Recall 12V237 covers 4 2011 Butler BC-1010 cargo trailers for a brake actuator pump defect. Dexter Axle dealers replace it free.
Butler is recalling 4 2011 BC-1010 cargo trailers equipped with Dexter electric/hydraulic brake actuator pumps with a heat-treatment problem that wears critical pump components early. If the actuator fails, the trailer can lose braking effort and increase crash risk; the Butler dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The electric/hydraulic brake actuator pump on the 2011 Butler BC-1010 cargo trailer is the unit that turns an electrical brake signal into hydraulic brake pressure. When the tow vehicle brake controller sends power, the pump pressurizes brake fluid so the trailer brakes apply with the tow vehicle. That keeps braking shared between the tow vehicle and the loaded trailer.
On affected trailers, the Dexter Axle actuator pump was not properly heat treated. Heat treatment hardens internal metal parts so they resist wear under repeated pressure cycles. Without the correct treatment, critical pump components wear early. Once that wear reaches the point of failure, the actuator becomes inoperable and the trailer brakes lose the hydraulic pressure they need to apply.
There is no warning sign before failure. If the pump stops working, the trailer braking response changes when the tow vehicle brake controller calls for trailer brakes, so have the recall repair handled before using the trailer for a load.
Who's affected?
| 2011 Butler BC-1010 | Equipment |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 4 |
Not every 2011 Butler BC-1010 trailer is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific trailer is included.
What's the safety risk?
The electric/hydraulic brake actuator supplies braking power to the trailer brakes. If the actuator fails, the trailer can lose braking effort, increasing crash risk during stopping or downhill travel. Tow with extra caution until the actuator pump is replaced. Repair will be free at any franchised Butler dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011 Butler BC-1010 is included in this recall.
- Contact Butler customer service at 1-336-674-8390 for current repair instructions before using the trailer.
- Ask Butler which Dexter Axle dealer can replace the electric/hydraulic brake actuator pump that provides braking power to the trailer brakes.
- Reference recall number 12V237 when you call, and bring the recall notice if Butler mailed one.
- Avoid towing the trailer until Butler or the repair dealer confirms the brake actuator pump has been replaced.
What happens at the repair
Once Butler opens the dealer remedy, a Butler technician will replace the electric/hydraulic brake actuator pump used in the trailer brake system. The recall covers the pump replacement, so parts and labor are free once the repair is available. The filing does not give a repair time. Call the dealer with recall 12V237 and ask whether the actuator pump parts are ready before bringing the trailer in.
Timeline
| May 7, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
|---|---|
| May 24, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V237?
Recall 12V237 covers 4 2011 Butler BC-1010 cargo trailers equipped with a Dexter Axle electric/hydraulic brake actuator pump affected by improper heat treatment. Premature wear inside the pump can make the actuator inoperable, causing loss of trailer braking effort and increasing crash risk.
What should I do if my 2011 Butler BC-1010 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 12V237. If it is, contact Butler at 1-336-674-8390 and ask how to get the Dexter Axle electric/hydraulic brake actuator pump replaced. Reference recall number 12V237 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and the recall remedy says Dexter Axle dealers will replace the electric/hydraulic brake actuator pump free of charge.
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. If the actuator fails, the trailer loses that braking support, increasing the risk of a crash. Confirm your VIN and arrange the free pump replacement.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V237000 |
|---|---|
| Butler customer service | 1-336-674-8390 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V237 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V237000 |
Source documents
-
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 →