Recall 12V082 affects 3 2012 Hitchhiker Discover America recreation vehicles for brake actuator pump failure. Dexter replaces the actuator for free.
Hitchhiker is recalling 3 2012 Discover America recreation vehicles because certain electric/hydraulic brake actuator pumps were not properly heat treated. The defect can wear critical pump parts and leave the trailer without braking effort, which increases crash risk; the dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The electric/hydraulic brake actuator pump on the 2012 Hitchhiker Discover America helps turn an electrical brake command into hydraulic brake pressure. When the tow vehicle brake controller calls for braking, the pump pressurizes fluid so the RV brakes apply. The brakes depend on that pump being able to build pressure when commanded.
On affected units, the pump was not properly heat treated. Heat treatment is the process that hardens metal parts so they hold up under repeated pressure and movement. Without that hardness, critical parts inside the pump wear too soon. As that wear builds, the actuator pump stops working and the brake unit becomes inoperable.
There is no warning sign before failure. The pump can stop doing its job without a dashboard light, noise, or brake feel change that gives the owner advance notice.
Who's affected?
| 2012 Hitchhiker Discover America | Equipment |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 3 |
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?
The E/H brake actuator supplies braking power to the trailer brakes. If it fails, the trailer can lose braking effort, which increases crash risk. Confirm the VIN and schedule recall service soon if this Discover America is included. Repair will be free at any franchised Hitchhiker dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2012 Hitchhiker Discover America is included in this recall.
- Call Hitchhiker customer service at 1-800-835-0676 to confirm the free brake-actuator replacement path.
- Reference recall number 12V082 when you call or schedule service.
- Bring the recall notice if Hitchhiker mailed one, plus any service records for the trailer brake actuator.
- Avoid towing the trailer until the electric/hydraulic brake actuator has been inspected or replaced, since actuator failure can reduce trailer braking power.
What happens at the repair
The listed repair is replacement of the electric/hydraulic brake actuator pumps, free of charge. NU WA notified owners after the safety recall began on March 7, 2012, and Dexter Axle Company was named for the actuator replacement. Because the current remedy status is not listed, confirm parts and scheduling before taking the trailer in. Once the repair is available for your VIN, the actuator replacement is covered under the recall.
Timeline
| March 1, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 7, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V082?
Recall 12V082 covers 3 2012 Hitchhiker Discover America recreation vehicles equipped with electric over hydraulic brake actuator pumps that were not properly heat treated. Premature wear can make the actuator inoperable. Dexter Axle Company will replace the actuator free of charge.
What should I do if my 2012 Hitchhiker Discover America is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific recreation vehicle is included in recall 12V082. If it is, contact a franchised Hitchhiker service provider and reference recall 12V082. The repair is free, and the remedy replaces the affected brake actuator.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the defect remedy at no cost, and this recall states that Dexter Axle Company will replace the brake actuator free of charge. Ask the service desk to reference recall 12V082 when arranging the repair.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of trailer braking effort. The electric over hydraulic actuator provides braking power to the trailer brakes. If the actuator fails, the trailer loses braking effort, increasing crash risk. Confirm your VIN and arrange the free actuator replacement.
What if I bought this Hitchhiker Discover America used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the original owner. If you never received an owner letter, check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2012 Hitchhiker Discover America is included, then reference recall 12V082 when you contact service.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V082000 |
|---|---|
| Hitchhiker customer service | 1-800-835-0676 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V082 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V082000 |
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 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →