Recall 13V138 covers 532 2011-2013 Autocar Acx vehicles for brake chambers that drag and overheat parking-brake parts. Free repair at Autocar dealers.
Autocar is recalling 532 2011-2013 Acx vehicles because Meritor axle brake chambers can leak pressure, leaving the parking brake to drag after release. Dragging brakes overheat brake components and raise the risk of a fire; the Autocar dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The parking brake on 2011-2013 Autocar Acx vehicles uses air pressure to release the brake when the vehicle is ready to move. These vehicles have Meritor axle assemblies with disc brakes and MGM J24 series air brake chambers. The chamber is the part that holds and moves air pressure for the brake system.
In recall 13V138, the affected brake chambers leak pressure. When that pressure drops, the parking brake does not release cleanly and drags against the brake hardware while the vehicle is being driven. That dragging adds heat to the brake components instead of letting them run free after release.
There is no warning sign before failure. A driver should treat brake drag, unusual heat near the brake area, or a parking brake that does not seem fully released as a reason to stop using the vehicle until it is inspected.
Who's affected?
Covers the 2011, 2012, and 2013 model years for the same air-operated parking brake system.
| 2011 Autocar Acx | Air |
|---|---|
| 2012 Autocar Acx | Air |
| 2013 Autocar Acx | Air |
| Units affected | 532 |
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?
For recall 13V138, overheated brake components can result in a fire. Because no warning sign is listed, confirm whether your VIN is included and schedule service soon. Drive cautiously until the vehicle has been checked. Repair will be free at any franchised Autocar dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011-2013 Autocar Acx is included in this recall.
- Watch for Autocar's owner letter if you have not received one, then ask a franchised Autocar dealer about repair timing.
- Tell the dealer the truck needs the actuator replacement that addresses brake-chamber pressure leaks and parking-brake drag.
- Reference recall number 13V138 when you call Autocar or the dealer.
- Keep the truck away from dry grass, fuel storage, and structures if the parking brake drags or brake parts feel overheated.
What happens at the repair
The source remedy says the safety recall began on June 10, 2013, but this record does not list a current remedy status. At the dealer, an Autocar technician checks the brake actuator issue and replaces the actuators as needed. The repair is tied to air brake chambers that leak pressure and let the parking brake drag after release. The final dealer repair will be free once available, with parts and labor covered under the recall.
Timeline
| April 11, 2013 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 10, 2013 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 13V138?
Recall 13V138 covers 532 2011-2013 Autocar Acx vehicles with Meritor axle assemblies using MGM J24 series air brake chambers. The chambers can leak pressure, let the parking brake drag after release, overheat brake parts, and create a fire risk.
What should I do if my 2011-2013 Autocar Acx is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 13V138. If it is, contact a franchised Autocar dealer or Autocar at 1-765-489-5499 and reference recall 13V138 or Autocar campaign A-1301. The dealer replaces the affected actuators as needed for free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the defect repair at no cost, and Autocar's remedy says the affected actuators are replaced as needed free of charge. The safety recall began on June 10, 2013, so a franchised Autocar dealer can confirm the repair path for your VIN.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is fire. If the air brake chamber leaks pressure, the parking brake can drag when it is supposed to be released. That dragging can overheat brake components. Recall 13V138 addresses that defect by replacing affected actuators as needed.
What if I bought my Autocar Acx used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the original owner. Check your VIN, then call a franchised Autocar dealer with recall 13V138 or Autocar campaign A-1301 so the service desk can confirm whether the actuator replacement is open for your vehicle.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/13V138000 |
|---|---|
| Autocar customer service | 1-765-489-5499 |
| NHTSA recall # | 13V138 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 13V138000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (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 →