Recall 10V363 affects 2,184 2008-2009 Autocar Acx vehicles for ignition-relay corrosion that can shut down the engine. Repair is free at Autocar service facilities.
Autocar is recalling 2,184 2008-2009 Acx heavy duty Class 8 vehicles because water can enter the ignition relay, cause corrosion, and short-circuit the part. Relay failure can shut the engine down without warning or keep it from starting, increasing crash risk; the Autocar dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The ignition relay in a 2008-2009 Autocar Acx is an electrical switch for the truck's ignition system. It helps route power when the driver turns the key, so the ignition circuit responds as intended. On these heavy duty Class 8 vehicles, that small relay has to stay dry and electrically isolated to keep the circuit stable.
The defect starts when water gets inside the ignition relay. Once moisture reaches the relay contacts or internal wiring, corrosion forms on the metal surfaces. That corrosion can create a short circuit, which means electricity takes the wrong path through the relay. When that happens, the relay can fail instead of controlling the ignition circuit.
There is no warning sign before failure. The relay can appear to work normally until corrosion or a short circuit stops it from doing its job.
Who's affected?
Covers the 2008 and 2009 model years, both tied to the ignition portion of the electrical system.
| 2009 Autocar Acx | electrical system |
|---|---|
| 2008 Autocar Acx | electrical system |
| Units affected | 2,184 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
Relay failure can shut the engine down without warning or prevent starting, which raises crash risk. There is no warning sign before shutdown. If the engine stalls or will not start, move out of traffic when safe and schedule service soon. Repair will be free at any franchised Autocar dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2008-2009 Autocar Acx is included in this recall.
- Contact Autocar customer service at 1-765-489-5499 to confirm repair instructions from the September 3, 2010 owner letter.
- Schedule the free ignition-relay repair at an authorized Autocar service facility so water intrusion and corrosion do not shut the engine down without warning.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 10V363 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete, and pull over safely if the engine shuts down or fails to restart.
What happens at the repair
At an authorized Autocar service facility, an Autocar technician checks the ignition relay condition tied to water intrusion and corrosion. The recall notice says owner letters were mailed with scheduling instructions, and that the safety recall began on September 3, 2010. The service is performed free of charge under the recall. Because the filing does not describe a separate reimbursement plan, this section does not add a reimbursement step. If prior work was done on the same ignition relay condition, ask the Autocar service facility how the recall applies to that repair history.
Timeline
| August 4, 2010 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 3, 2010 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 10V363?
Recall 10V363 covers 2,184 2008-2009 Autocar Acx heavy duty Class 8 vehicles with ignition relay water intrusion. Corrosion can short-circuit the relay, causing the part to fail. Autocar will repair the vehicle for free at an authorized Autocar service facility.
What should I do if my 2008-2009 Autocar Acx is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 10V363. If it is, schedule the repair with an authorized Autocar service facility and reference recall number 10V363 when you call. Autocar lists 1-765-489-5499 for owner questions.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Autocar's recall remedy says this service will be performed free of charge. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the safety defect at no cost when your VIN is included in the campaign.
Is it safe to drive my Autocar Acx before the repair?
The risk is engine shutdown without warning or failure to start, which increases crash risk. This recall is not marked do not drive, but owners should confirm VIN status and arrange the free relay repair with an authorized Autocar service facility.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/10V363000 |
|---|---|
| Autocar customer service | 1-765-489-5499 |
| NHTSA recall # | 10V363 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 10V363000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - 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 3, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →