Autocar Issues Recall for Thousands of Heavy-Duty Vehicles Due to Steering Control Risk

Autocar, LLC is initiating a voluntary safety recall impacting an estimated 2,848 of its heavy-duty vehicles, including models of the Autocar Legend and Autocar Xpeditor. The recall, submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on October 9, 2025, addresses a potential defect with the tie rod end clamp, which, if not properly secured, could lead to a separation of the tie rod end. Such a failure could result in a loss of steering control, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.

The defect stems from a manufacturing error where the tie rod clamps may not have been adequately secured. This issue affects 2024-2026 Autocar Legend (DC) vehicles produced between May 1, 2024, and July 22, 2025, and 2024-2026 Autocar Xpeditor (ACX) vehicles manufactured from May 1, 2024, to July 17, 2025. The manufacturer estimates that approximately 6.5% of the involved vehicles may have this defect. While Autocar reports no known cases, complaints, or claims related to this specific issue, potential warning signs could include loose steering.

Autocar identified the issue on July 16, 2025, when field personnel discovered a vehicle with an improperly secured tie rod clamp. Following this discovery, the company implemented corrective actions, including re-training personnel and introducing an additional quality inspection between July 18 and July 22, 2025. All in-house units were inspected, and a “clean point” was established for production. An internal investigation and field inspection continued through August 19, 2025. After a preliminary meeting on September 25, 2025, and further review of all relevant information by Autocar’s management team on October 2, 2025, the company decided to proceed with a voluntary safety recall.

The remedy for affected vehicles will involve an inspection and, if necessary, proper securing or repair of the tie rod at no cost to the owner. Autocar will notify owners of affected vehicles via mail, providing instructions on how to schedule the inspection and repair. Vehicle owners who have already paid to have this condition remedied prior to the recall campaign are advised to seek reimbursement according to Autocar’s General Reimbursement Plan. The recall schedule indicates that dealer and owner notifications are planned to commence between December 5 and December 8, 2025. While the specific date for VIN searchability was not provided, the phased recall process will begin with these notifications. Owners experiencing loose steering are advised not to drive their affected vehicle and to park it outdoors until the issue can be addressed.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from Autocar, LLC.

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