Recall 17V533 affects 85 2015-2016 Autocar Xpeditor vehicles for loose steer-axle tie rod fasteners. Repair is free at any franchised Autocar dealer.
Autocar is recalling 85 2015-2016 Xpeditor vehicles because the castellated nut on certain Dana Spicer steer axles was not properly torqued, allowing the tie rod to loosen. If the tie rod disconnects from the steering knuckle, the vehicle can lose steering; Autocar dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The tie rod in the 2015-2016 Autocar Xpeditor is part of the steering linkage. It connects the steer axle to the steering knuckle so the front wheels turn in response to the steering wheel. The castellated nut holds that tie rod joint tight at the knuckle attachment point.
This recall centers on certain Dana Spicer steer axles. If the castellated nut was not tightened to spec during axle assembly, the tie rod joint can loosen while the truck is being driven. A loose tie rod changes how the wheel tracks and puts stress on the steering connection. In the reported failure, the vehicle's tire separated from the wheel and the vehicle slid to a stop.
The warning signs listed for this recall are noise and loosened steering. If the steering feels loose or you hear new noise from the front steering area, treat it as a recall-related warning sign and have the truck inspected.
Who's affected?
The scope separates the tie rod assembly from the broader steering system, so owners will see both component labels for Xpeditor.
| 2015 Autocar Xpeditor | tie rod (steering linkage) |
|---|---|
| 2015 Autocar Xpeditor | steering system |
| 2016 Autocar Xpeditor | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| 2016 Autocar Xpeditor | steering system |
| Units affected | 85 |
| 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 your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
A loosening tie rod can separate from the steering knuckle, causing complete loss of steering and increasing the risk of a crash. Noise or loose steering is the warning sign to take seriously. Drive cautiously only as needed, and schedule the dealer inspection and repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Autocar dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015-2016 Autocar Xpeditor is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Autocar dealer to schedule the free steering inspection and castellated-nut torque repair that keeps the tie rod secured.
- Bring the recall notice if Autocar mailed one. If not, reference recall number 17V533 and Autocar recall ACX-1703 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete because a loose tie rod can lead to loss of steering.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Autocar technician inspects the torque on the castellated nut and tie rod for the steer axle, then tightens the hardware as needed. The recall repair is free, and parts and labor are covered. Autocar has a general reimbursement plan on file for owners who already paid out of pocket for this repair before the recall work. Contact Autocar customer service to ask how to submit the claim documentation.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| August 29, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 20, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
| September 20, 2017 | Dealer notification began |
| September 20, 2017 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| September 21, 2017 | Dealer notification ended |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V533?
NHTSA campaign 17V533 covers 85 2015-2016 Autocar Xpeditor vehicles with Dana Spicer D-Series and E-Series steer axles. The castellated nut on the steer axle tie rod was not properly torqued, which lets the tie rod loosen. Autocar dealers inspect and tighten the hardware for free.
What should I do if my 2015-2016 Autocar Xpeditor is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Xpeditor is included in recall 17V533. If it is, contact a franchised Autocar dealer to schedule the tie rod and castellated nut inspection. Use recall number 17V533 and Autocar recall ACX-1703 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Autocar dealers inspect the torque of the castellated nut and tie rod, then tighten the hardware as necessary, free of charge.
What is the safety risk in recall 17V533?
NHTSA campaign 17V533 says a loose tie rod can disconnect from the steering knuckle. That can cause a complete loss of steering and increase crash risk. The free dealer inspection confirms whether the steering hardware is properly tightened.
What if I bought my Autocar Xpeditor used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recalls follow the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2015-2016 Xpeditor is included, then contact an Autocar dealer and provide recall number 17V533.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V533000 |
|---|---|
| Autocar customer service | 1-888-218-3611 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V533 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V533000 |
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 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →