Recall 12V156 affects 14 2011 Gooseneck Tandem Dual trailers with defective E/H brake actuator pumps. Dexter Axle dealers replace them free.
Gooseneck is recalling 14 2011 Tandem Dual flatbed trailers equipped with Dexter Axle electric/hydraulic brake actuator pumps that are linked to improper heat treatment. If the actuator fails, the trailer can lose braking effort and raise the risk of a crash; the Gooseneck dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The 2011 Gooseneck Tandem Dual flatbed trailer uses an electric/hydraulic brake actuator pump to turn the tow vehicle's brake signal into hydraulic pressure at the trailer brakes. When the driver brakes, the pump builds pressure in the trailer brake system so the trailer helps slow itself instead of pushing against the tow vehicle.
On affected trailers, some Dexter Axle E/H actuator pumps were not properly heat treated. Heat treatment hardens internal metal parts so they resist wear under pressure and repeated brake cycles. Without that hardening, critical pump components wear early and the pump can stop working. If the actuator becomes inoperable, the trailer loses that powered hydraulic brake assist.
There is no warning sign before failure. The first sign can be reduced or absent trailer braking when the tow vehicle brakes.
Who's affected?
| 2011 Gooseneck Tandem Dual | Equipment |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 14 |
Year and model alone do not confirm inclusion. 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, increasing crash risk. Schedule the repair soon and ask the dealer how to bring the trailer in safely. Repair will be free at any franchised Gooseneck dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011 Gooseneck Tandem Dual trailer is included in this recall.
- Look for the owner notice mailed on April 2, 2012, then call Gooseneck customer service at 1-903-784-8059 if you do not have it.
- Ask Gooseneck customer service where to get the free E/H brake actuator pump replacement that fixes pump wear and loss of trailer braking effort.
- Reference recall number 12V156 when you call or schedule service.
- Tow with extra following distance until the repair is complete, since actuator failure can reduce trailer braking effort.
What happens at the repair
The known remedy is replacement of the Dexter Axle electric/hydraulic brake actuator pump. Once the dealer repair is available, a Gooseneck technician replaces the affected E/H brake actuator pump so the trailer braking system has a working actuator again. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. Ask the dealer to confirm that the replacement pump is the recall remedy for campaign 12V156 before the trailer is returned to service.
Timeline
| April 2, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
|---|---|
| April 9, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V156?
Recall 12V156 covers 14 2011 Gooseneck Tandem Dual flatbed trailers equipped with Dexter Axle E/H brake actuator pumps. Improper heat treatment can cause premature wear inside the pump, leaving the trailer brake actuator inoperable and reducing trailer braking effort.
What should I do if my 2011 Gooseneck Tandem Dual is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 12V156. If it is, contact a Dexter Axle dealer to schedule the E/H brake actuator pump replacement. Reference recall number 12V156 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the recall repair to be performed at no cost, and Dexter Axle dealers will replace the affected E/H brake actuator pumps free of charge. Gooseneck owners can also contact the recall line at 1-903-784-8059.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of trailer braking effort. The E/H brake actuator supplies braking power to the trailer brakes, and actuator failure can reduce that braking power, increasing crash risk. Confirm your VIN, then arrange the free actuator pump replacement if your trailer is included.
When were owners notified about recall 12V156?
Owner notices were mailed on April 2, 2012. If you bought the trailer used or never received a letter, the VIN still decides whether the recall applies. Check your VIN and use recall number 12V156 when speaking with the dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V156000 |
|---|---|
| Gooseneck customer service | 1-903-784-8059 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V156 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V156000 |
Source documents
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 →