Recall 11V405 affects 13 2011-2012 Autocar Actt terminal tractors for right frame rail cracks. Repair is free at any authorized Autocar service facility.
Autocar is recalling 13 2011-2012 Actt terminal tractors because severe-duty use can crack the top flange of the right-hand frame rail near the engine air intake cut-out. Over time, the crack can spread, cause frame rail failure, change vehicle handling, and increase crash risk; the Autocar dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The frame rail on a 2011-2012 Autocar Actt terminal tractor is one of the main steel beams that supports the truck's chassis. The right-hand frame rail carries loads from the cab, drivetrain, suspension, and body equipment while the tractor works through tight, repeated movements in terminal service. Its top flange is the upper lip of that beam, and the engine air intake clearance cut-out is an opening made so the intake system has room.
On affected Actt tractors, cracks can develop in that top flange at the clearance cut-out. The filing ties the problem to high stress concentrated at that opening when the tractor is used in severe duty cycles. Repeated loading at the cut-out can start a crack and let it grow in the frame rail, which weakens a structural member that is supposed to stay rigid.
There is no warning sign before failure. Do not rely on a sound, light, or change in driving feel to confirm the problem.
Who's affected?
The same body or structural component is listed for both model years.
| 2011 Autocar Actt | body or structural component |
|---|---|
| 2012 Autocar Actt | body or structural component |
| Units affected | 13 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
A cracked frame rail can spread over time until the rail fails. A failed rail changes vehicle handling and increases the risk of a crash. Drive cautiously and schedule the recall repair soon. Repair will be free at any franchised Autocar dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011-2012 Autocar Actt is included in this recall.
- Contact an authorized Autocar service facility to schedule the free frame-rail repair for cracking at the engine air intake clearance cut-out.
- Reference recall number 11V405 when you call, and ask Autocar what inspection or transport guidance applies before the repair.
- Bring the owner notice if you have it, plus any service notes about frame cracking, handling changes, or severe-duty use.
- Avoid severe-duty operation until the frame-rail repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
At an authorized Autocar service facility, an Autocar technician handles the recall repair for the right-hand frame rail issue near the engine air intake clearance cut-out. The owner letter provides instructions for scheduling the repair, and the service is performed free of charge. The recall began on September 28, 2011, so owners with an included VIN should use the letter instructions or contact Autocar to arrange the no-cost service.
Timeline
| August 4, 2011 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 28, 2011 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 11V405?
Recall 11V405 covers 13 2011-2012 Autocar Actt terminal tractors with a frame-rail defect near the engine air intake clearance cut-out. Cracks can spread over time, cause the frame rail to fail, change vehicle handling, and increase crash risk. Autocar provides the repair for free.
What should I do if my 2011-2012 Autocar Actt is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific terminal tractor is included in recall 11V405. If it is, contact an authorized Autocar service facility to schedule the frame-rail repair. Reference recall number 11V405 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Autocar's recall remedy says the service will be performed free of charge at an authorized Autocar service facility. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the covered safety defect at no cost to the owner.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is frame-rail failure. Autocar says cracks in the right-hand frame rail can spread over time, causing the frame rail to fail, changing vehicle handling, and increasing the risk of a crash. Confirm your VIN before scheduling service.
When did Autocar start this recall repair?
Autocar began the safety recall on September 28, 2011. The owner notification letter provided instructions for scheduling repair at an authorized Autocar service facility. Owners can contact Autocar at 1-765-489-5499 with the recall number and VIN.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/11V405000 |
|---|---|
| Autocar customer service | 1-765-489-5499 |
| NHTSA recall # | 11V405 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 11V405000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (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 →