Recall 12V174 affects 194 2011 Pj Trailers Dd trailers for electric/hydraulic brake actuator failure. Repair is free at any franchised Pj Trailers dealer.
Pj Trailers is recalling 194 2011 Dd trailers with Dexter Axle electric/hydraulic brake actuator pumps that were not properly heat treated. Premature wear can make the actuator inoperable, leaving the trailer without braking effort and increasing crash risk; if your VIN is included, the dealer repair will be free once Pj Trailers makes it available.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The 2011 Pj Trailers Dd uses an electric over hydraulic brake actuator pump to create hydraulic pressure for the trailer brakes. When the tow vehicle sends a brake signal, the actuator runs the pump and moves brake fluid through the trailer brake system. That pressure is what applies the trailer brakes instead of leaving all stopping work to the tow vehicle.
The recalled trailers were equipped with Dexter Axle electric over hydraulic actuator pumps that were not properly heat treated. Heat treatment hardens metal parts so they hold up under repeated movement and pressure. Without that treatment, critical pump components wear too soon. As that wear builds, the actuator pump can stop working and the trailer brakes lose the pressure they need.
There is no warning sign before failure. The first sign can be trailer brakes that do not respond as expected when the tow vehicle brakes are applied.
Who's affected?
| 2011 Pj Trailers Dd | Equipment |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 194 |
Not every 2011 Pj Trailers Dd trailer is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific trailer is included.
What's the safety risk?
The electric over hydraulic brake actuator supplies braking power to the trailer brakes. If the actuator fails, the trailer loses braking effort, which increases the risk of a crash. Use extra caution and schedule the recall work soon if your VIN is included. Repair will be free at any franchised Pj Trailers dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011 Pj Trailers Dd trailer is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Pj Trailers dealer after your VIN is confirmed to ask about the free brake-actuator replacement that restores trailer braking power.
- Reference recall number 12V174 when you call the dealer.
- Avoid towing heavy loads until the actuator repair is complete, since actuator failure reduces trailer braking effort.
- Call Pj Trailers at 1-903-669-0213 with questions about owner notice status or dealer scheduling.
What happens at the repair
The repair path is actuator replacement. Once the dealer repair is available, a Pj Trailers technician replaces the Dexter electric over hydraulic brake actuator pumps covered by recall 12V174. The recall began on April 17, 2012, and the replacement is free under the recall. Ask the service desk to confirm that the actuator replacement applies to your trailer before the appointment, then bring the trailer in for the covered parts and labor.
Timeline
| April 17, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
|---|---|
| April 19, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V174?
Recall 12V174 covers 194 2011 Pj Trailers Dd trailers equipped with Dexter Axle electric/hydraulic brake actuator pumps. The affected pumps were not properly heat treated, which can cause premature wear and make the actuator inoperable.
What should I do if my 2011 Pj Trailers Dd is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 12V174. If it is, contact a Pj Trailers dealer to schedule the actuator replacement. Reference recall number 12V174 when you call, and ask the service desk what paperwork to bring.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Pj Trailers dealers will replace the affected electric/hydraulic brake actuator free of charge. The safety recall began on April 17, 2012.
What is the safety risk with this Pj Trailers recall?
The safety risk is loss of trailer braking effort. The electric/hydraulic actuator provides braking power to the trailer brakes, and actuator failure can increase crash risk. A dealer can replace the affected actuator for free under recall 12V174.
Who do I contact about recall 12V174?
Start with a Pj Trailers dealer and reference recall number 12V174. If you need manufacturer support, Pj Trailers lists 1-903-669-0213 for owner questions about this recall. Have your VIN ready before you call.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V174000 |
|---|---|
| Pj Trailers customer service | 1-903-669-0213 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V174 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V174000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation 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 →