Recall 12V168 covers 20 2012 Big Tex 22GN and 25GN trailers for E/H brake actuator pump failure. Repair will be free once available.
Big Tex is recalling 20 2012 22GN and 25GN trailers because the Dexter Axle electric/hydraulic brake actuator pump has a heat-treatment concern that can wear critical parts early. Failure of the actuator can take braking power away from the trailer brakes and increase crash risk; the Big Tex dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The affected 2012 Big Tex 22GN and 25GN trailers use a Dexter Axle electric/hydraulic brake actuator pump. That pump takes an electrical brake signal from the tow vehicle and turns it into hydraulic pressure for the trailer brakes. In plain terms, it is the part that helps the trailer brakes apply when the driver presses the brake pedal.
On these trailers, the actuator pump was not properly heat treated during manufacturing. Heat treating hardens metal parts so they hold their shape and resist wear under load. Without the correct treatment, critical parts inside the pump wear out early. Once that wear progresses far enough, the pump stops operating and the trailer brake system loses the pressure the actuator is supposed to provide.
There is no warning sign before failure. The source recall does not list a sound, light, pedal change, or other symptom that gives an owner advance notice before the actuator pump becomes inoperable.
Who's affected?
Covers both gooseneck trailer models, 22GN and 25GN, with the same equipment component listed for each.
| 2012 Big Tex 22GN | Equipment |
|---|---|
| 2012 Big Tex 25GN | Equipment |
| Units affected | 20 |
A matching 2012 Big Tex 22GN or 25GN model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific trailer is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the actuator fails, the trailer brakes can lose braking effort, which increases the risk of a crash. Because there is no listed warning sign, treat any braking change or trailer stopping problem as a reason to slow down, pull over safely, and call the dealer. Repair will be free at any franchised Big Tex dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2012 Big Tex 22GN or 25GN trailer is included in this recall.
- Review the Big Tex owner notice mailed on May 8, 2012, or call Big Tex customer service before scheduling service.
- Reference recall number 12V168 when you call Big Tex or the dealer.
- Ask for the free E/H brake actuator pump replacement that fixes the pump wear linked to loss of trailer braking effort.
- Avoid hauling with the trailer until Big Tex or the dealer confirms the brake actuator pump repair path.
What happens at the repair
At the service visit, the electric/hydraulic brake actuator pump on the trailer brake system will be replaced. The pump helps build hydraulic pressure when the electric brake control calls for braking. Big Tex has identified the repair as pump replacement, free of charge. Because the final repair is not listed as available in the recall data provided, confirm parts and scheduling with the dealer before arranging service. Once available, the recall replacement is free, with parts and labor covered.
Timeline
| April 9, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 8, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V168?
Recall 12V168 covers 20 2012 Big Tex 22GN and 25GN trailers equipped with a Dexter Axle electric/hydraulic brake actuator pump that was not properly heat treated. Premature wear can make the pump inoperable and reduce trailer braking. Dexter Axle dealers replace the pump for free.
What should I do if my 2012 Big Tex 22GN or 25GN is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 12V168. If it is, contact Big Tex or a Dexter Axle dealer to arrange the electric/hydraulic brake actuator pump replacement. Reference recall number 12V168 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the defect repair at no cost, and Big Tex says Dexter Axle dealers will replace the electric/hydraulic brake actuator pumps free of charge. Big Tex also lists 1-903-575-0300 for owner questions about this recall.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced trailer braking. The electric/hydraulic brake actuator supplies braking power to the trailer brakes, and actuator failure can cause loss of trailer braking effort. That increases crash risk, so confirm your VIN and arrange the free pump replacement if your trailer is included.
What if I bought this Big Tex trailer used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2012 Big Tex 22GN or 25GN is included, then contact Big Tex or a Dexter Axle dealer and reference recall 12V168.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V168000 |
|---|---|
| Big Tex customer service | 1-903-575-0300 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V168 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V168000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - 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 →