Recall 12V410 affects 302 2011 Kaufman Flatbed trailers for leaking oil-bath axle end caps. Kaufman replaces the caps and O-rings for free.
Kaufman is recalling 302 2011 Flatbed trailers because wheel end caps on oil bath axles can leak from a cracked cap or damaged O-ring. If the oil is lost, the trailer can have unexpected wheel bearing failure that raises crash risk; the dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The 2011 Kaufman Flatbed recall involves trailers built with 10,000 lb. electrically braked oil bath axles. An oil bath axle uses gear oil around the wheel end to lubricate the bearing area, so the hub can turn smoothly while the trailer carries load. The wheel end cap seals that oil inside the axle end.
On affected trailers, that cap does not always hold the seal. The cap can crack, or the O-ring that seals the cap can be damaged. Once that seal opens, oil leaks out of the wheel end instead of staying around the bearing area.
There is no warning sign before failure. Check the wheel ends for visible oil, wet residue, or a cap that looks cracked before towing, and have a Kaufman dealer inspect the axle if you see leakage.
Who's affected?
| 2011 Kaufman Flatbed | rear suspension |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 302 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific trailer is included.
What's the safety risk?
An oil leak at the wheel end cap can leave the wheel bearing without enough lubrication. If the condition is not corrected, the bearing can fail unexpectedly and increase crash risk. If you see oil around a wheel end, stop using the trailer and arrange service. Repair will be free at any franchised Kaufman dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011 Kaufman Flatbed is included in this recall.
- Contact Kaufman at 1-866-444-8971 to confirm repair instructions for recall number 12V410.
- Schedule the free wheel-end-cap and O-ring replacement that stops oil loss from the oil bath axle.
- Bring the recall notice if Kaufman mailed one, and give the service desk recall number 12V410.
- Inspect for oil around the wheel end caps before towing, and stop using the trailer if oil is leaking.
What happens at the repair
Kaufman has said it will notify owners and replace the affected wheel end caps and o-rings free of charge. The final dealer repair will be free once Kaufman confirms it is open for your trailer. At the service visit, a Kaufman technician replaces the leaking or damaged wheel end cap parts on the oil bath axle, including the cap and o-ring, so the axle end seals properly. The work is meant to stop oil leakage at the wheel end and restore the axle sealing parts covered by recall 12V410.
Timeline
| August 21, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 14, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V410?
Recall 12V410 covers 302 2011 Kaufman Flatbed trailers equipped with 10,000 lb electrically braked oil bath axles. The wheel end caps can leak because of a cracked cap or damaged O-ring, leading to wheel bearing failure and increased crash risk. Kaufman will replace the caps and O-rings for free.
What should I do if my 2011 Kaufman Flatbed is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 12V410. If it is, contact Kaufman at 1-866-444-8971 and ask for the free wheel end cap and O-ring replacement. Reference recall number 12V410 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to perform recall repairs at no cost, and Kaufman says it will replace the affected wheel end caps and O-rings free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for trailers included in recall 12V410.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is unexpected wheel bearing failure after oil leaks from the wheel end caps. That failure increases crash risk. If you see oil at a wheel end, stop towing and contact Kaufman or a qualified trailer service provider before moving the trailer farther.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V410000 |
|---|---|
| Kaufman customer service | 1-866-444-8971 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V410 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V410000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (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 →