2003 Autocar WX problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 2003 Autocar WX — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 4 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2003 compare to other WX years?

WX NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all WX years to avoid →

Does the 2003 Autocar WX have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

05V295000Driver AssistanceJune 21, 2005 · 649 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN HEAVY DUTY CLASS 8 TRUCKS, THE BACKUP ALARM MOTION SENSOR MAY NOT HAVE BEEN INSTALLED CORRECTLY AND MAY NOT SENSE WHEN THE VEHICLE MOVERS BACKWARDS UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.

Consequence

THE VEHICLE MAY ROLL BACKWARDS WITHOUT THE BACKUP ALARM SOUNDING WITH THE RISK OF RUNNING OVER OR CRUSHING A PERSON STANDING OR WORKING BEHIND THE VEHICLE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPOSITION THE MOTION SENSOR IN RELATION TO THE MAGNETS THAT ROTATE WHEN THE VEHICLE MOVES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 19, 2004. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AUTOCAR AT 1-877-973-3486.

05V032000BrakesFebruary 3, 2005 · 140 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN HEAVY DUTY CLASS 8 TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH BENDIX AUTOMATIC BRAKE SYSTEMS (ABS), THE BRAKES MAY HAVE A SYSTEM FAULT THAT MAY NOT BE DETECTED BY THE ABS ELECTRONIC CONTROL UUNIT (ECU) AND THEREFORE WILL NOT GENERATE AN ABS WARNING LIGHT ON THE DASH OF THE TRUCK.

Consequence

THE ABS BRAKES MAY NOT PERFORM AS DESIGNED AND IN AN ABS ASSISTED STOP THE DRIVER MAY NOT BE ABLE TO MAINTAIN STEERING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. WHEN VEHICLE CONTROL IS COMPROMISED THERE IS A CHANCE FOR A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT, RESET AND CHECK THE ECU FOR FAULT LIGHTS AND CHECK THE ABS BRAKES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 11, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AUTOCAR AT 1-877-973-3486.

04V390000Tires & WheelsAugust 10, 2004 · 33 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH ACCURIDE 22.5 X 9.00 - HUB PILOT H.D. STEEL WHEEL RIMS, THE REAR AXLE WHEEL STUDS ARE TOO SHORT. THESE STUDS MAY NOT BE ABLE TO RETAIN THE WHEEL NUT TORQUE AND COULD LOOSEN ALLOWING THE LOSS OF A WHEEL.

Consequence

IF A VEHICLE LOSES A WHEEL WHILE TRAVELING DOWN A ROADWAY, A CRASH COULD OCCUR, PROPERTY DAMAGE TO FOLLOWING VEHICLES OR PERSONAL INJURY TO PERSONS OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR AXLE WHEEL STUDS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 3, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT AUTOCAR AT 1-877-973-3486.

03V493000TransmissionNovember 26, 2003 · 834 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH ALLISON HEAVY DUTY TRANSMISSIONS, THE BOLTS FASTENING THE PROPSHAFT TO THE TRANSMISSION YOKE WERE NOT TIGHTENED SUFFICIENTLY. LOOSE BOLTS CAN CAUSE DISLOCATION OF THE PROPSHAFT.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO LOSE POWER TO ITS WHEELS AND RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND RE-TIGHTEN BOLTS TO THE REQUIRED SPECIFICATIONS . CUSTOMERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT AUTOCAR AT 1-765-489-5499.

2003 Autocar WX — common questions

Is the 2003 Autocar WX reliable?

The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 4 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2003 Autocar WX have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2003 Autocar WX. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 2003 compare to other WX years?

Does the 2003 Autocar WX have recalls?

2003 Autocar WX — common questions

Is the 2003 Autocar WX reliable?

Does the 2003 Autocar WX have recalls?

Related