Recall 17V321 covers 444 2012-2017 Terex Digger Derrick and Aerial Devices vehicles for remote engine-control shutdown failure. Repair is free at any franchised Terex dealer.
Terex is recalling 444 2012-2017 Digger Derrick and Aerial Devices vehicles built on Freightliner chassis with SmartPlex engine controls because a hood switch fault can disable remote engine-control functions. If the switch blocks remote engine shutdown during a hydraulic issue, injury risk increases, and Terex dealers provide the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
Terex 2012-2017 Digger Derrick and Aerial Devices vehicles are utility trucks built for stationary line work. The hood switch tells the vehicle computer whether the hood is open. That signal is tied to the power takeoff, or PTO, which powers the aerial or digger derrick hydraulic functions while the truck is working.
On affected vehicles, the hood switch fails or sends an open-hood signal when the PTO is engaged. The Freightliner computer program then shuts down the auxiliary engine controls. That leaves the truck at idle, turns off the PTO, and can remove the hydraulic power needed to operate the aerial or digger derrick.
There is no warning sign before failure. Users reported intermittent idle changes, PTO shutoff, and engine shutdown after 5 minutes, but the recall record says there is no clear way to identify the affected programming without testing the computer program change.
Who's affected?
Covers Digger Derrick and Aerial Devices across the 2012-2017 model years, all tied to the electrical system.
| 2016 Terex Digger Derrick | electrical system |
|---|---|
| 2014 Terex Aerial Devices | electrical system |
| 2014 Terex Digger Derrick | electrical system |
| 2017 Terex Digger Derrick | electrical system |
| 2015 Terex Digger Derrick | electrical system |
| 2012 Terex Digger Derrick | electrical system |
| 2013 Terex Digger Derrick | electrical system |
| 2016 Terex Aerial Devices | electrical system |
| 2015 Terex Aerial Devices | electrical system |
| 2013 Terex Aerial Devices | electrical system |
| 2012 Terex Aerial Devices | electrical system |
| 2017 Terex Aerial Devices | electrical system |
| Units affected | 444 |
| 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 this recall applies to your specific truck.
What's the safety risk?
A hood switch problem can keep the remote engine controls from shutting the engine down during a hydraulic issue on the Aerial Devices or Digger Derrick. That raises injury risk around the equipment. There is no warning sign before this failure. Repair is free at any franchised Terex dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2012-2017 Terex Digger Derrick or Aerial Devices unit is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Terex dealer to schedule the free SmartPlex software update that limits the hood-switch lockout to engine start, so remote engine controls are not blocked during Aerial or Digger Derrick operation.
- Bring the recall notice if Terex has mailed one. If not, reference recall number 17V321 and Terex recall SN659 when you call.
- Ask the dealer whether the unit needs any use restrictions around Aerial or Digger Derrick hydraulic operation before the update is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Terex technician reprograms the vehicle software so the engine start function is disabled only when the hood switch indicates that the hood is open. The software update is free under the recall, with parts and labor covered. If you already paid for this repair before the recall notice, Terex has a general reimbursement plan on file. Bring repair invoices or other documentation to the service desk and ask how to submit the claim through Terex Customer Service Department.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| May 15, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 31, 2017 | Dealer notification began |
| May 31, 2017 | Dealer notification ended |
| June 28, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V321?
Recall 17V321 covers 444 2012-2017 Terex Digger Derrick and Aerial Devices built on Freightliner chassis with SmartPlex engine controls. A hood switch error can disable remote engine control functions for aerial or digger derrick operation. Terex dealers will reprogram the vehicles for free.
What should I do if my 2012-2017 Terex Digger Derrick or Aerial Devices is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 17V321. If it is, contact a franchised Terex dealer or Terex Customer Service at 1-800-982-8975 to schedule the free software reprogramming. Reference recall number 17V321 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Terex's remedy says dealers will reprogram the affected vehicles free of charge. The repair changes the software so the hood switch only disables engine start when the hood reads open.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is tied to remote engine control during aerial or digger derrick work. If the hood switch prevents remote engine controls from shutting the engine down during a hydraulic issue, the condition increases injury risk for workers near or using the equipment.
When did Terex start the recall repair?
Terex began the recall on June 28, 2017. Since the remedy is available, owners of included 2012-2017 Terex Digger Derrick and Aerial Devices can contact a franchised Terex dealer or Terex Customer Service to arrange the free reprogramming.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V321000 |
|---|---|
| Terex customer service | 1-800-982-8975 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V321 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V321000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (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 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →