Recall 18V224 affects 541 2018-2019 Autocar Xpeditor vehicles for an improperly tightened drag link pinch bolt. Repair is free at any franchised Autocar dealer.
Autocar is recalling 541 2018-2019 Xpeditor vehicles under recall 18V224 because the pinch bolt on the adjustable length drag link clamp was not properly tightened. If that bolt loosens, the driver can lose steering control, which raises the risk of a crash; Autocar dealers will complete the free recall repair.
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What's wrong?
The adjustable length drag link on 2018-2019 Autocar Xpeditor trucks is part of the steering linkage. It helps transfer steering input from the steering gear to the wheels, and its clamp holds the adjusted link length in place. The pinch bolt on that clamp is the fastener that keeps the clamp tight after adjustment.
On affected trucks, the pinch bolt was not tightened to the required torque during assembly. Autocar traced the problem to missed operator training on the tool and a torque audit that did not catch the operation. If the clamp is loose, the drag link can shift instead of holding its set position, which changes steering feel and alignment.
Owners or service technicians can notice abnormal tire wear, steering wheel play, steering vibration, or drift to either side before failure. Those signs mean the steering linkage needs inspection before the truck stays in service.
Who's affected?
Covers 2 Xpeditor model years with the same steering system issue.
| 2018 Autocar Xpeditor | steering system |
|---|---|
| 2019 Autocar Xpeditor | steering system |
| Units affected | 541 |
| 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?
A loose drag link pinch bolt can cause loss of steering control and increase the risk of a crash. Abnormal tire wear, steering wheel play, vibration, or steering drift are warning signs. Schedule the inspection soon and avoid driving if those signs appear. Repair is free at any franchised Autocar dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018-2019 Autocar Xpeditor is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Autocar dealer to schedule the free drag-link pinch-bolt inspection and tightening that secures the steering linkage.
- Bring the recall notice if Autocar has mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V224 when you call.
- Call Autocar customer service at 1-888-218-3611 with questions before your dealer appointment.
- Drive carefully until the repair is complete, and contact the dealer at once if the steering feels loose.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Autocar technician inspects the drag link pinch bolt on the adjustable length drag link and tightens it if it is loose. The inspection and any needed tightening are free under the recall. Autocar has a general reimbursement plan on file for owners who already paid for related repairs before the recall work. Bring repair invoices and payment records to the service desk, or contact Autocar customer service for the claim path.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| April 9, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 25, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
| May 25, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| May 25, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| May 25, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V224?
Recall 18V224 covers 541 2018-2019 Autocar Xpeditor vehicles with an adjustable drag link clamp pinch bolt that was not tightened correctly. If the bolt loosens, steering control is at risk. Autocar dealers will inspect and tighten the bolt for free.
What should I do if my 2018-2019 Autocar Xpeditor is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 18V224. If it is, contact a franchised Autocar dealer to schedule the drag link pinch bolt inspection. Reference recall 18V224 or Autocar recall ACX-1802 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Autocar dealers will inspect the drag link pinch bolt and tighten it as needed, free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of steering control if the drag link pinch bolt loosens. That loss of control increases crash risk. The repair path is clear: confirm the VIN, then have an Autocar dealer inspect and tighten the bolt.
What if I bought this Autocar Xpeditor used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Xpeditor is included, then call an Autocar dealer with recall 18V224 or ACX-1802.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V224000 |
|---|---|
| Autocar customer service | 1-888-218-3611 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V224 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V224000 |
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 →