Recall 17V553 covers 2 2017 Seagrave Aerialscope emergency vehicles with loose tie-rod hardware. Repair is free at any franchised Seagrave dealer.
Seagrave is recalling 2 2017 Aerialscope emergency vehicles under recall 17V553 because the castellated nut on Spicer D-Series and E-Series steer axles can lack proper torque, which lets the tie rod loosen. If the tie rod disconnects from the steering knuckle, the vehicle can lose steering, and the Seagrave dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The tie rod on the 2017 Seagrave Aerialscope is part of the steering linkage. It connects the steering axle hardware so the front wheels turn together when the driver turns the wheel. At the affected attachment point, the tie rod taper joint fits into the steering knuckle and is held by a castellated nut, a slotted nut designed to stay tight with a retaining pin.
The problem is at that nut. On affected Spicer steer axles, the castellated nuts in the tie rods were not tightened to the required torque during assembly. If that joint loosens, the tie rod can move out of position and the steering linkage no longer holds the wheel in the intended direction.
Drivers should get significant warning before a tie rod disconnects. The warning signs are noise from the steering area and loosened steering feel while driving.
Who's affected?
| 2017 Seagrave Aerialscope | tie rod (steering linkage) |
|---|---|
| 2017 Seagrave Aerialscope | steering system |
| Units affected | 2 |
| 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 this recall applies to your specific truck.
What's the safety risk?
If a tie rod loosens and disconnects from the steering knuckle, the vehicle can lose steering control, increasing crash risk. Listen for noise and loosened steering. Treat either warning as a reason to pull over safely and call a Seagrave dealer. Repair will be free at any franchised Seagrave dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017 Seagrave Aerialscope is included in this recall.
- Wait for Seagrave's owner notice before scheduling the final dealer repair.
- Contact Seagrave customer service at 1-715-823-2141 with questions and reference recall number 17V553 when you call.
- Ask a franchised Seagrave dealer about the free torque inspection and tie-rod repair that prevents the steering tie rod from loosening.
- Limit operation until Seagrave confirms the steering inspection or repair path for your apparatus.
What happens at the repair
Seagrave's dealer process is to inspect the torque on the castellated nut and tie rod at the steer axle, then tighten the hardware if it is loose. If the tie rod stud and knuckle cannot hold the required torque, a Seagrave technician replaces the knuckle and tie rod end assembly. The final dealer repair will be free once available. Seagrave has a general reimbursement plan on file for related out-of-pocket repairs. Keep repair documentation and ask Seagrave how to submit it.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| September 6, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 6, 2017 | Dealer notification began |
| September 6, 2017 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| September 8, 2017 | Dealer notification ended |
| September 22, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V553?
Recall 17V553 covers 2 2017 Seagrave Aerialscope emergency vehicles with Spicer D-Series and E-Series steer axles. The castellated nut on the steer axle can be under-torqued, which can let the tie rod loosen. Seagrave dealers will inspect and repair the steering linkage for free.
What should I do if my 2017 Seagrave Aerialscope is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 17V553. If it is, contact a franchised Seagrave dealer to schedule the steering inspection and repair. Reference recall number 17V553 when you call. The repair is free.
Does the recall repair cost anything?
No. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair recall defects at no cost. Seagrave dealers will inspect and tighten the castellated nut and tie rod, or replace the knuckle and tie rod end assembly if needed, free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is a complete loss of steering. If the tie rod loosens and disconnects from the steering knuckle, the driver can lose steering control, increasing crash risk. Until your VIN is checked and the repair is complete, report any loose steering concern to the dealer before moving the vehicle.
When were owners notified about recall 17V553?
Seagrave began the recall on September 22, 2017. If you manage or purchased a 2017 Seagrave Aerialscope after that date and never received a notice, check your VIN and reference recall 17V553 when you contact a Seagrave dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V553000 |
|---|---|
| Seagrave customer service | 1-715-823-2141 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V553 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V553000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall 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 →