Recall 15V536 affects 809 2010-2015 Mcneilus Zr refuse trucks for a loose transit arm latch. Repair is free at any franchised Mcneilus dealer.
Mcneilus is recalling 809 2010-2015 Zr side-loader refuse trucks because an air-actuated transit arm latch can loosen over time and release unintentionally. If the arm extends beyond the vehicle width, crash risk increases, and Mcneilus dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The transit arm latch on 2010-2015 Mcneilus Zr side-loader refuse trucks holds the loading arm in its stored position while the truck is being driven. The loading arm is the side-mounted arm that reaches out to pick up refuse containers. The latch is air actuated, meaning air pressure operates the latch instead of a manual lock.
On affected trucks, that air-actuated latch does not engage deeply enough to stay locked when the arm bounces on uneven roads. Over time, the latch can loosen and release without command. When that happens, the arm can move out of its stored transit position and extend beyond the truck's normal width.
Under normal operation, the driver should get a visual and audible alarm in the cab if the arm leaves the stored position while the truck is moving faster than 7 mph. That alarm is the warning sign to stop and check the arm position before continuing.
Who's affected?
Covers the Zr across 2010-2015, all using the same Equipment component label.
| 2013 Mcneilus Zr | Equipment |
|---|---|
| 2011 Mcneilus Zr | Equipment |
| 2012 Mcneilus Zr | Equipment |
| 2010 Mcneilus Zr | Equipment |
| 2014 Mcneilus Zr | Equipment |
| 2015 Mcneilus Zr | Equipment |
| Units affected | 809 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 2 field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
An arm that extends from the side of the vehicle during travel increases the risk of a crash. The cab alarm is the warning sign: if it sounds or shows the arm left its stored transit position, slow safely, stop using the arm, and call fleet service. Repair is free at any franchised Mcneilus dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2010-2015 Mcneilus Zr is included in this recall.
- Contact Mcneilus customer service at 1-888-686-7278 to schedule the free chain-style transit arm latch repair that keeps the side-loader arm from drifting outward.
- Reference recall number 15V536 and Mcneilus recall VSR-TSB-008 when you call.
- Bring the recall notice if Mcneilus sent one, or give the service desk your VIN and recall number.
- Keep the transit arm secured and avoid using the truck if the latch will not hold the arm within the vehicle width.
What happens at the repair
For this available recall, a Mcneilus fleet service technician installs a new chain-style transit arm latch that keeps the transit arm from drifting and releasing. The repair is free to the customer. Mcneilus says the work is performed by the customer's own service technicians at no cost. For reimbursement of covered parts and labor, file a warranty claim with Mcneilus if your fleet already paid for this recall repair before the no-cost work was processed.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| August 21, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 14, 2015 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| September 14, 2015 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| October 19, 2015 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V536?
Recall 15V536 covers 809 2010-2015 Mcneilus Zr side-loader refuse trucks with an air-actuated transit arm latch that can loosen and release. If the arm extends beyond the side of the truck, crash risk increases. Mcneilus service technicians will install a chain-style transit arm latch for free.
What should I do if my 2010-2015 Mcneilus Zr is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 15V536. If it is, contact Mcneilus customer service at 1-888-686-7278 or your fleet service contact to arrange the chain-style transit arm latch installation. Use Mcneilus recall number VSR-TSB-008 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Mcneilus will install the new chain-style transit arm latch free of charge. The repair keeps the transit arm from drifting or extending beyond the truck body.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is a transit arm that releases and extends past the side of the truck. That added width increases crash risk, especially near traffic, parked vehicles, workers, or fixed objects along a refuse route. Confirm the VIN and arrange the free latch repair.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V536000 |
|---|---|
| Mcneilus customer service | 1-888-686-7278 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V536 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V536000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - 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 May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →