Recall 12V512 covers 10 2011-2012 Express Cargo trailers with wheels that can loosen from improper torque. Repair is free through Express.
Express is recalling 10 2011-2012 Cargo trailers equipped with Carlisle Tire and Wheel aluminum wheels because the wheels were made outside required dimensions, which can prevent proper lug torque during mounting. If the wheel is not tightened correctly, it can loosen or separate and become a road hazard; the Express dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The wheels on 2011-2012 Express Cargo trailers are aluminum trailer wheels supplied by Carlisle Tire and Wheel. A wheel's job is to sit flat against the hub while the lug nuts clamp it in place with the correct torque. Torque is the tightening force that keeps the wheel seated while the trailer carries load, turns, and absorbs road vibration.
On these trailers, the wheel machining for the center cap area and the steel lug inserts was outside the required dimensions. Those surfaces guide how the wheel sits on the hub and how the lug nuts tighten against it. Because the dimensions were not controlled correctly, the wheel was not tightened to the proper torque during mounting. That leaves the clamping force lower or less even than intended.
There is no warning sign before failure. The recall record does not identify a reliable early symptom for an owner to watch for before the wheel loses proper clamping force.
Who's affected?
Both model years point to the same wheel hardware issue.
| 2011 Express Cargo | wheel hardware |
|---|---|
| 2012 Express Cargo | wheel hardware |
| Units affected | 10 |
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?
Loose wheel fasteners can let a wheel separate from the trailer, which can lead to a crash. A detached wheel is also a road hazard for other drivers. If your VIN is included, drive cautiously and ask Express for repair timing. Repair will be free at any franchised Express dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011-2012 Express Cargo trailer is included in this recall.
- Call Express at 1-727-572-4265 for current owner instructions, and reference recall number 12V512.
- Ask Express how to address the aluminum wheel fit issue that keeps the wheel from tightening to the proper torque.
- Bring any October 2012 recall notice or prior wheel-service paperwork when Express gives you the repair path.
- Avoid towing the trailer until Express confirms the wheel torque issue is corrected.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer or Express service location, an Express technician should confirm whether the trailer has the Carlisle aluminum wheels covered by recall 12V512 and review the wheel mounting hardware and torque issue described in the campaign. The filing does not list a final repair procedure or repair time in the remedy text. Owner notices were sent in October 2012. Any recall remedy Express provides for this campaign is covered under the recall once available. Call Express Trailers at 1-727-572-4265 with the trailer VIN before arranging service.
Timeline
| October 23, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 23, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V512?
Recall 12V512 covers 10 2011-2012 Express Cargo trailers equipped with Carlisle Tire and Wheel aluminum wheels. The wheel dimensions were not controlled to specification, so the wheel was not tightened to the proper torque during mounting. Express notified affected owners in October 2012.
What should I do if my 2011-2012 Express Cargo is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 12V512. If it is, contact Express at 1-727-572-4265 and reference recall 12V512 when you ask about the wheel inspection and remedy path.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to remedy safety defects at no cost to the owner. If your Express Cargo trailer is included in recall 12V512, ask Express how the wheel-related recall remedy is handled and confirm that parts and labor are covered.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is wheel separation. If the affected wheels are not tightened to the proper torque, the wheels can loosen and separate from the trailer, increasing crash risk. A detached wheel also becomes a road hazard for other drivers.
What if I bought my Express Cargo trailer used?
The recall still follows the trailer, not the original owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2011-2012 Express Cargo is included, even if you never received the October 2012 owner notice. Use recall number 12V512 when you contact Express.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V512000 |
|---|---|
| Express customer service | 1-727-572-4265 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V512 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V512000 |
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 →