ArvinMeritor is performing the repairs free of charge. Featherlite notified owners, and the safety recall began on March 29, 2011.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is bearing failure followed by a wheel-end fire. The recall filing says prolonged use of the affected FAG brand bearing system can degrade the bearing grease in these axle applications. If your VIN is included, arrange the free repair before continued use.
What if I bought my Featherlite Trailer used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the trailer, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Featherlite Trailer is included, then call Featherlite or ArvinMeritor and reference recall number 11V396.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/11V396000 |
|---|---|
| Featherlite customer service | 1-866-668-7221 |
| NHTSA recall # | 11V396 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 11V396000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall 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 3, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →