RoadVitals

2016 Smeal Aerial Fire Apparatus Recalls

Safety recall campaigns filed with NHTSA that cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
Recall campaignsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
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Newest Jul 20, 2017
Carrying an NHTSA advisoryCampaigns where NHTSA told owners not to drive the vehicle, or to park it outside, until the repair is done.
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Open investigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
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Recall campaigns

4 campaigns cover this model year — what the defect is, what it could cause, and what the remedy is

17V463000

EQUIPMENT

Jul 20, 2017
109 units potentially affected
The defect: Smeal Fire Apparatus Co., Inc. (Smeal) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Aerial Fire Apparatus emergency vehicles. The hydraulic manifold that controls the aerial device may not be fully seated, possibly resulting in a hydraulic fluid leak.
The risk: The hydraulic fluid leak may result in inadvertent movement of the aerial device, increasing the risk of injury.
The remedy: Smeal will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the mating surface of the hydraulic manifold, correcting the problem as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on August 10, 2017. Owners may contact Smeal customer service at 1-800-543-5008. Smeal's number for this recall is 17019.
Smeal Holding LLCManufacturer number 17019View on NHTSA.gov
16V887000

EQUIPMENT

Dec 9, 2016
216 units potentially affected
The defect: Smeal Fire Apparatus Co., Inc. (Smeal) is recalling certain model year 1997-2016 Rear Mount Aerial Platform Apparatus emergency vehicles manufactured January 1, 1997, to November 30, 2016. The affected vehicles are equipped with a movable ladder access guardrail that may bend or break under heavy loads.
The risk: A guardrail that bends or breaks under load can increase the risk of injury.
The remedy: Smeal will notify owners, and dealers will add a support to the opposite side of the guardrail, free of charge. The recall began on January 11, 2017. Owners may contact Smeal customer service at 1-877-415-8628.
Smeal Fire Apparatus Co., Inc.View on NHTSA.gov
16V663000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Sep 14, 2016
6 units potentially affected
The defect: Smeal Fire Apparatus Co., Inc. (Smeal) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Aerial fire apparatus vehicles manufactured October 1, 2015, to August 31, 2015, equipped with Class 1 Ultraview Touchscreens manufactured by Hale Products. These touchscreens may experience false switch activations that can happen without the operator's knowledge causing accessories to turn on or off, affecting vehicle performance.
The risk: The unintended turning on or off of accessories such as emergency beacons or automatic snow chains can increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Smeal will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the unit's software, free of charge. The recall began on October 18, 2016. Owners may contact Smeal customer service at 1-877-415-8628, option 1 for Smeal, then option 4 for Direct Customer Service.
Smeal Fire Apparatus Co., Inc.View on NHTSA.gov
16V583000

POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION

Aug 4, 2016
88 units potentially affected
The defect: Smeal Fire Apparatus Co., Inc. (Smeal) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Smeal Aerial and Pumper fire trucks manufactured July 16, 2015, to August 1, 2016. The affected vehicles may be equipped with certain C20 and C21 split-shaft transmissions from Waterous. This transmission sends power to the wheels of an emergency response vehicle or powers an add-on unit such as a water pump used for fighting fires. A component within the shift unit may be damaged and as a result, the operator may not be able to switch the power output.
The risk: If the power output cannot be changed, once the fire truck arrives at the scene, it may not be able to pump water to aid in extinguishing the fire, increasing the risk of injury.
The remedy: Smeal will notify owners, and dealers will remove the shift unit assembly and replace the clevis pin and retaining rings, free of charge. The recall began on September 12, 2016. Owners may contact Smeal customer service at 1-877-415-8628.
Smeal Fire Apparatus Co., Inc.View on NHTSA.gov

What a recall is

Safety recall
A safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
Safety investigation
NHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
Manufacturer communication
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

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