Recall 16V599 affects 294 2016-2017 Autocar Xspotter vehicles for steering-column weld failure. Repair is free at any franchised Autocar dealer.
Autocar is recalling 294 2016-2017 Xspotter vehicles because the steering column shaft weld can break and separate the steering wheel from the steering system. A loss of steering ability increases the risk of a crash, and Autocar dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The steering column shaft in a 2016-2017 Autocar Xspotter is the metal link inside the steering column that carries the driver's steering input from the steering wheel into the steering system. When that shaft stays connected and solid, turning the wheel turns the steering components that aim the front wheels.
On affected Xspotter vehicles, the internal shaft weld was not fused correctly during supplier welding. The source problem was low voltage during the weld, which left the metal pieces poorly bonded instead of joined as one solid part. If that weld breaks, the steering wheel separates from the steering system and the driver loses steering ability.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner or driver should not expect noise, looseness, or a warning light to appear before the weld separates.
Who's affected?
Both listed model years share the same steering column component.
| 2016 Autocar Xspotter | steering column |
|---|---|
| 2017 Autocar Xspotter | steering column |
| Units affected | 294 |
| 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?
Loss of steering ability makes the vehicle harder to control and increases the risk of a crash. If your VIN is included, schedule the steering column inspection soon and drive cautiously until the dealer checks it. Repair is free at any franchised Autocar dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016-2017 Autocar Xspotter is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Autocar dealer to schedule the free steering-column inspection and replacement that fixes the shaft weld separation risk.
- Bring the recall notice if Autocar mailed one. If not, reference recall number 16V599 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Leave extra room and avoid routes where a loss of steering control leaves no safe stop area.
- Call Autocar customer service at 1-888-218-3611 with questions about scheduling or dealer handling.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Autocar technician inspects the steering column and replaces it as needed under the recall. The work is free, including covered parts and labor. Autocar's general reimbursement plan on file covers eligible documented steering column repairs that owners already paid for before the recall notice. Bring prior repair paperwork to the service desk and ask how Autocar handles reimbursement for this campaign.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| August 15, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 3, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
| October 3, 2016 | Dealer notification ended |
| October 7, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
| October 7, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V599?
Recall 16V599 covers 294 2016-2017 Autocar Xspotter vehicles with a steering column shaft weld that can break. If it breaks, the steering wheel can separate from the steering system, causing loss of steering ability and increasing crash risk.
What should I do if my 2016-2017 Autocar Xspotter is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 16V599. If it is, contact a franchised Autocar dealer to schedule the steering column inspection. The dealer will replace the steering column if needed, free of charge.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair the defect at no cost. Autocar dealers will inspect the steering column and replace it if needed, free of charge.
What is the safety risk in recall 16V599?
The safety risk is loss of steering ability. The steering column shaft weld can break and separate the steering wheel from the steering system, increasing crash risk. Have the steering column inspected by an Autocar dealer if your VIN is included.
What if I bought my Autocar Xspotter used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recalls follow the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2016-2017 Autocar Xspotter is included, then reference recall 16V599 when you contact an Autocar dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V599000 |
|---|---|
| Autocar customer service | 1-888-218-3611 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V599 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V599000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (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 →