Recall 12V083 affects 111 2012 Autocar Acx trucks with incorrectly reconnected tag-axle brake air lines. Repair is free at any franchised Autocar dealer.
Autocar is recalling 111 2012 Acx refuse trucks under recall 12V083 because tag axle brake air lines can be reconnected in the wrong locations after chassis work. If the lines are wrong, the tag axle brakes apply when lifted but do not work when lowered, reducing braking ability and increasing crash risk; the dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The tag axle on a 2012 Autocar Acx refuse truck is an extra axle that helps carry load and can be raised or lowered as the truck works. Its air brake lines route compressed air to the brake system, so the tag axle brakes apply and release at the right time.
During refuse-body manufacturing, the tag axle on the chassis had to be removed. When it was put back, two air lines had to return to the correct locations. If those lines were crossed, the brake logic was reversed: the tag axle brakes applied when the axle was lifted, then did not work when the axle was lowered and carrying load.
There is no warning sign before failure. The truck can look ready for service while the tag axle brake plumbing is connected wrong, so the problem is not something an owner can confirm by pedal feel alone.
Who's affected?
The listed scope covers two component areas on the same truck: the drive axle and the brake system.
| 2012 Autocar Acx | drive axle |
|---|---|
| 2012 Autocar Acx | brake system |
| Units affected | 111 |
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?
Reduced braking ability raises crash risk because the truck has less braking performance when the defect is present. If stopping behavior feels abnormal, pull over where safe and call the dealer before driving farther. Repair will be free at any franchised Autocar dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2012 Autocar Acx is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Autocar dealer to confirm whether the free inspection and air-line repair is open for your VIN.
- Reference recall number 12V083 when you call or schedule service.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it, and ask the dealer to inspect the tag-axle air lines that affect braking when the tag axle is lowered.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Leave extra following distance and avoid heavy loads when practical.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Autocar technician inspects the tag axle brake air line routing on the 2012 Acx. If the lines are connected in the wrong locations, the technician corrects the routing so the tag axle brakes work when the axle is lowered. The final dealer repair will be free once available, with parts and labor covered under the recall.
Timeline
| March 2, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 2, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V083?
Recall 12V083 covers 111 2012 Autocar Acx trucks with tag axle air lines that were reinstalled in the wrong locations after the axle was removed during refuse truck manufacturing. When the tag axle is lowered, the tag axle brakes do not function, reducing braking ability and increasing crash risk.
What should I do if my 2012 Autocar Acx is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 12V083. If it is, contact a franchised Autocar dealer or the recall service line at 507-374-6321 to schedule inspection and repair. Reference recall number 12V083 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the recall repair at no cost, and Autocar will inspect the affected air-line routing and complete the brake repair free of charge. Ask the dealer to reference recall 12V083 when scheduling service.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced braking ability. If the tag axle air lines are connected incorrectly, the tag axle brakes apply when the axle is lifted but do not function when the axle is lowered. That loss of braking force increases crash risk.
When did the recall repair begin?
The safety recall began on May 2, 2012. Because that date has passed, owners of affected 2012 Autocar Acx trucks should contact a franchised Autocar dealer or call 507-374-6321 for the free inspection and repair path.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V083000 |
|---|---|
| Autocar customer service | 507-374-6321 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V083 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V083000 |
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 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →