Recall 13V183 affects 797 2012-2013 Autocar Acx trucks with improperly secured windshield wiper arms. Repair is free at any franchised Autocar dealer.
Autocar is recalling 797 2012-2013 Acx trucks because an insufficient weld can leave the windshield wiper arms out of position. That failure can hinder the driver's vision in precipitation and raise crash risk, and the Autocar dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The windshield wiper arm on the 2012-2013 Autocar Acx is the metal arm that holds the wiper blade against the windshield. It transfers motion from the wiper motor linkage to the blade, so the blade sweeps water, road spray, and debris from the driver's view. The arm has to stay fixed in the correct position for the blade to clear the glass as designed.
On affected Acx trucks, the weld that holds the wiper arm in position is insufficient. That weak weld lets the arm shift out of its proper position instead of staying aligned with the wiper mechanism. Once the arm moves, the blade no longer follows the intended sweep across the windshield, and the truck no longer meets the windshield wiping standard named in recall 13V183.
There is no warning sign before failure. The first thing an owner notices can be a wiper arm sitting in the wrong position or a blade that no longer clears the windshield properly.
Who's affected?
The scope is centered on the wiper system, with the same component listed for each model year.
| 2012 Autocar Acx | wiper system |
|---|---|
| 2013 Autocar Acx | wiper system |
| Units affected | 797 |
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?
Windshield wipers that fail in precipitation can block the driver's view and raise the risk of a crash. If the wipers stop clearing the glass, slow down, pull over safely, and arrange service before returning to wet roads. Repair will be free at any franchised Autocar dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2012-2013 Autocar Acx is included in this recall.
- Contact Autocar customer service at 1-765-489-5499 to confirm the repair path before scheduling service.
- Ask a franchised Autocar dealer for the free wiper-arm repair that secures the windshield wiper arms so they stay in position.
- Bring the owner notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 13V183 and Autocar recall A-1303 when you call.
- Avoid driving in rain, snow, or other precipitation until the wiper-arm repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Autocar technician repairs the windshield wiper arm condition tied to the insufficient weld, so the arms are held in their proper position. Autocar states that the dealer repair is free, with parts and labor covered under recall 13V183. The record does not list a separate labor time or a specific replacement part, so ask the service desk what repair step applies before the truck is brought in.
Timeline
| May 8, 2013 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 19, 2013 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 13V183?
Recall 13V183 covers 797 2012-2013 Autocar Acx trucks with windshield wiper arms that were not held in the proper position because of an insufficient weld. Faulty wiper positioning can hinder driver visibility in precipitation and raise crash risk. Autocar dealers repair the vehicles for free.
What should I do if my 2012-2013 Autocar Acx is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 13V183. If it is, contact a franchised Autocar dealer to schedule the windshield wiper arm repair. Reference recall number 13V183 and Autocar campaign A-1303 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Autocar's remedy says dealers will repair the affected vehicles free of charge. Use recall number 13V183 when you call the dealer service desk.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced visibility during precipitation. If the windshield wiper arms are not held in the proper position, the driver's view through the windshield is hindered, which raises crash risk. Have a franchised Autocar dealer complete the free repair.
What if I bought my Autocar Acx used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2012-2013 Autocar Acx is included, then call a franchised Autocar dealer and reference recall 13V183.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/13V183000 |
|---|---|
| Autocar customer service | 1-765-489-5499 |
| NHTSA recall # | 13V183 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 13V183000 |
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 →