Recall 12V219 affects 2 2012 Wells Cargo Livestock trailers for electric/hydraulic brake actuator pump failure. Dexter Axle dealers replace the pump free.
Wells Cargo is recalling 2 2012 Livestock trailers under recall 12V219 because the Dexter electric/hydraulic brake actuator pump can wear prematurely after improper heat treatment. If the actuator fails, the trailer can lose braking effort and raise crash risk; a Wells Cargo dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The 2012 Wells Cargo Livestock trailer uses a Dexter Axle electric/hydraulic brake actuator pump. That pump takes the electrical brake signal from the tow vehicle and turns it into hydraulic pressure for the trailer brakes. When it works correctly, the actuator helps the trailer brakes respond when the driver applies the brake pedal.
On the recalled trailers, the actuator pump was not properly heat treated. Heat treatment hardens metal parts so they hold their shape and resist wear inside a working pump. Without that proper treatment, critical pump components wear too early. As that wear builds, the pump stops doing its job and the brake actuator becomes inoperable.
There is no warning sign before failure. The filing does not identify a sound, light, pedal change, or other owner-visible signal before the actuator pump stops working.
Who's affected?
Spans Wells Cargo and Haulmark Livestock trailers from the same model year, both with Equipment listed as the recalled component.
| 2012 Wells Cargo Livestock | Equipment |
|---|---|
| 2012 Haulmark Livestock | Equipment |
| Units affected | 2 |
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?
A failed electric over hydraulic brake actuator can leave the trailer without braking effort and increase crash risk. Schedule service soon, and drive cautiously until the actuator pump is replaced. Repair will be free at any franchised Wells Cargo dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2012 Wells Cargo Livestock trailer is included in this recall.
- Wait for Wells Cargo's recall notice before scheduling if your dealer cannot confirm the repair is open.
- Call Wells Cargo customer service at 1-574-264-9661 with questions and reference recall number 12V219 when you call.
- Ask about the free Dexter Axle E/H brake actuator pump replacement that restores trailer braking power.
- Tow or move the trailer carefully until the repair is complete, since actuator failure can leave the trailer without braking effort.
What happens at the repair
Once the repair is available, a Wells Cargo technician replaces the Dexter Axle electric hydraulic brake actuator pump covered by the recall. The pump was not properly heat treated, which can wear critical parts inside the unit and leave the pump inoperable. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. If your trailer is included, ask the dealer to confirm the pump replacement procedure before you bring it in.
Timeline
| February 10, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
|---|---|
| May 17, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V219?
Recall 12V219 covers 2 2012 Livestock trailers equipped with a Dexter Axle electric/hydraulic brake actuator pump that was not properly heat treated. Premature wear inside the pump can make the unit inoperable, causing loss of trailer braking effort and increasing crash risk.
What should I do if my 2012 Wells Cargo Livestock is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 12V219. If it is, contact the service desk and reference recall number 12V219. Dexter Axle dealers will replace the electric/hydraulic brake actuator pump free of charge.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. The recall repair is free. Dexter Axle dealers will replace the affected electric/hydraulic brake actuator pump at no charge under recall 12V219, so parts and labor are covered for included trailers.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is loss of trailer braking effort. The electric/hydraulic brake actuator supplies braking power to the trailer brakes, and actuator failure can leave the trailer without that braking support, increasing the risk of a crash.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V219000 |
|---|---|
| Wells Cargo customer service | 1-574-264-9661 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V219 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V219000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (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 →