Recall 15V443 covers 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, and 2016 Autocar Xpeditor vehicles for overheating defrost actuators. Free repair at franchised Autocar dealers.
Autocar is recalling 1,042 Xpeditor vehicles from 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016 because the HVAC defrost mode door actuator can overheat. Overheating increases the risk of a fire, and Autocar dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The HVAC defrost mode door actuator on affected Autocar Xpeditor trucks is a small electric motor inside the heating and air conditioning system. Its job is to move the defrost mode door, which directs airflow toward the windshield when the driver selects defrost. That airflow helps clear fog, frost, and moisture from the glass so the driver can see.
On these trucks, the actuator circuit does not have enough protection between the actuator circuit board and the wiring harness. When the electrical connection is overloaded, heat builds at that connection. The actuator overheats instead of moving the defrost door normally, and the recall repair adds a fused harness to limit current in that circuit.
There is no warning sign before failure. Owners do not get a dashboard light, noise, or other clear clue before the actuator overheats, so the defect is not something a driver can reliably spot during normal use.
Who's affected?
Every listed Xpeditor year points to the same air conditioner component, so the inclusion question comes down to the exact VIN.
| 2010 Autocar Xpeditor | Air conditioner |
|---|---|
| 2011 Autocar Xpeditor | Air conditioner |
| 2012 Autocar Xpeditor | Air conditioner |
| 2009 Autocar Xpeditor | Air conditioner |
| 2013 Autocar Xpeditor | Air conditioner |
| 2015 Autocar Xpeditor | Air conditioner |
| 2016 Autocar Xpeditor | Air conditioner |
| Units affected | 1,042 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 3 field incidents to date. |
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?
Overheating in the defrost actuator raises the risk of a fire. There is no stated warning sign before failure, so do not wait for a symptom before scheduling service. If your VIN is included, arrange the recall repair soon and follow dealer guidance until the fused harness is installed. Repair is free at any franchised Autocar dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016 Autocar Xpeditor is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Autocar dealer to schedule the free fused-harness repair that protects the overheating HVAC defrost actuator circuit.
- Bring the recall notice if Autocar mailed one. If not, reference recall number 15V443 when you call.
- Ask the dealer whether the vehicle needs HVAC-use limits before the harness is installed.
- Call Autocar customer service at 1-765-489-5499 with questions about scheduling or dealer handling.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Autocar technician installs an additional wiring harness in the HVAC defrost mode door actuator circuit. That added harness includes four one amp fuses, which add circuit protection where the actuator can overheat. The recall repair is free, and parts and labor are covered by Autocar. Ask the service desk how long the installation will take when you schedule.
Timeline
| July 10, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 3, 2015 | Dealer notification began |
| September 3, 2015 | Dealer notification ended |
| September 3, 2015 | Owner notification mailed |
| September 3, 2015 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| September 3, 2015 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V443?
Recall 15V443 covers 1,042 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, and 2016 Autocar Xpeditor vehicles with HVAC defrost mode door actuators that can overheat. Overheating increases the risk of a fire. Autocar dealers add a harness with four, one amp fuses for free.
What should I do if my 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, or 2016 Autocar Xpeditor is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Xpeditor is included in recall 15V443. If it is, contact a franchised Autocar dealer to schedule the free harness installation. Reference recall number 15V443 or Autocar recall ACX-1504 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Autocar dealers install the added fused harness free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for vehicles included in recall 15V443.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is fire. The HVAC defrost mode door actuator can overheat, and NHTSA campaign 15V443 states that overheating of the defrost actuator increases the risk of a fire. Confirm the VIN, then arrange the free dealer repair.
When did the recall repair become available?
The recall repair became available when Autocar began the recall on September 3, 2015. Owners can contact Autocar customer service at 1-765-489-5499 or a franchised Autocar dealer and reference recall 15V443 or ACX-1504.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V443000 |
|---|---|
| Autocar customer service | 1-765-489-5499 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V443 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V443000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (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 May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →