Recall 12V046 covers 269 2011-2012 Autocar Acx heavy-duty trucks with leaking Bendix brake relay valves. Temporary repair is free at any franchised Autocar dealer.
Autocar is recalling 269 2011-2012 Acx heavy-duty trucks because Bendix ATR-6 antilock traction relay valves can leak internally in extreme cold and apply the brakes continuously. That brake application can overheat the brakes, lead to a fire, cause loss of control, and happen without brake lights; the Autocar dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The Bendix ATR-6 antilock traction relay valve in 2011-2012 Autocar Acx trucks is part of the air-brake control system. In normal driving, it helps manage air pressure for traction and antilock brake functions, then sends brake air only when the system calls for it. That control matters because air pressure is what applies the service brakes on these heavy-duty trucks.
In extremely cold conditions, the relay valve can develop an internal air leak. Instead of holding air back until braking is commanded, the leaking valve lets pressure reach the primary or secondary brake circuit. That pressure causes the affected brakes to stay applied, which can drag the brakes and make the truck harder to control.
There is no warning sign before failure. In cold weather, an owner or driver first notices the problem when a brake stays applied or the truck does not roll normally after the brakes should have released.
Who's affected?
Covers the 2011 and 2012 Acx, with the same brake-system component listed for both model years.
| 2012 Autocar Acx | brake system |
|---|---|
| 2011 Autocar Acx | brake system |
| Units affected | 269 |
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?
Unexpected continuous brake application can overheat the brakes and lead to a fire. It can also make the driver lose control and increase crash risk. If the brakes apply without brake lights, drivers behind the truck lose proper warning. Schedule the recall service soon and drive cautiously until it is complete. Repair will be free at any franchised Autocar dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011-2012 Autocar Acx is included in this recall.
- Watch for Autocar's owner notice if you have not received it; the notice identifies the free temporary brake repair.
- Call Autocar customer service at 1-765-489-5499 and reference recall number 12V046 when you ask about repair status for your VIN.
- Schedule the free brake-valve service that addresses Bendix ATR-6 relay valve leakage and continuous brake application.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. If the brakes drag, overheat, or apply without warning, stop driving and contact Autocar for service guidance.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Autocar technician provides the temporary repair for the Bendix ATR-6 antilock traction relay valve issue. That temporary service is free of charge. The source remedy says Bendix still has to develop the permanent fix, so do not treat this as a final repair being ready to schedule from the recall text alone. Once the permanent remedy is available, the dealer repair will be free under the recall. Autocar owner notifications began on August 8, 2012.
Timeline
| February 8, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 8, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V046?
Recall 12V046 covers 269 2011-2012 Autocar Acx heavy-duty Class 8 vehicles equipped with Bendix ATR-6 antilock traction relay valves. In extreme cold, internal leakage can cause continuous brake application. Autocar dealers provide the recall service free of charge.
What should I do if my 2011-2012 Autocar Acx is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 12V046. If it is, contact a franchised Autocar dealer and ask for the brake relay valve recall repair. Reference recall number 12V046 when you call. The recall service is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Autocar's remedy states that the service is free of charge. Ask the Autocar dealer to confirm the repair status for your VIN before bringing the vehicle in.
What is the safety risk in recall 12V046?
Continuous brake application can overheat the brakes and lead to a fire. It can also cause the driver to lose control, increasing crash risk, and the brake lights can fail to warn other drivers when the brakes apply.
What if I bought my Autocar Acx used?
The free recall service still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN, then call a franchised Autocar dealer with recall number 12V046. Autocar also listed 1-765-489-5499 for owner questions.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V046000 |
|---|---|
| Autocar customer service | 1-765-489-5499 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V046 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V046000 |
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 →