Recall 12V116 affects 3 2012 4-Star Trailers 4-HORSE and Polo Trailer models for brake-actuator failure. Repair is free at any franchised 4-Star Trailers dealer.
4-Star Trailers is recalling 3 2012 4-HORSE Bumper Pull, Polo Trailer, and 4-HORSE L.Q. trailers because some electric/hydraulic brake actuator pumps were not properly heat treated. If the actuator fails, the trailer can lose braking power and increase 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 4-Star Trailers 4-HORSE Bumper Pull, Polo Trailer, and 4-HORSE L.Q. trailers turns an electrical brake signal from the tow vehicle into hydraulic pressure at the trailer brakes. In plain terms, it is the pump that helps the trailer brakes apply when the driver presses the brake pedal or uses the trailer brake control.
On affected trailers, some actuator pumps were not properly heat treated during manufacturing. Heat treatment hardens internal metal parts so they resist wear under pressure and repeated use. Without that proper treatment, critical parts inside the pump wear too soon. As those parts wear, the pump can stop working and fail to create the hydraulic pressure the trailer brakes need.
There is no warning sign before failure. If the pump stops working, the trailer brake system can lose the actuator function it depends on during braking.
Who's affected?
Covers three 2012 trailer configurations, all listed under the equipment component.
| 2012 4-Star Trailers 4-HORSE Bumper Pull | Equipment |
|---|---|
| 2012 4-Star Trailers Polo Trailer | Equipment |
| 2012 4-Star Trailers 4-HORSE L.Q. | Equipment |
| Units affected | 3 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific trailer is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the E/H brake actuator fails, the trailer can lose braking effort, increasing crash risk. This affects the trailer brakes, so leave extra stopping room and schedule the recall repair promptly if your VIN is included. Repair will be free at any franchised 4-Star Trailers dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2012 4-Star Trailers 4-HORSE Bumper Pull, Polo Trailer, or 4-HORSE L.Q. trailer is included in this recall.
- Watch for the 4-Star Trailers owner letter dated April 13, 2012, if you have not received one.
- Contact a franchised 4-Star Trailers dealer to schedule the free electric/hydraulic brake actuator pump replacement that restores trailer braking power.
- Reference recall number 12V116 when you call the dealer.
- Tow cautiously until the repair is complete, and allow extra stopping distance because trailer braking effort can be lost if the actuator fails.
What happens at the repair
The recall remedy is replacement of the electric/hydraulic brake actuator pumps. Once the repair is available for your VIN, a 4-Star Trailers technician replaces the affected actuator at no charge. The filing says owners were notified and dealers perform the actuator replacement free of charge. The source does not give a repair time, so ask the service desk how long the trailer needs to stay at the shop when you schedule.
Timeline
| March 22, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 13, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V116?
Recall 12V116 covers 3 2012 4-Star Trailers 4-HORSE Bumper Pull, Polo Trailer, and 4-HORSE L.Q. trailers with electric/hydraulic brake actuator pumps that were not properly heat treated. The actuator can fail, causing loss of trailer braking effort. Dealers will replace the actuators for free.
What should I do if my 2012 4-Star Trailers 4-HORSE Bumper Pull, Polo Trailer, or 4-HORSE L.Q. is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 12V116. If it is, contact a 4-Star Trailers dealer to schedule the electric/hydraulic brake actuator replacement. Reference recall number 12V116 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 4-Star Trailers dealers will replace the affected electric/hydraulic brake actuators free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The electric/hydraulic brake actuator provides braking power to the trailer brakes. If the actuator fails, the trailer can lose braking effort, increasing crash risk. Confirm whether your VIN is included, then arrange the free actuator replacement with a 4-Star Trailers dealer.
When did 4-Star Trailers start this recall?
4-Star Trailers began recall 12V116 on April 13, 2012. If you never received a notice or bought the trailer used, check your VIN and contact a 4-Star Trailers dealer with recall number 12V116.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V116000 |
|---|---|
| 4-Star Trailers customer service | 1-800-848-3095 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V116 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V116000 |
Source documents
-
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 →