Recall 16V663 covers 6 2015-2016 Smeal Aerial and Aerial Fire Apparatus vehicles for false touchscreen activations. Software reprogramming is free at any franchised Smeal dealer.
Smeal is recalling 6 2015-2016 Aerial Fire Apparatus and Aerial vehicles because Class 1 Ultraview touchscreens can trigger false switch activations without the operator knowing. Accessories such as emergency beacons or automatic snow chains can turn on or off, affecting vehicle performance and increasing crash risk; Smeal is developing the dealer repair, which will be free once available.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The Class 1 Ultraview touchscreen in 2015-2016 Smeal Aerial Fire Apparatus and Aerial fire apparatus is the switch interface for vehicle accessories. The operator uses it to turn equipment on or off, so the truck depends on the screen reading each touch correctly and leaving untouched switches alone.
On affected Smeal units, the touchscreen can register a switch command that the operator did not make. That false activation can turn accessories on or off without the operator knowing it. Because those accessories are tied into the fire apparatus electrical system, an unexpected command can affect vehicle performance during use.
There is no warning sign before failure. Units that have already had false switch activations have a tendency to repeat the condition, so a past unexplained accessory change is the clearest clue to report to a Smeal service contact.
Who's affected?
Covers the Aerial and Aerial Fire Apparatus names across the 2015 and 2016 model years, both tied to the electrical system.
| 2016 Smeal Aerial Fire Apparatus | electrical system |
|---|---|
| 2015 Smeal Aerial | electrical system |
| Units affected | 6 |
| 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 your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
Unintended activation or shutoff of accessories such as emergency beacons or automatic snow chains can increase the risk of a crash. There is no warning sign before a false switch activation. Units with prior false activations have a tendency to repeat the condition, so schedule the software repair when it is available. Repair will be free at any franchised Smeal dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015-2016 Smeal Aerial Fire Apparatus or Aerial is included in this recall.
- Contact Smeal customer service at 1-877-415-8628 to confirm current repair timing for recall number 16V663.
- Ask Smeal which service location handles the free touchscreen software reprogramming that stops false switch activations.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it, and give the service desk recall number 16V663.
- Avoid relying on the Class 1 Ultraview Touchscreen until service guidance is clear, since false switch activations can turn accessories on or off without the operator knowing.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Smeal technician will reprogram the unit's software for the Class 1 Ultraview touchscreen. The listed remedy is still under development, so treat this as the planned repair path, not a repair that is ready to schedule. Once Smeal opens the dealer repair, the software reprogramming will be free under the recall. Smeal has a general reimbursement plan on file for documented out-of-pocket repairs tied to this issue. If you already paid for a related software or touchscreen repair, contact Smeal customer service and keep your repair paperwork for the claim process.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| September 14, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 1, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
| October 7, 2016 | Dealer notification ended |
| October 18, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V663?
Recall 16V663 covers 6 2015-2016 Smeal Aerial Fire Apparatus and Aerial vehicles with Class 1 Ultraview Touchscreens that can falsely activate switches without the operator knowing. Accessories such as emergency beacons or automatic snow chains can turn on or off, increasing crash risk.
What should I do if my 2015-2016 Smeal Aerial Fire Apparatus or Aerial is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific apparatus is included in recall 16V663. If it is, contact a franchised Smeal dealer or Smeal customer service at 1-877-415-8628 to schedule the touchscreen software reprogramming. Reference recall number 16V663 when you call.
Does the recall repair cost anything?
No. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Smeal's remedy says dealers will reprogram the touchscreen unit's software free of charge, so parts and labor for the recall repair are covered.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is unintended accessory operation while the apparatus is in use. If emergency beacons or automatic snow chains turn on or off without the operator knowing, vehicle performance is affected and crash risk increases. The free repair reprograms the touchscreen software.
When did Smeal start this recall repair?
Smeal began the recall on October 18, 2016. Owner notification and dealer software reprogramming started after that date. If your apparatus was never repaired, check your VIN and call Smeal or a franchised Smeal dealer with recall number 16V663.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V663000 |
|---|---|
| Smeal customer service | 1-877-415-8628 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V663 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V663000 |
Source documents
-
Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (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 →