Recall 12V379 covers 40 2012 Vermeer BC1200XL brush chipper trailers with under-torqued lug nuts. Repair is free at any franchised Vermeer dealer.
Vermeer is recalling 40 2012 BC1200XL brush chipper trailers under recall 12V379 because improperly torqued lug nuts can loosen and let a wheel separate from the chipper. Wheel separation increases the risk of personal injury, property damage, or a crash, and the Vermeer dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The lug nuts on a 2012 Vermeer BC1200XL brush chipper trailer are the wheel fasteners that clamp the wheel to the hub. They have to be tightened to the correct torque, which means the right amount of clamping force, so the wheel stays seated while the trailer is pulled and while the chipper vibrates during work.
On affected trailers, those lug nuts were not tightened enough during assembly. Road vibration and chipper vibration can work a loose nut farther off the stud. As the clamping force drops, the wheel no longer stays tight against the hub, and the wheel can separate from the brush chipper trailer.
There is no warning sign before failure. If you notice wheel wobble, unusual trailer vibration, or missing lug nuts, stop using the trailer until it is inspected.
Who's affected?
| 2012 Vermeer BC1200XL | Equipment |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 40 |
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?
A wheel separation on the BC1200XL brush chipper increases the risk of personal injury, property damage, or a crash. If your chipper is included, avoid towing or operating it until a dealer checks and torques the lug nuts. Repair will be free at any franchised Vermeer dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2012 Vermeer BC1200XL is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Vermeer dealer to ask about the free lug-nut torque repair that helps prevent wheel separation from the brush chipper.
- Bring the recall notice if Vermeer mailed one, or reference recall number 12V379 when you call.
- Inspect the wheels before moving the trailer and stop using it if any lug nut is loose or missing.
- Call Vermeer customer service at 1-641-628-3141 with questions about the recall.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Vermeer technician checks the lug nuts on the BC1200XL brush chipper trailer and torques them to the proper specification. This work is performed free of charge under the recall. Because the remedy status is not listed here, confirm availability for your VIN before arranging service. Once the repair is open for your trailer, parts and labor are covered under the recall.
Timeline
| August 6, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 21, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V379?
Recall 12V379 covers 40 2012 Vermeer BC1200XL brush chipper trailers with lug nuts that were not properly torqued. Loose lug nuts can let the wheels separate from the brush chipper, increasing the risk of personal injury, property damage, or a crash.
What should I do if my 2012 Vermeer BC1200XL is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific brush chipper trailer is included in recall 12V379. If it is, contact a franchised Vermeer dealer and ask for the lug nuts to be properly torqued. Reference recall number 12V379 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Vermeer dealers will properly torque the lug nuts free of charge. Vermeer also lists 1-641-628-3141 for owner questions about this recall.
Is it safe to tow my Vermeer BC1200XL before the repair?
The risk is a wheel separation if the lug nuts are loose. Confirm your VIN first, then ask the Vermeer dealer whether the trailer needs inspection before towing it for service. The dealer repair is free.
What if I bought my Vermeer BC1200XL used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the specific VIN, not the first owner. If you never received Vermeer's notice, check your VIN and reference recall number 12V379 when you contact a franchised Vermeer dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V379000 |
|---|---|
| Vermeer customer service | 1-641-628-3141 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V379 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V379000 |
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 →