Recall 17V009 affects 617 2005-2016 Altec Telescoping Aerial Device vehicles for an improperly oriented winch brake. Repair is free at any franchised Altec dealer.
Altec is recalling 617 2005-2016 Telescoping Aerial Device units because the winch brake can be installed in the wrong orientation, which can let the winch line move unexpectedly. Unexpected winch line movement increases injury risk, and Altec dealers will correct the winch brake orientation free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The material-handling winch on the 2005-2016 Altec Telescoping Aerial Device raises and holds a suspended load while the aerial device is in use. Its brake is a friction load-holding device, which means it uses mechanical resistance to keep the winch line from moving when hydraulic pressure is lost. The brake has to face the right direction to hold the load.
On affected Altec units, the winch brake was specified in the wrong orientation. If a hydraulic line fails, the brake as installed does not hold the load as intended. That leaves the winch line able to move unexpectedly, which can let the suspended load slip instead of staying controlled.
Operators can notice the problem after a hydraulic line failure or when the winch load begins to slip. Treat either sign as a warning that the material-handling system is not holding the load correctly.
Who's affected?
Spans the 2005-2016 model years for a single Altec Telescoping Aerial Device model, with each listed year tied to the same Winch component.
| 2014 Altec Telescoping Aerial Device | Winch |
|---|---|
| 2016 Altec Telescoping Aerial Device | Winch |
| 2010 Altec Telescoping Aerial Device | Winch |
| 2006 Altec Telescoping Aerial Device | Winch |
| 2012 Altec Telescoping Aerial Device | Winch |
| 2015 Altec Telescoping Aerial Device | Winch |
| 2009 Altec Telescoping Aerial Device | Winch |
| 2013 Altec Telescoping Aerial Device | Winch |
| 2007 Altec Telescoping Aerial Device | Winch |
| 2005 Altec Telescoping Aerial Device | Winch |
| 2011 Altec Telescoping Aerial Device | Winch |
| 2008 Altec Telescoping Aerial Device | Winch |
| Units affected | 617 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
Unexpected movement of the winch boom line can increase the risk of injury, especially around the winch load or hydraulic lines. Treat a hydraulic line failure or winch load slip as a stop-work condition, keep people clear of the boom line, and schedule the recall repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Altec dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2005-2016 Altec Telescoping Aerial Device is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Altec dealer to schedule the free winch-brake repair that reverses the brake direction and checks the brake torque setting.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it, and reference recall number 17V009 when you call or arrive.
- Keep people clear of the winch boom line until the brake orientation and torque setting are corrected.
- Call Altec customer service at 1-205-991-7733 with scheduling questions.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Altec technician reverses the direction of the winch brake, then checks the winch brake torque setting and adjusts it to the correct specification. The inspection and adjustment are free under the recall. Altec has a general reimbursement plan on file for owners who already paid for the same recall repair before notice. Contact Altec customer service or ask the service desk what documentation is needed for a reimbursement claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| January 9, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 9, 2017 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| March 10, 2017 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| March 15, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V009?
Recall 17V009 covers 617 2005-2016 Altec Telescoping Aerial Devices with a winch brake that can be improperly oriented, causing unexpected winch line movement and increased injury risk. Altec dealers reverse the winch brake direction and check and adjust brake torque free of charge.
What should I do if my 2005-2016 Altec Telescoping Aerial Device is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific aerial device is included in recall 17V009. If it is, contact an Altec dealer or Altec customer service at 1-205-991-7733 to schedule the winch brake repair. Reference Altec recall number CSN 643 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair the defect at no cost, and Altec dealers will reverse the winch brake direction and check and adjust the winch brake torque setting free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is unexpected winch line movement. If the winch boom line moves without warning during aerial-device operation, a worker or bystander faces an increased risk of injury. Stop using affected winch equipment until an Altec dealer completes the free repair.
What if I bought this Altec aerial device used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the equipment, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Altec Telescoping Aerial Device is included, then contact an Altec dealer or Altec customer service with recall number CSN 643.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V009000 |
|---|---|
| Altec customer service | 1-205-991-7733 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V009 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V009000 |
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 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →