2013 Autocar Acx problems, complaints & recalls

Defect: Autocar, LLC (Autocar) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Autocar ACX front-end loader garbage trucks manufactured March 8, 2013, to September 24, 2014. The mounting brackets of the first cross member behind the engine may fail and cause the cross member to detach from the frame rails.

Risk: Other components that are supported by the cross member may separate from the vehicle if the cross member detaches, becoming road hazards and increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Autocar will notify owners, and dealers will replace the aluminum mounting brackets with a high tensile steel brackets, free of charge. The recall began on June 2, 2015. Owners may contact Autocar customer service at 1-888-218-3611. Autocar's number for this recall is ACX-1501.

Defect: Autocar, LLC (Autocar) is recalling certain model year 2008-2014 ACX, WX, and WXLL vehicles manufactured July 30, 2007, through February 10, 2014, and equipped with certain Cummins Westport Model ISL G or ISX12 G engines. Condensation in the intake manifold may freeze during cold weather conditions and interfere with the proper operation of the intake manifold pressure sensor.

Risk: The improper operation of the sensor could induce elevated exhaust temperatures or flames from the exhaust pipe, increasing the risk of a vehicle fire or burn injury to a person near the exhaust pipe.

Fix: Cummins Inc. and Cummins Wesport Inc. will notify owners, and authorized Cummins service facilities will upload a new ECM calibration, free of charge. The recall began on April 12, 2014. Owners may contact Autocar at 1-765-489-5499 or Cummins Inc. at 1-800-343-7357. Autocar's number for this recall is A-1402.

Defect: Autocar, LLC is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 ACX trucks built May 1, 2012, through November 15, 2012. Due to an insufficient weld, the windshield wiper arms of the vehicles may not be held in their proper position. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 104, "Windshield wiping and washing systems."

Risk: Without properly working windshield wipers, the driver's vision could be hindered by precipitation, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Autocar will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The recall began on July 19, 2013. Owners may contact Autocar at 1-765-489-5499. Autocar's recall campaign number is A-1303.

Defect: Autocar, LLC is recalling certain model year 2005-2013 ACX, WX, and WXLL trucks built November 16, 2004, through September 10, 2012. On the affected vehicles, the air brake systems were built without the required air tank drain valve. Therefore, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 121, "Air Brake Systems."

Risk: Air tanks with valves omitted will not drain if moisture is introduced into the tank, potentially reducing air capacity in the air brake system, which could cause a reduction in brake performance and equipment durability, thus increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Autocar will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The recall began on June 27, 2013. Owners may contact Autocar at 1-765-489-5499. Autocar's recall campaign number is A-1302.

Defect: Autocar, LLC is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 ACX vehicles manufactured January 24, 2011, through December 4, 2012. These vehicles are equipped with Meritor axle assemblies that were built with disc brakes using MGM J24 series air brake chambers. In the affected axles, the brake chambers may leak pressure allowing the parking brake to drag when it is supposed to be released. Brake dragging could lead to overheated brake components.

Risk: Overheated brake components could result in a fire.

Fix: Autocar will notify owners and will replace the actuators as needed, free of charge. The safety recall began on June 10, 2013. Owners may contact Autocar at 1-765-489-5499. Autocar's campaign recall number is A-1301.