Recall 15V280 affects 5,245 2008-2016 Autocar Xpeditor vehicles because a crankcase vent tube elbow can detach and create fire risk. Free repair at Cummins service centers.
Autocar is recalling 5,245 2008-2016 Xpeditor vehicles because excessive engine crankcase pressure can detach the 90-degree elbow from the crankcase ventilation breather. That failure allows engine oil to reach hot surfaces and increases the risk of a vehicle fire; the dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
On 2008-2016 Autocar Xpeditor vehicles, the crankcase ventilation breather and vent tube assembly help the engine breathe while it runs. Combustion pressure that slips past the piston rings has to leave the crankcase in a controlled path, and the vent tube routes those vapors away from the engine instead of letting pressure build inside.
In this recall, excessive crankcase pressure can push the 90-degree elbow of the vent tube assembly off the crankcase ventilation breather. Once that elbow detaches, the ventilation path is no longer sealed. Engine oil can then escape from the breather area and reach hot engine surfaces, where it does not belong.
There is no warning sign before failure. The recall does not list a light, sound, smell, or change in how the truck drives before the elbow separates.
Who's affected?
Spans 9 Xpeditor model years, all listed with the same engine component.
| 2014 Autocar Xpeditor | Engine |
|---|---|
| 2015 Autocar Xpeditor | Engine |
| 2016 Autocar Xpeditor | Engine |
| 2008 Autocar Xpeditor | Engine |
| 2009 Autocar Xpeditor | Engine |
| 2010 Autocar Xpeditor | Engine |
| 2011 Autocar Xpeditor | Engine |
| 2012 Autocar Xpeditor | Engine |
| 2013 Autocar Xpeditor | Engine |
| Units affected | 5,245 |
Year and model alone do not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific truck.
What's the safety risk?
Engine oil on a hot surface increases the risk of a vehicle fire. Until the recall work is complete, drive cautiously and arrange service soon if your VIN is included. Repair will be free at any franchised Autocar dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2008-2016 Autocar Xpeditor is included in this recall.
- Contact Autocar customer service or a Cummins service center to ask about the free engine vent tube and ECM repair.
- Reference recall number 15V280 when you call, and ask whether Autocar recall ACX-1503 applies to your vehicle.
- Schedule the repair that secures the 90-degree vent tube elbow and reprograms the ECM so crankcase pressure does not let oil reach hot engine surfaces.
- Avoid operating the vehicle if you smell oil, see oil near hot engine parts, or notice smoke. Ask Autocar or Cummins for service guidance before moving it.
What happens at the repair
At the service center, an Autocar technician secures the ends of the 90-degree elbow in the crankcase ventilation system. The technician also reprograms the electronic control module, or ECM, with software that adjusts engine output under misfire conditions to limit crankcase pressure. These recall repairs are free of charge. If your VIN still shows an open recall, ask the service desk to confirm the repair procedure and whether Cummins service centers are handling the work for your truck.
Timeline
| May 13, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 16, 2015 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V280?
Recall 15V280 covers 5,245 2008-2016 Autocar Xpeditor vehicles with excessive engine crankcase pressure that can detach the 90-degree vent-tube elbow from the crankcase ventilation breather. Engine oil can then reach hot surfaces and increase fire risk. Cummins service centers secure the elbow ends and update ECM software for free.
What should I do if my 2008-2016 Autocar Xpeditor is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 15V280. If it is, contact Autocar customer service or a Cummins service center to schedule the repair. The service center secures the vent-tube elbow and updates the ECM software at no cost.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and the remedy for recall 15V280 is free. Cummins service centers complete the repair by securing the 90-degree elbow ends and reprogramming the ECM software.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is fire. Excessive crankcase pressure can loosen the vent-tube elbow, allowing engine oil to reach hot engine surfaces. If oil contacts a hot surface, fire risk increases. Confirm the VIN first, then arrange the free repair if the vehicle is included.
What if I bought my Autocar Xpeditor used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. If you never received an owner letter, check your VIN to see whether your Xpeditor is included in recall 15V280, then reference that recall number when arranging service.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V280000 |
|---|---|
| Autocar customer service | 1-765-489-5499 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V280 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V280000 |
Source documents
-
Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF) - Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (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 →