Recall 15V204 affects 195 2013-2015 Autocar Acx trucks for cross-member brackets that can fail. Repair is free at any franchised Autocar dealer.
Autocar is recalling 195 2013-2015 Acx front-end loader garbage trucks because mounting brackets for the first cross member behind the engine can fail and the cross member can detach from the frame rails. Other supported components can then separate from the truck and become road hazards, which increases crash risk; Autocar dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The first cross member behind the engine on 2013-2015 Autocar Acx front-end loader garbage trucks is a structural beam that ties the frame rails together. Its mounting brackets hold that beam in place so the frame stays square while the truck carries body loads, drivetrain loads, and road forces. On affected trucks, the frame has a 183 to 186-inch wheelbase, a front-end loader body, and no frame rail liner.
The problem is at the brackets that mount that cross member to the frame rails. Those brackets can crack or fail, allowing the cross member to separate from the rails. Autocar found the recalled part was aluminum, while the repair part is made from high tensile steel. In a reported failure, the cross member failure led to driveline detachment from the truck.
Owners or fleet technicians should look for cracks in the cross member during visual inspection. An audible "popping" sound while the truck is moving is also a warning sign.
Who's affected?
The same body or structural component is listed across the 2013-2015 Acx trucks.
| 2014 Autocar Acx | body or structural component |
|---|---|
| 2015 Autocar Acx | body or structural component |
| 2013 Autocar Acx | body or structural component |
| Units affected | 195 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 1 field incident to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific truck.
What's the safety risk?
If the cross member detaches, parts it supports can separate from the truck, become road hazards, and increase crash risk. Look for visible cracks in the cross member and listen for a popping sound while the truck is moving. Schedule the repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Autocar dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013-2015 Autocar Acx is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Autocar dealer to schedule the free high-tensile steel mounting-bracket replacement that keeps the first cross member attached to the frame rails.
- Bring the recall notice if Autocar mailed one. If not, reference recall number 15V204 when you call.
- Call Autocar customer service at 1-888-218-3611 with questions, and reference Autocar recall ACX-1501.
- Ask the dealer for driving guidance until the repair is complete, because a detached cross member can let supported components separate from the vehicle.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Autocar technician replaces the aluminum mounting brackets for the first cross member behind the engine with high tensile steel brackets. The replacement parts and labor are free under the recall, and the repair is available now. If you already paid for this bracket or cross member repair before the recall work was done, Autocar's general reimbursement plan applies. Bring the paid invoice and repair paperwork to the service desk, or ask Autocar customer service how to submit the documentation.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| April 6, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 2, 2015 | Dealer notification began |
| June 2, 2015 | Dealer notification ended |
| June 2, 2015 | Owner notification mailed |
| June 2, 2015 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V204?
Recall 15V204 covers 195 2013-2015 Autocar Acx front-end loader garbage trucks with aluminum cross-member mounting brackets that can fail. If the cross member detaches, supported components can separate from the vehicle, create road hazards, and increase crash risk. Autocar dealers replace the brackets for free.
What should I do if my 2013-2015 Autocar Acx is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 15V204. If it is, contact a franchised Autocar dealer to schedule the cross-member bracket replacement. Reference recall number 15V204 or Autocar recall ACX-1501 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair recall defects at no cost. Autocar's remedy says dealers will replace the aluminum mounting brackets with high tensile steel brackets free of charge at a franchised Autocar dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is that the cross member behind the engine can detach from the frame rails. Components supported by that cross member can then separate from the truck, become road hazards, and increase the risk of a crash. The dealer repair replaces the bracket material.
What if I bought my Autocar Acx used?
The free repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2013-2015 Autocar Acx is included, then call a franchised Autocar dealer and reference recall 15V204.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V204000 |
|---|---|
| Autocar customer service | 1-888-218-3611 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V204 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V204000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 1, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →