Recall 12V456 affects 245 2002-2009 Altec AH100, AH75, HL125, and AH85 aerial devices for loose outrigger cylinders. Repair is free at any franchised Altec dealer.
Altec is recalling 245 2002-2009 AH100, AH75, HL125, and AH85 aerial device vehicles because improper torque on the outrigger cylinder piston retention system lets the cylinder loosen from the rod. If that happens, an outrigger leg can extend while stowed and strike a person or object; the Altec dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The 16-foot radial outriggers on 2002-2009 Altec AH100, AH75, HL125, and AH85 aerial device vehicles stabilize the truck when the boom is used. Each outrigger leg extends to support the chassis, then retracts and stays inside the body when the truck is ready to move. A hydraulic cylinder moves the leg, and the piston retention system keeps the cylinder and rod held together under hydraulic force.
On affected vehicles, the outrigger cylinder piston retention system was assembled with improper torque. That means the retaining parts were not tightened to the required load during assembly. Over use, the cylinder loosens from the rod, and the outrigger leg no longer stays fully within the confines of the chassis while stowed.
There is no warning sign before failure. The issue is inside the cylinder retention setup, so a walkaround only shows the problem after the outrigger leg is already protruding beyond the side of the truck.
Who's affected?
Covers the AH100, AH75, HL125, and AH85 across the 2002-2009 model years, all tied to the Equipment component.
| 2008 Altec AH100 | Equipment |
|---|---|
| 2004 Altec AH75 | Equipment |
| 2006 Altec AH75 | Equipment |
| 2008 Altec AH75 | Equipment |
| 2009 Altec AH75 | Equipment |
| 2006 Altec AH100 | Equipment |
| 2004 Altec AH100 | Equipment |
| 2008 Altec HL125 | Equipment |
| 2002 Altec HL125 | Equipment |
| 2004 Altec HL125 | Equipment |
| 2006 Altec AH85 | Equipment |
| 2005 Altec AH85 | Equipment |
| 2002 Altec AH85 | Equipment |
| 2004 Altec AH85 | Equipment |
| 2007 Altec AH100 | Equipment |
| 2002 Altec AH75 | Equipment |
| 2002 Altec AH100 | Equipment |
| 2009 Altec HL125 | Equipment |
| 2009 Altec AH100 | Equipment |
| 2005 Altec AH100 | Equipment |
| 2003 Altec AH100 | Equipment |
| 2005 Altec AH75 | Equipment |
| 2008 Altec AH85 | Equipment |
| 2007 Altec HL125 | Equipment |
| 2003 Altec AH75 | Equipment |
| 2009 Altec AH85 | Equipment |
| 2003 Altec HL125 | Equipment |
| 2005 Altec HL125 | Equipment |
| 2007 Altec AH85 | Equipment |
| 2003 Altec AH85 | Equipment |
| 2006 Altec HL125 | Equipment |
| 2007 Altec AH75 | Equipment |
| Units affected | 245 |
A matching year and model does not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
A loose cylinder can separate from the rod. The outrigger can then strike a person or object, which increases the risk of injury or property damage. Until it is repaired, keep people and objects clear of the outrigger while the equipment is being operated. Repair will be free at any franchised Altec dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2002-2009 Altec AH100, AH75, HL125, or AH85 aerial device is included in this recall.
- Contact Altec at 1-877-462-5832 to confirm repair timing for recall number 12V456.
- Schedule the free outrigger piston torque repair after your VIN is confirmed; the repair helps keep the outrigger leg stowed inside the chassis.
- Bring the recall notice if Altec mailed one to you. If not, reference recall number 12V456 when you call.
- Keep people and objects clear of the outrigger area until the repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
Altec's remedy is to increase the torque on the outrigger cylinder piston retention system. Once the dealer repair is available, an Altec technician will check the affected 16 foot radial outrigger equipment and increase the piston torque at no charge. Parts and labor are covered by the recall. The safety recall began on November 6, 2012, so ask Altec or the service desk to confirm the campaign is open for your specific VIN before arranging the repair.
Timeline
| September 18, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 6, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V456?
Recall 12V456 covers 245 2002-2009 Altec AH100, AH75, HL125, and AH85 aerial device vehicles with 16-foot radial outriggers. Improper piston-retention torque can let the outrigger cylinder loosen from the rod, allowing the stowed outrigger leg to extend beyond the chassis.
What should I do if my 2002-2009 Altec AH100, AH75, HL125, or AH85 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific aerial device vehicle is included in recall 12V456. If it is, contact Altec at 1-877-462-5832 and ask for the free outrigger piston torque correction. Reference recall number 12V456 when you call.
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 will increase the piston torque free of charge. Contact Altec service with recall number 12V456 to arrange the repair.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is injury or property damage from an outrigger that extends beyond the chassis while stowed. If the cylinder loosens from the rod, the outrigger can strike a person or object. The free repair corrects the piston-retention torque.
What if I bought this Altec aerial device used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the current owner or purchase history. Check your VIN, then contact Altec at 1-877-462-5832 with recall number 12V456 if your vehicle is included.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V456000 |
|---|---|
| Altec customer service | 1-877-462-5832 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V456 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V456000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
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 →