Recall 16V583 affects 88 2015-2016 Smeal Aerial and Pumper fire trucks for a shift-unit defect. Repair is free at any franchised Smeal dealer.
Smeal is recalling 88 2015-2016 Aerial Fire Apparatus, Aerial, and Pumper fire trucks because certain Waterous C20 and C21 split-shaft transmissions have a damaged shift-unit component that can prevent the operator from switching power output. A stuck power output can leave the truck unable to pump water at a fire scene, which increases injury risk; Smeal dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The 2015-2016 Smeal Aerial Fire Apparatus, Aerial, and Pumper fire trucks use a split-shaft transmission on affected Waterous pump setups. This transmission is the transfer point for power. It sends power to the wheels when the truck is being driven, or redirects power to an added unit such as the water pump used at a fire scene.
The problem is inside the shift unit that changes where that power goes. A retaining ring in the shift unit was deformed because installation pliers were out of adjustment during assembly. When that ring is damaged, the shift unit does not hold or move as designed, and the operator can be unable to switch the power output.
An owner or fire department operator is not given a clear advance symptom in the filing. There is no warning sign before failure. The issue shows up when the operator needs to change the truck from one power output to another and the shift does not work.
Who's affected?
Covers three fire-apparatus configurations from the 2015 and 2016 model years, all tied to the manual transmission.
| 2016 Smeal Aerial Fire Apparatus | manual transmission |
|---|---|
| 2015 Smeal Aerial | manual transmission |
| 2016 Smeal Pumper | manual transmission |
| 2015 Smeal Pumper | manual transmission |
| Units affected | 88 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific truck.
What's the safety risk?
A power output failure can leave the fire truck unable to pump water after it reaches a fire scene, increasing the risk of injury during suppression work. Schedule the repair soon so the truck can pump water as intended at the scene. Repair is free at any franchised Smeal dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015-2016 Smeal Aerial Fire Apparatus, Aerial, or Pumper fire truck is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Smeal dealer to schedule the free shift-unit repair.
- Ask the dealer to remove the shift unit assembly and replace the clevis pin and retaining rings, the repair that restores power-output switching for the transmission and pump drive.
- Bring the recall notice if Smeal mailed one. If not, reference recall number 16V583 when you call.
- Keep the truck out of emergency response service until the repair is complete if the transmission fails to switch power output to the water pump.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Smeal technician removes the transmission shift unit assembly, then replaces the clevis pin and retaining rings. The recall repair is free, and parts and labor are covered. This repair addresses the shift unit problem that can stop the operator from switching power output between the drive wheels and equipment such as the water pump. Smeal has a general reimbursement plan on file for owners who already paid for this repair. Bring repair invoices or other documentation to the service desk, or contact Smeal customer service about submitting a reimbursement claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| August 4, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 15, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
| August 22, 2016 | Dealer notification ended |
| August 22, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| September 12, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V583?
Recall 16V583 covers 88 2015-2016 Smeal Aerial Fire Apparatus, Aerial, and Pumper fire trucks with certain Waterous C20 and C21 split-shaft transmissions. A damaged shift-unit component can prevent the operator from switching power output. Smeal dealers will replace the affected hardware for free.
What should I do if my 2015-2016 Smeal Aerial Fire Apparatus, Aerial, or Pumper is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific fire truck is included in recall 16V583. If it is, contact a Smeal dealer or Smeal customer service at 1-877-415-8628 to arrange the shift-unit assembly repair. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Smeal dealers will remove the shift unit assembly and replace the clevis pin and retaining rings free of charge.
What is the safety risk in recall 16V583?
The safety risk is loss of firefighting function at the scene. If the power output cannot be changed after arrival, the truck can be unable to pump water for fire suppression, increasing the risk of injury. The dealer repair addresses the shift-unit defect.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V583000 |
|---|---|
| Smeal customer service | 1-877-415-8628 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V583 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V583000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (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 →