Recall 11V488 affects 290 2010-2011 Transcraft Platform semi-trailers for crack-prone automatic slack adjuster housings and brake-loss risk. Repair is free through Transcraft.
Transcraft is recalling 290 2010-2011 Platform semi-trailers equipped with Gunite automatic slack adjusters because incomplete iron casting can leave the slack adjuster housing too weak for normal braking loads. A cracked housing can cause loss of braking and increase crash risk; the dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The automatic slack adjuster on 2010-2011 Transcraft Platform semi-trailers is part of the air brake system. It keeps the brake shoes set at the correct distance from the brake drum as the linings wear. That adjustment helps the trailer brakes apply with the right force when the driver uses the brakes.
On the affected trailers, the Gunite automatic slack adjuster housing was cast with incomplete knitting of the iron. In plain terms, the metal did not fully bond during casting, leaving the housing without the strength it needs. Under normal operating loads, the housing can break at the handle, which leaves the brake adjustment hardware damaged instead of holding its setting.
There is no warning sign before failure. Because the weakness is inside the cast housing, an owner or driver should not count on a visible cue before the part breaks.
Who's affected?
Covers two model years of the Platform trailer, both tied to the same brake system component.
| 2010 Transcraft Platform | brake system |
|---|---|
| 2011 Transcraft Platform | brake system |
| Units affected | 290 |
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?
For NHTSA campaign 11V488, a slack adjuster with the flow notch can crack under normal braking, causing loss of braking and increasing crash risk. If your VIN is included, schedule the recall repair before hauling again. Repair will be free at any franchised Transcraft dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2010-2011 Transcraft Platform semi-trailer is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Transcraft dealer to ask about the free slack-adjuster replacement that fixes cracking in the automatic brake adjuster housing.
- Reference recall number 11V488 when you call, and bring the recall notice if you have it.
- Avoid hauling loads until the brake slack adjusters are inspected and replaced.
- Call Transcraft customer service at 1-877-489-9020 with questions about the repair path.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Transcraft technician replaces the Gunite automatic slack adjusters covered by campaign 11V488, free of charge. The source remedy says owner notification began on September 27, 2011, and gives Transcraft and Accuride contact lines for owners. Because current remedy availability is not confirmed here, schedule only after the dealer verifies parts and campaign instructions for your trailer. The final dealer repair will be free once available, and parts and labor are covered under the recall.
Timeline
| September 27, 2011 | Owner notification mailed |
|---|---|
| October 3, 2011 | NHTSA published the recall |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 11V488?
Recall 11V488 covers 290 2010-2011 Transcraft Platform semi-trailers equipped with Gunite automatic slack adjusters. A casting defect in the slack adjuster housing can cause cracking or breakage under normal braking loads, leading to loss of braking and crash risk.
What should I do if my 2010-2011 Transcraft Platform is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific trailer is included in recall 11V488. If it is, contact a franchised Transcraft dealer or Transcraft at 1-877-489-9020 to arrange the slack adjuster replacement. Reference recall number 11V488 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the safety defect at no cost, and Transcraft's remedy says the affected slack adjusters will be replaced free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for included trailers.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is loss of braking. The recalled Gunite automatic slack adjuster housing can crack under normal braking conditions, which can reduce or remove brake function on the trailer and increase crash risk. Schedule the free replacement if your VIN is included.
When did Transcraft start this recall repair?
Transcraft began the safety recall on September 27, 2011. Because that date has passed, included trailers should be eligible for the free slack adjuster replacement through the recall process. Check your VIN and ask the dealer service desk to confirm the open remedy.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/11V488000 |
|---|---|
| Transcraft customer service | 1-812-962-5000 |
| NHTSA recall # | 11V488 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 11V488000 |
Source documents
-
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 →