Recall 12V375 affects 3,450 2009-2012 Vermeer single-axle brush chipper trailers for loose axle mounting bolts. Repair is free at any franchised Vermeer dealer.
Vermeer is recalling 3,450 2009-2012 single axle brush chipper trailers, including BC1200XL, BC1000XL, BC1500, and BC1800XL models, because axle mounting bolts can loosen and let the axle separate from the chipper. An axle separation raises the risk of a crash, and the Vermeer dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The axle on a Vermeer brush chipper trailer is the wheel assembly that carries the trailer's weight while it is being towed. The axle mounting bolts clamp that axle to the trailer frame. On 2009-2012 Vermeer BC1200XL, BC1000XL, BC1500, and BC1800XL single-axle brush chipper trailers, those bolts are the hardware that keeps the axle attached to the chipper.
On affected trailers, the axle mounting bolts can loosen during use. Once the joint loses the squeeze that holds it tight, the axle is no longer held firmly against the frame. Continued towing in that condition can let the axle separate from the brush chipper.
There is no warning sign before failure. A loose axle mount is not described as giving the operator a reliable sound, light, or handling change before the axle separates.
Who's affected?
BC1200XL appears across the 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012 model years; BC1000XL, BC1500, and BC1800XL have narrower model-year coverage.
| 2012 Vermeer BC1200XL | Equipment |
|---|---|
| 2010 Vermeer BC1200XL | Equipment |
| 2011 Vermeer BC1000XL | Equipment |
| 2012 Vermeer BC1500 | Equipment |
| 2012 Vermeer BC1800XL | Equipment |
| 2009 Vermeer BC1200XL | Equipment |
| 2011 Vermeer BC1500 | Equipment |
| 2012 Vermeer BC1000XL | Equipment |
| 2011 Vermeer BC1200XL | Equipment |
| Units affected | 3,450 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the axle separates from the brush chipper, the chipper can become unstable in transport and increase the risk of a crash. Move the chipper cautiously and schedule the recall repair promptly. Repair will be free at any franchised Vermeer dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2009-2012 Vermeer BC1200XL, BC1000XL, BC1500, or BC1800XL brush chipper is included in this recall.
- Contact Vermeer customer service at 641-628-3141 to ask whether the free mounting-bolt replacement is open for your VIN.
- Reference recall number 12V375 when you call Vermeer or a Vermeer dealer.
- Schedule the mounting-bolt replacement that secures the axle to the brush chipper once Vermeer confirms the repair path.
- Avoid towing or operating the brush chipper until Vermeer confirms the axle mounting bolts are secure.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Vermeer technician replaces the axle mounting bolts on the single axle brush chipper trailer. The remedy record says those bolts are the fasteners that hold the axle in place, so the repair focuses on removing the loosened or suspect hardware and installing replacement mounting bolts. The dealer repair will be free once available through the recall.
Timeline
| August 2, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 21, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V375?
Recall 12V375 covers 3,450 2009-2012 Vermeer BC1200XL, BC1000XL, BC1500, and BC1800XL single axle brush chipper trailers. The axle mounting bolts can loosen and allow the axle to separate from the brush chipper, increasing crash risk. Vermeer dealers will replace the mounting bolts for free.
What should I do if my 2009-2012 Vermeer BC1200XL, BC1000XL, BC1500, or BC1800XL is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific brush chipper trailer is included in recall 12V375. If it is included, contact a franchised Vermeer dealer to schedule replacement of the axle mounting bolts. Reference recall number 12V375 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Vermeer's remedy says dealers will replace the mounting bolts free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at a franchised Vermeer dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is axle separation from the brush chipper trailer. If the axle separates while the trailer is being moved, crash risk increases. Confirm your VIN, then schedule the free mounting-bolt replacement with a Vermeer dealer if your trailer is included.
What if I bought this Vermeer brush chipper used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall repairs follow the included vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific brush chipper trailer is covered, then call a Vermeer dealer with recall number 12V375.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V375000 |
|---|---|
| Vermeer customer service | 641-628-3141 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V375 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V375000 |
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 →