Recall 16V720 affects 2,375 2015-2017 Autocar Xpeditor vehicles for improperly tightened steering-linkage castle nuts. Repair is free at any franchised Autocar dealer.
Autocar is recalling 2,375 2015-2017 Xpeditor vehicles under recall 16V720 because the castle nuts on the steering linkage assembly need checking for improper tightening. If a castle nut loosens, the cotter pin can shear and steering linkage components can separate, causing loss of steering and increasing crash risk; Autocar dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The steering linkage on 2015-2017 Autocar Xpeditor vehicles connects the steering gear to the wheels so the driver's steering input turns the front axle. Castle nuts hold parts of that linkage together. They are slotted nuts that lock with a cotter pin, and they still need to be tightened to the specified force so the joint stays secure.
On affected Xpeditor vehicles, those castle nuts were not tightened properly during assembly. A loose nut lets the steering linkage joint move in a way it was not designed to move. Over normal use, that extra movement can loosen the joint further and reduce the steering system's ability to hold its intended position.
There is no warning sign before failure. The steering can feel normal until the linkage joint has already loosened, so the defect is not something an owner can reliably confirm from the driver's seat.
Who's affected?
Spans the 2015, 2016, and 2017 model years for the Xpeditor, all tied to the steering linkage.
| 2016 Autocar Xpeditor | steering linkage |
|---|---|
| 2015 Autocar Xpeditor | steering linkage |
| 2017 Autocar Xpeditor | steering linkage |
| Units affected | 2,375 |
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?
Loose steering linkage castle nuts can let the cotter pin shear and allow steering linkage parts to separate, causing loss of steering and increasing crash risk. Because this affects steering control, schedule the repair soon and drive cautiously until the castle nuts are checked. Repair is free at any franchised Autocar dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015-2017 Autocar Xpeditor is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Autocar dealer to schedule the free steering-linkage castle-nut service that tightens the hardware holding the steering linkage assembly together.
- Bring the recall notice if Autocar mailed one. If not, reference recall number 16V720 when you call.
- Limit driving until the repair is complete, because loose castle nuts can let steering linkage components separate.
- Call Autocar customer service at 1-888-218-3611 with questions, and reference Autocar recall ACX-1604.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Autocar technician checks the steering linkage castle nuts and tightens any nuts that were not secured properly. The recall repair is free, so parts and labor are covered at the franchised dealer. The service desk can connect the visit to Autocar's recall number ACX-1604, and the technician should confirm the steering linkage assembly is tightened before the vehicle returns to service.
Timeline
| October 6, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
|---|---|
| October 6, 2016 | Dealer notification ended |
| October 7, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
| November 18, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
| November 18, 2016 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| November 18, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V720?
Recall 16V720 covers 2,375 2015-2017 Autocar Xpeditor vehicles with steering linkage castle nuts that were not tightened properly. If the linkage separates, the driver can lose steering control and crash. Autocar dealers will tighten the castle nuts as needed for free.
What should I do if my 2015-2017 Autocar Xpeditor is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Xpeditor is included in recall 16V720. If it is, contact a franchised Autocar dealer to schedule the steering linkage inspection and castle nut tightening. Reference recall 16V720 or Autocar recall ACX-1604 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Autocar's recall remedy says dealers will tighten the steering linkage castle nuts as needed free of charge. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to provide the defect repair at no cost at a franchised dealer.
What is the safety risk on recall 16V720?
The safety risk is loss of steering. If the steering linkage castle nuts are loose, the cotter pin can shear and steering linkage components can separate. That can leave the driver without steering control and raise crash risk. The dealer repair is free.
What if I bought my Autocar Xpeditor used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the original owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2015-2017 Autocar Xpeditor is included, then call a franchised Autocar dealer and reference recall 16V720 or ACX-1604.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V720000 |
|---|---|
| Autocar customer service | 1-888-218-3611 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V720 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V720000 |
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 →