Recall 15V398 affects 23 2013-2015 Altec AH125, HL125, and AH150 aerial devices for rotation-bearing fastener failure. Broken bolts are replaced free after torque inspection.
Altec is recalling 23 2013-2015 AH125, HL125, and AH150 aerial devices because the rotation bearing fasteners can fail. If those fasteners fail, the boom can move unintentionally and increase the risk of injury or death to the user or people nearby; Altec dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The rotation bearing fasteners on 2013-2015 Altec AH125, HL125, and AH150 aerial devices are the hardware that secures the rotation bearing assembly. That bearing is what lets the upper structure turn while the boom is positioned, so the fasteners have to keep the assembly clamped under working load.
On affected units, fasteners from identified lot numbers missed a required post plating heat treatment. That missed step left the metal vulnerable to hydrogen embrittlement, a condition that makes a fastener crack or break from inside the metal. There is no visible difference between the suspect fasteners and properly treated fasteners.
The warning sign comes through maintenance, not normal operation. These fasteners are torque checked during the annual preventive maintenance inspection, and defective fasteners are normally identified during that inspection. Before that check, an owner or operator should not expect a visible clue.
Who's affected?
Covers the AH125, HL125, and AH150 across the 2013, 2014, and 2015 model years, all tied to the same mechanical equipment component.
| 2015 Altec AH125 | Mechanical |
|---|---|
| 2015 Altec HL125 | Mechanical |
| 2015 Altec AH150 | Mechanical |
| 2014 Altec AH150 | Mechanical |
| 2013 Altec HL125 | Mechanical |
| 2013 Altec AH150 | Mechanical |
| 2014 Altec AH125 | Mechanical |
| 2013 Altec AH125 | Mechanical |
| 2014 Altec HL125 | Mechanical |
| Units affected | 23 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 1 field incident 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 fasteners that attach the aerial device to the truck fail, the boom can move unintentionally. That raises the risk of injury or death for the user or people nearby. Keep the annual torque inspection current, and have any broken bolts replaced. Repair is free at any franchised Altec dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013-2015 Altec AH125, HL125, or AH150 is included in this recall.
- Contact Altec customer service at 1-877-462-5832 to schedule the free repair path.
- Schedule the annual torque inspection that checks the rotation-bearing fasteners holding the aerial device to the truck.
- Bring the recall notice, or reference recall number 15V398 when you call.
- Avoid operating the aerial device until the torque inspection is complete and any broken bolts are replaced at no charge.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer or Altec service location, an Altec technician completes the annual torque inspection for the rotation bearing fasteners. Any bolts that break during that inspection are replaced free of charge under the recall. If you already paid out of pocket for rotation bearing fastener inspection or bolt replacement tied to this recall, Altec's reimbursement plan on file covers documented eligible expenses. Bring the repair paperwork to the service desk or contact Altec customer service.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| June 23, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 22, 2015 | Owner notification mailed |
| July 29, 2015 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V398?
Recall 15V398 covers 23 2013-2015 Altec AH125, HL125, and AH150 aerial devices with rotation bearing fasteners that can fail. If those fasteners fail, the boom can move unintentionally and increase the risk of injury or death to the user or people nearby.
What should I do if my 2013-2015 Altec AH125, HL125, or AH150 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific aerial device is included in recall 15V398. If it is, complete the annual torque inspection Altec requires. Contact Altec customer service at 1-877-462-5832 and reference CSN 620 when arranging service or asking repair questions.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to fix the defect at no cost. Altec will replace any bolts that break during the required torque inspection free of charge, and the recall remedy is available now.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is unintended boom movement. If the fasteners that attach the aerial device to the truck fail, the boom can move without command and create a risk of personal injury or death for the aerial device user or people nearby.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V398000 |
|---|---|
| Altec customer service | 1-877-462-5832 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V398 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V398000 |
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 →