Recall 16V723 affects 1,132 2015-2017 Autocar Xpert and Xspotter vehicles for loose steering linkage castle nuts. Repair is free at authorized Autocar repair facilities.
Autocar is recalling 1,132 2015-2017 Xpert and Xspotter vehicles under recall 16V723 because castle nuts on the steering linkage assembly can be loose from improper tightening. If a cotter pin shears, steering linkage components can separate, causing loss of steering and increasing crash risk; the Autocar dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The steering linkage on 2015-2017 Autocar Xpert and Xspotter trucks is the set of rods and joints that carries your steering input from the steering system to the front wheels. The castle nuts are slotted retaining nuts that clamp key linkage joints in place, so the joint stays tight while the truck turns and vibrates in service.
On affected trucks, those castle nuts were not tightened to the required torque. A loose nut lets the steering linkage joint move in a way it is not designed to move. That movement weakens the connection between the steering system and the wheels, which means steering control depends on a joint that is no longer properly secured.
There is no warning sign before failure. Do not rely on steering feel, noise, or a visible change at the wheel to tell you the linkage is coming loose.
Who's affected?
Autocar lists the Xpert and Xspotter across the 2015, 2016, and 2017 model years, with steering linkage as the shared component.
| 2015 Autocar Xpert | steering linkage |
|---|---|
| 2015 Autocar Xspotter | steering linkage |
| 2016 Autocar Xpert | steering linkage |
| 2017 Autocar Xspotter | steering linkage |
| 2017 Autocar Xpert | steering linkage |
| 2016 Autocar Xspotter | steering linkage |
| Units affected | 1,132 |
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?
Improperly tightened castle nuts can let the cotter pin shear and the steering linkage separate. That means loss of steering control and a higher crash risk. Schedule the recall repair soon, and have the vehicle inspected before putting it back into regular service. Repair will be free at any franchised Autocar dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015-2017 Autocar Xpert or Xspotter is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Autocar service repair facility to confirm repair scheduling for the steering-linkage castle-nut repair.
- Reference recall number 16V723 and Autocar recall MDTT-1602 when you call.
- Bring the recall notice if Autocar mailed one, plus any service records showing the steering-linkage repair was already completed.
- Avoid driving the vehicle until Autocar confirms the repair is complete; loose castle nuts can let steering linkage components separate.
What happens at the repair
The filing says authorized Autocar service repair facilities will repair the affected Xpert and Xspotter vehicles free of charge. Because the remedy status is not listed as available here, confirm timing with the service desk before planning a visit. A technician checks the steering linkage assembly, including the castle nuts, and tightens or repairs the linkage hardware covered by the recall. Autocar has a general reimbursement plan on file for owners who already paid for this repair. Bring repair invoices and proof of payment when you ask the service desk how to submit the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
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 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V723?
Recall 16V723 covers 1,132 2015-2017 Autocar Xpert and Xspotter vehicles with steering linkage castle nuts that were not tightened properly. A loose castle nut can lead to cotter pin shear, steering linkage separation, loss of steering, and crash risk. Autocar repair facilities fix the defect for free.
What should I do if my 2015-2017 Autocar Xpert or Xspotter is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 16V723. If it is, contact an authorized Autocar service repair facility to schedule the steering linkage repair. Reference recall number 16V723 or Autocar recall MDTT-1602 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Autocar's remedy says authorized Autocar service repair facilities will repair the vehicles free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for included vehicles.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of steering. If the castle nuts on the steering linkage assembly were not tightened properly, the cotter pin can shear and steering linkage components can separate. That condition can increase crash risk. If your VIN is included, arrange the free repair promptly.
When did Autocar start this recall repair?
Autocar began recall 16V723 on November 18, 2016. Owners with included vehicles can contact Autocar customer service at 1-888-218-3611 or an authorized Autocar service repair facility and reference Autocar recall MDTT-1602 when scheduling the free steering linkage repair.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V723000 |
|---|---|
| Autocar customer service | 1-888-218-3611 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V723 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V723000 |
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 →