Recall 17V036 affects 227 2012-2016 4-Star Horse Gooseneck trailers for a hydraulic brake line rupture. Repair is free at any franchised 4-Star dealer.
4-Star is recalling 227 2012-2016 Horse Gooseneck trailers because the hydraulic brake line can rupture where it connects to the brake caliper, causing a brake fluid leak and loss of braking. Loss of brake power increases crash risk, and a 4-Star dealer will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The hydraulic brake line on a 2012-2016 4-Star Horse Gooseneck trailer carries brake fluid under pressure to the disc brake caliper at the wheel. The caliper uses that pressure to squeeze the brake pads against the rotor, which slows the trailer when the tow vehicle's brake system calls for braking. That line has to stay sealed at the caliper connection.
On affected trailers, the weak point is the elbow where the hydraulic line ends at the brake caliper. The hose uses a banjo type fitting at that connection, and 4-Star traced failures to that fitting area. If the elbow breaks or ruptures, brake fluid leaks out and hydraulic pressure drops. With less pressure at the caliper, the trailer loses braking force.
Owners can see the warning sign before or during the failure. Look for hydraulic fluid on the ground under the trailer axle area, or for a noticeable loss of trailer brakes.
Who's affected?
Spans the 2012-2016 model years, with each Horse Gooseneck trailer tied to the hydraulic brake system.
| 2015 4-Star Horse Gooseneck | hydraulic brake system |
|---|---|
| 2012 4-Star Horse Gooseneck | hydraulic brake system |
| 2016 4-Star Horse Gooseneck | hydraulic brake system |
| 2013 4-Star Horse Gooseneck | hydraulic brake system |
| 2014 4-Star Horse Gooseneck | hydraulic brake system |
| Units affected | 227 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 7 field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific trailer is included.
What's the safety risk?
A ruptured hydraulic brake line means loss of brake power and higher crash risk. Watch for hydraulic fluid on the ground under the trailer axle area or any loss of braking. If either appears, stop using the trailer and call the dealer. Repair is free at any franchised 4-Star dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2012-2016 4-Star Horse Gooseneck trailer is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised 4-Star dealer to schedule the free brake-line fitting repair that changes the caliper connection and addresses brake-fluid leakage and loss of braking.
- Bring the recall notice if 4-Star sent one. If not, reference recall number 17V036 when you call.
- Tow cautiously until the repair is complete. Leave extra stopping distance because the trailer can lose braking power if the brake line ruptures.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a 4-Star technician changes the hydraulic brake line connection at the brake caliper from a compression fitting to a banjo fitting. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. If you already paid for this brake line connection repair before the recall work, 4-Star has a general reimbursement plan on file. Contact 4-Star customer service with your repair paperwork and ask how to submit the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| January 17, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 14, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
| February 5, 2026 | Dealer notification began |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V036?
Recall 17V036 covers 227 2012-2016 4-Star Horse Gooseneck trailers with a hydraulic brake line that can rupture where it connects to the brake caliper. In recall 17V036, that rupture can leak brake fluid and reduce braking power, increasing crash risk. 4-Star dealers will replace the compression fitting with a banjo fitting for free.
What should I do if my 2012-2016 4-Star Horse Gooseneck is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 17V036. If it is, contact a franchised 4-Star dealer or 4-Star customer service at 1-800-848-3095 to schedule the brake-line fitting repair. Reference recall number 17V036 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
No. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and 4-Star's remedy for recall 17V036 says dealers will change the brake line compression fitting to a banjo fitting free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at a franchised 4-Star dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk in recall 17V036 is reduced braking power. If the hydraulic brake line ruptures at the brake caliper connection, brake fluid can leak and the trailer can lose braking, increasing crash risk. Confirm the VIN, then schedule the free brake-line fitting repair before continued use.
What if I bought this 4-Star Horse Gooseneck used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recalls follow the VIN, not the first owner, so a used 2012-2016 4-Star Horse Gooseneck trailer remains eligible if it is included in recall 17V036. Check your VIN, then call a franchised 4-Star dealer with the recall number.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V036000 |
|---|---|
| 4-Star customer service | 1-800-848-3095 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V036 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V036000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →