Recall 16V835 affects 2,194 1995-1999 Altec Aerial Device trucks for boom lift cylinder failure. Repair is free at any franchised Altec dealer.
Altec is recalling 2,194 1995-1999 Aerial Device trucks because Rosenboom lower boom lift cylinder end glands can fail and allow uncontrolled boom movement. That movement raises the risk of injury to the operator or bystanders, and Altec dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The lower boom lift cylinder on 1995-1999 Altec Aerial Device trucks is a hydraulic cylinder that raises, lowers, and holds the lower boom under control. Hydraulic pressure moves the cylinder rod, while the cylinder head gland helps seal the end of the cylinder and keep the rod assembly retained.
On affected units, the original cylinder design can exceed the fatigue life of the head-gland retaining ring after long service. Fatigue marks found on a failed field cylinder showed the retaining area had cracked over time. If the end gland separates, the cylinder loses its controlled hold on the boom, and the boom can move without command.
The warning sign is found during inspection, not through a normal dashboard alert. The operator's manual and maintenance manual describe cylinder inspection procedures, and early evidence of separating end glands is normally identified during those inspections.
Who's affected?
Spans five model years (1995-1999) of Altec Aerial Device equipment tied to the same equipment component.
| 1995 Altec Aerial Device | Equipment |
|---|---|
| 1997 Altec Aerial Device | Equipment |
| 1996 Altec Aerial Device | Equipment |
| 1998 Altec Aerial Device | Equipment |
| 1999 Altec Aerial Device | Equipment |
| Units affected | 2,194 |
| 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 your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
Uncontrolled boom movement creates an injury risk for the operator or bystanders. Follow the cylinder inspection procedures in the operator's manual and maintenance manual, and take any sign of separating end glands seriously before using the boom again. Repair is free at any franchised Altec dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 1995-1999 Altec Aerial Device is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Altec dealer to schedule the free boom inspection and lower boom lift cylinder repair or replacement that addresses uncontrolled boom movement.
- Bring the recall notice if Altec mailed one.
- Reference recall number 16V835 when you call the dealer or Altec customer service.
- Keep operators and bystanders clear of the boom area until the inspection and any needed repair are complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Altec technician inspects the boom and checks the Rosenboom lower boom lift cylinder. If the cylinder or related boom hardware is defective, the dealer repairs it or replaces the cylinder. The inspection, repair, and replacement parts are free under the recall. Altec's general reimbursement plan applies to documented out-of-pocket repairs tied to this recall. If you already paid for a related boom cylinder repair, contact Altec customer service and keep your repair order and payment records available.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| November 17, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| January 9, 2017 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| January 13, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V835?
Recall 16V835 covers 2,194 1995-1999 Altec Aerial Device trucks with Rosenboom lower boom lift cylinders. The cylinder end gland can fail and cause uncontrolled boom movement, increasing injury risk for the operator or bystanders.
What should I do if my 1995-1999 Altec Aerial Device is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 16V835. If it is, contact Altec or an Altec dealer to schedule the boom inspection. Dealers will repair or replace the affected cylinder for free.
Does the recall repair cost anything?
No. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Altec will inspect the boom, then repair or replace the cylinder free of charge through the recall remedy.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is uncontrolled boom movement. If the cylinder end gland fails, the boom can move without control and increase the risk of injury to the operator or people standing nearby.
When did the recall repair begin?
Altec began the recall repair on January 13, 2017. Owners can contact Altec customer service at 1-205-991-7733 and reference recall 16V835 when asking about inspection, repair, or cylinder replacement.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V835000 |
|---|---|
| Altec customer service | 1-205-991-7733 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V835 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V835000 |
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 May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →