Recall 12V223 affects 12 1998 Trailer Trailer Star trailers for brake actuator pump failure. Dexter Axle dealers replace the pump free.
Trailer is recalling 12 1998 Trailer Star trailers under recall 12V223 because the Dexter electric/hydraulic brake actuator pump has a heat-treatment defect that can wear critical pump components early. The actuator supplies braking power to the trailer brakes; failure can cause loss of trailer braking effort and increase crash risk, and the dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The electric/hydraulic brake actuator pump on the 1998 Trailer Trailer Star is the part that turns the tow vehicle's brake command into hydraulic pressure for the trailer brakes. When you press the brake pedal in the tow vehicle, the actuator pump should build pressure and send brake fluid force through the trailer brake system.
On affected Trailer Star trailers, the Dexter Axle actuator pump was not properly heat treated during manufacturing. Heat treatment hardens metal parts so they hold up under repeated pressure cycles. Without that treatment, critical parts inside the pump wear too early. Once that wear gets far enough, the pump stops operating and the trailer brakes no longer receive the hydraulic pressure the system needs.
There is no warning sign before failure. The problem is inside the actuator pump, so an owner is not given a clear sound, light, or pedal change before the unit stops working.
Who's affected?
| 1998 Trailer Trailer Star | Equipment |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 12 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific trailer.
What's the safety risk?
The electric hydraulic brake actuator supplies braking power to the trailer brakes. If it fails, the trailer can lose braking effort, which increases the risk of a crash. Schedule the recall repair promptly and use extra following distance until the trailer is fixed. Repair will be free at any franchised Trailer dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 1998 Trailer Trailer Star is included in this recall.
- Contact Trailer customer service at 1-903-572-1834 to confirm the current repair path for recall number 12V223.
- Ask where to schedule the free electric/hydraulic brake actuator pump replacement that restores trailer braking effort.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it, and give the dealer recall number 12V223 when you schedule service.
- Avoid towing heavy loads until the brake actuator pump repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
The recall repair is replacement of the Dexter Axle electric/hydraulic brake actuator pump. The source filing says Trailmaster notified owners and Dexter Axle dealers replace the pump free of charge. At the dealer, a technician removes the brake actuator pump that was not properly heat treated and installs the replacement unit so the trailer braking system can operate as intended. The safety recall began on July 2, 2012. Parts and labor are covered under the recall.
Timeline
| May 16, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 2, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V223?
Recall 12V223 covers 12 1998 Trailer Trailer Star trailers with an electric/hydraulic brake actuator pump that was not properly heat treated. Premature wear inside the pump can make it stop working, and Dexter Axle dealers will replace the actuator pump for free.
What should I do if my 1998 Trailer Trailer Star is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 12V223. If it is, contact Trailer at 1-903-572-1834 and ask how to get the electric/hydraulic brake actuator pump replaced by a Dexter Axle dealer. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the recall repair to be performed at no cost, and the remedy for recall 12V223 is a free replacement of the electric/hydraulic brake actuator pump by Dexter Axle dealers.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of trailer braking effort. The electric/hydraulic actuator supplies braking power to the trailer brakes, so actuator failure can reduce trailer braking and increase crash risk. Confirm your VIN, then arrange the free actuator pump replacement.
What if I bought this trailer used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the trailer, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 1998 Trailer Trailer Star is included, then reference recall 12V223 when you contact Trailer or the repair dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V223000 |
|---|---|
| Trailer customer service | 1-903-572-1834 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V223 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V223000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (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 →