Recall 12V013 covers 230 2011-2012 Trailstar Z9 and Z8 trailers for loose brake caliper pins. Repair is free at any franchised Trailstar dealer.
Trailstar is recalling 230 2011-2012 Z9 and Z8 trailers because brake caliper pins were not tightened to specification and can come loose. If the pins back out, the trailer can lose brake function and raise crash risk; the repair will be free at a Trailstar dealer once available.
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What's wrong?
The brake caliper on a 2011-2012 Trailstar Z9 or Z8 trailer is the clamp that presses the brake pads against the brake rotor. The caliper pins hold that clamp in position while the wheel turns and the trailer brakes apply. They have to stay tight so the caliper stays aligned with the rotor.
On the affected trailers, the brake caliper pins were not tightened to the required specification during assembly. Because the pins were left loose, normal vibration and braking loads can let them back out farther. Once that happens, the caliper no longer sits where it was designed to sit, and braking force at that wheel becomes unreliable.
There is no warning sign before failure. Treat brake noise, dragging, or uneven trailer braking as a sign that the brake system needs immediate dealer inspection.
Who's affected?
Covers the Z8 and Z9 trailer lines across the 2011-2012 model years, with electrical system and brake system components listed.
| 2012 Trailstar Z9 | electrical system |
|---|---|
| 2012 Trailstar Z9 | brake system |
| 2011 Trailstar Z9 | electrical system |
| 2011 Trailstar Z9 | brake system |
| 2011 Trailstar Z8 | electrical system |
| 2011 Trailstar Z8 | brake system |
| Units affected | 230 |
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?
Brake caliper pins that back out can cause loss of brake function and increase crash risk. There is no listed warning sign before the brake problem, so use caution while moving the trailer and schedule the inspection soon. Repair will be free at any franchised Trailstar dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011-2012 Trailstar Z9 or Z8 trailer is included in this recall.
- Contact Trailstar customer service at 1-417-873-4588 to confirm repair timing for recall number 12V013.
- Schedule a franchised Trailstar dealer inspection of the brake caliper pins, which can loosen and cause loss of brake function.
- Bring the recall notice if Trailstar mailed one. If not, give the dealer recall number 12V013 when you call.
- Tow the trailer or drive cautiously until the inspection and repair are complete. Leave extra stopping distance and avoid heavy braking.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Trailstar technician inspects the trailer brake caliper and checks the caliper pins that were not tightened to the correct specification. If the pins have loosened or damaged related brake hardware, the dealer repairs the trailer as necessary. The source does not list a current remedy status, so do not assume the final repair can be scheduled from this section alone. The dealer repair will be free once available.
Timeline
| January 13, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| January 30, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V013?
Recall 12V013 covers 230 2011-2012 Trailstar Z9 and Z8 trailers with brake caliper pins that were not tightened to specification. The pins can back out, causing loss of brake function and increasing crash risk. Dealers will inspect the calipers and repair the trailers for free.
What should I do if my 2011-2012 Trailstar Z9 or Z8 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 12V013. If it is, contact a Trailstar dealer to schedule the brake caliper inspection and repair. Reference recall number 12V013 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and the recall remedy says dealers will inspect the calipers and repair the trailers free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for included Trailstar trailers.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of trailer brake function. If the brake caliper pins back out, the trailer loses braking ability, which increases crash risk. If your VIN is included, arrange the dealer inspection and repair before towing the trailer again.
What if I bought my Trailstar trailer used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the trailer, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your used Trailstar Z9 or Z8 is included, then call a Trailstar dealer and reference recall number 12V013.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V013000 |
|---|---|
| Trailstar customer service | 1-417-873-4588 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V013 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V013000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (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 →