Recall 12V390 covers 141 2012 Altec aerial device vehicles for steering deviation over bumps. Altec installs the updated bracket and spring kit free.
Altec is recalling 141 2012 AT235P, AT37-G, AT235, AT200A, AT40M/P, and AT30-G aerial device vehicles built on Navistar Terrastar chassis because an Altec-installed torsion bar raises the front suspension ride height. When the vehicle hits bumps, it can deviate from the intended line of travel and increase crash risk; the Altec dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The front suspension torsion bar on these 2012 Altec aerial device trucks is part of the spring system. It twists under load to help support the front of the vehicle and keep the ride height controlled as the truck moves over uneven pavement. On the AT235P, AT37-G, AT235, AT200A, AT40M/P, and AT30-G, that suspension setup is built on a Navistar Terrastar chassis.
The problem is with the Altec-installed torsion bar. It raises the front suspension ride height beyond the intended position. When the truck hits bumps, that raised geometry changes how the front suspension and steering respond. Instead of tracking straight through the bump, the vehicle can alter its steering direction.
There is no warning sign before failure. The steering change can happen when the vehicle hits a bump, so the driver does not get a separate light, sound, or early symptom to confirm the problem first.
Who's affected?
Covers 6 Altec aerial device models from the same model year, all tied to the front suspension.
| 2012 Altec AT235P | front suspension |
|---|---|
| 2012 Altec AT37-G | front suspension |
| 2012 Altec AT235 | front suspension |
| 2012 Altec AT200A | front suspension |
| 2012 Altec AT40M/P | front suspension |
| 2012 Altec AT30-G | front suspension |
| Units affected | 141 |
A matching 2012 Altec model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
When the vehicle hits bumps, it can move off the intended line of travel and raise the risk of a crash. If your VIN is included, drive cautiously over rough roads and contact an Altec dealer for recall guidance. Repair will be free at any franchised Altec dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2012 Altec AT235P, AT37-G, AT235, AT200A, AT40M/P, or AT30-G is included in this recall.
- Contact Altec customer service at 1-877-462-5832 to confirm repair timing for your VIN.
- Ask Altec where to schedule the free updated bracket and spring kit that corrects the front torsion-bar ride-height problem.
- Bring the recall notice if Altec mailed one. If not, reference recall number 12V390 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Slow down over bumps and keep extra space around the vehicle.
What happens at the repair
Altec's remedy is an updated bracket and spring kit for the front suspension setup connected to the torsion bar issue. Once the dealer repair is available, an Altec technician will install the updated bracket and spring kit at no charge. The work is meant to correct the Altec-installed torsion bar setup that changed front suspension ride height and affected steering direction over bumps. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. Contact an Altec service location with the recall number and your VIN so the service desk can confirm the repair path for your vehicle.
Timeline
| August 8, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 27, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V390?
Recall 12V390 covers 141 2012 Altec AT235P, AT37-G, AT235, AT200A, AT40M/P, and AT30-G aerial devices with an Altec-installed torsion bar that raises the front suspension ride height. When the vehicle hits bumps, steering direction can change. Altec installs an updated bracket and spring kit for free.
What should I do if my 2012 Altec AT235P, AT37-G, AT235, AT200A, AT40M/P, or AT30-G is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific aerial device is included in recall 12V390. If it is, contact Altec at 1-877-462-5832 and ask about the updated bracket and spring kit. Reference recall 12V390 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Altec's recall remedy says it installs the updated bracket and spring kit free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for vehicles included in recall 12V390.
What is the safety risk in recall 12V390?
The safety risk is unintended steering direction change after the vehicle hits bumps. NHTSA campaign 12V390 says the vehicle can deviate from its intended line of travel, increasing crash risk. If your VIN is included, arrange the free Altec repair before returning the vehicle to regular service.
When did the Altec recall repair start?
The Altec recall repair started on August 27, 2012. If your vehicle still has an open recall, contact Altec at 1-877-462-5832 and ask for the updated bracket and spring kit under recall 12V390. The recall repair remains free for included vehicles.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V390000 |
|---|---|
| Altec customer service | 1-877-462-5832 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V390 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V390000 |
Source documents
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →