Recall 12V246 covers 2 2012 Elite Flatbed trailers with E/H brake actuator pumps that can fail. Elite will arrange the free replacement.
Elite is recalling 2 2012 Flatbed trailers under recall 12V246 because the Dexter electric/hydraulic brake actuator pump has a heat-treatment defect. The pump can wear prematurely and stop working, causing a loss of trailer braking effort and increasing crash risk; the Elite dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The electric over hydraulic brake actuator pump on the 2012 Elite Flatbed trailer is the unit that turns the tow vehicle's brake signal into hydraulic pressure for the trailer brakes. When the driver brakes, the actuator runs the pump, builds pressure in the brake lines, and helps the trailer slow with the tow vehicle. The trailer depends on that pump working each time braking is requested.
On the recalled trailers, the Dexter axle electric over hydraulic pump was not properly heat treated. Heat treatment hardens metal parts so they can handle repeated load and motion. Without the correct treatment, critical parts inside the pump wear too early. That wear can leave the actuator unable to build pressure, which renders the unit inoperable.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner or service technician can describe the issue to the dealer as premature internal wear in the Dexter electric over hydraulic brake actuator pump.
Who's affected?
| 2012 Elite Flatbed | Equipment |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 2 |
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, increasing crash risk during slowing or stopping. Tow cautiously, allow extra stopping room, and schedule the recall repair once Elite opens it. Repair will be free at any franchised Elite dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2012 Elite Flatbed is included in this recall.
- Contact Elite at 1-918-962-4567 to confirm repair timing and the correct Dexter Axle service location.
- Ask for the free E/H brake actuator pump replacement that restores trailer brake actuation.
- Reference recall number 12V246 when you call or schedule service.
- Avoid towing heavy loads until the trailer brake actuator repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
Elite's recall remedy is a replacement of the electric/hydraulic brake actuator pump used in the trailer brake system. Once the dealer repair is available, the dealer replaces the pump assembly so the brake actuator can build hydraulic pressure as intended. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. The repair instructions name Dexter Axle dealers for the pump replacement, so ask Elite or the service desk where the approved repair location is before moving the trailer.
Timeline
| May 30, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
|---|---|
| May 31, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V246?
Recall 12V246 covers 2 2012 Elite Flatbed trailers equipped with a Dexter Axle electric/hydraulic brake actuator pump that was not properly heat treated. The pump can wear early and stop working. Elite will arrange replacement of the actuator pump free of charge.
What should I do if my 2012 Elite Flatbed is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 12V246. If it is, call Elite at 1-918-962-4567 and ask how to get the Dexter Axle electric/hydraulic brake actuator pump replaced. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the defect repair at no cost, and Elite says the electric/hydraulic brake actuator pump replacement is free of charge. Ask Elite for the repair path and reference recall 12V246 when you call.
What is the safety risk?
The brake actuator supplies braking power to the trailer brakes. If the actuator fails, the trailer can lose braking effort, which increases crash risk. Confirm whether your trailer is included, then arrange the free actuator pump replacement before continued towing.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V246000 |
|---|---|
| Elite customer service | 1-918-962-4567 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V246 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V246000 |
Source documents
-
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 →