Recall 15V101 covers 2012-2014 Altec Digger Derrick and Aerial Device vehicles for trailer relay module overheating. Repair is free at franchised Altec dealers.
Altec is recalling 5,142 2012-2014 Digger Derrick and Aerial Device vehicles mounted on Freightliner chassis because a short circuit can leave the trailer relay module overheating before the 30 amp breaker reacts. An overheated module raises the risk of a fire, and Altec dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The trailer relay module on 2012-2014 Altec Digger Derrick and Aerial Device vehicles is part of the electrical system for trailer-related circuits. It routes power through the Freightliner-mounted vehicle so trailer functions receive the right signal. A circuit breaker protects that module by opening the circuit when a short sends too much current through it.
On affected vehicles, the 30 amp breaker reacts too slowly during a short circuit. The vendor-supplied component was not built to the proper specification. That delay lets current keep flowing long enough for the trailer relay module to overheat. The recall repair replaces the 30 amp breaker with a 20 amp breaker, which opens the circuit sooner.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner should not count on a dashboard light, smell, or visible change before the module overheats during a short circuit condition.
Who's affected?
Digger Derrick and Aerial Device models are grouped under the same electrical-system recall across the 2012, 2013, and 2014 model years.
| 2013 Altec Digger Derrick | electrical system |
|---|---|
| 2014 Altec Digger Derrick | electrical system |
| 2012 Altec Digger Derrick | electrical system |
| 2012 Altec Aerial Device | electrical system |
| 2014 Altec Aerial Device | electrical system |
| 2013 Altec Aerial Device | electrical system |
| Units affected | 5,142 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.
What's the safety risk?
If the module overheats, fire risk increases. No warning sign is listed before overheating, so schedule the recall repair soon and follow any Altec instructions until the vehicle is fixed. Repair is free at any franchised Altec dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2012-2014 Altec Digger Derrick or Aerial Device is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Altec dealer to schedule the free breaker replacement, which replaces the 30 amp trailer relay module breaker with a 20 amp breaker to reduce overheating risk.
- Bring the recall notice if Altec mailed one. If not, reference recall number 15V101 when you call.
- Avoid using the trailer electrical system until the repair is complete if you notice overheating, smoke, or a burning smell.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Altec technician replaces the 30 amp circuit breaker for the trailer relay module with a 20 amp breaker. That lower-rated breaker is the recall repair, and the replacement parts and labor are free. Altec has a general reimbursement plan on file for owners who already paid for a related repair before the recall notice. Bring repair documentation to the service desk, or contact Altec customer service to ask how to submit the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| February 23, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 7, 2015 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| April 17, 2015 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V101?
Recall 15V101 covers 5,142 2012-2014 Altec Digger Derrick and Aerial Device vehicles mounted on Freightliner chassis. A 30 amp breaker for the trailer relay module can react too slowly during a short circuit, allowing the module to overheat and increasing fire risk.
What should I do if my 2012-2014 Altec Digger Derrick or Aerial Device is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 15V101. If it is, contact an Altec dealer or Altec customer service at 1-800-860-0183 and reference recall CSN 612. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 15V101, Altec dealers will replace the 30 amp circuit breaker with a 20 amp circuit breaker free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is fire. If a short circuit occurs, the 30 amp breaker for the trailer relay module can react too slowly to stop the module from overheating. If the module overheats, the risk of a fire increases.
When did the recall repair become available?
The recall began on April 17, 2015. That means the circuit breaker replacement is available now through Altec dealers. When you call, reference recall 15V101 or Altec recall number CSN 612 so the service desk can find the correct repair.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V101000 |
|---|---|
| Altec customer service | 1-800-860-0183 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V101 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V101000 |
Source documents
-
Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF) - Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 1, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →