Recall 17V642 affects 12 2015 Hme Sfo fire emergency trucks for loose tie-rod hardware. Repair is free at any franchised Hme dealer.
Hme is recalling 12 2015 Sfo fire emergency trucks because the castellated nut on certain Spicer D or E series steer axles was not properly torqued, which can let the tie rod loosen. If the tie rod disconnects from the steering knuckle, the truck can lose steering and crash risk increases; Hme dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The steer axle on the 2015 Hme Sfo is the front axle assembly that supports steering parts and lets the front wheels turn together. Its tie rod links the steering knuckles from side to side, and a castellated nut, a slotted retaining nut, holds that joint tight at the knuckle.
On affected trucks equipped with certain Spicer D or E series steer axles, that nut was not tightened to the correct specification during assembly. If the nut works loose, the tie rod joint can loosen at the knuckle. That movement adds play to the steering linkage, so steering input from the wheel no longer transfers cleanly to the front wheels.
The warning signs are noise from the front steering area and looseness in the steering. If the operator hears unusual clunking or feels extra play in the wheel, that is the signal this steering joint is no longer staying tight.
Who's affected?
| 2015 Hme Sfo | tie rod (steering linkage) |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 12 |
| 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 truck is included in this recall.
What's the safety risk?
A loose tie rod can disconnect from the steering knuckle, leading to complete loss of steering and a higher crash risk. Loud steering noise or looseness in the steering is the warning sign. If either appears, stop driving and call the dealer before moving the vehicle again. Repair is free at any franchised Hme dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015 Hme Sfo is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Hme dealer to schedule the free castellated-nut and tie-rod inspection and repair that secures the steering linkage.
- Bring the recall notice if Hme mailed one. If not, reference recall number 17V642 when you call.
- Call Hme customer service at 1-616-534-1463 with questions about scheduling or the dealer repair.
- Limit driving until the repair is complete because a loose tie rod can disconnect from the steering knuckle and cause a loss of steering.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Hme technician tightens the castellated nut and tie rod on the steer axle, then replaces either part if inspection shows replacement is needed. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. Hme has a general reimbursement plan on file for this campaign. If you already paid out of pocket for this tie rod or castellated nut repair before the recall work, bring repair paperwork and receipts to the service desk so Hme can review documented expenses under that plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| October 12, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 24, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V642?
Recall 17V642 covers 12 2015 Hme Sfo fire emergency trucks equipped with certain Spicer D or E series steer axles. The castellated nut on the steer axle can be under-torqued, which lets the tie rod loosen. Hme dealers will tighten the castellated nut and tie rod for free, replacing parts as needed.
What should I do if my 2015 Hme Sfo is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific fire truck is included in recall 17V642. If it is, contact a franchised Hme dealer or Hme customer service at 1-616-534-1463 to arrange the steering repair. Reference recall number 17V642 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Hme's remedy says dealers will tighten the castellated nut and tie rod free of charge. The dealer will replace those parts as needed during the recall repair.
What is the safety risk in recall 17V642?
The safety risk is loss of steering. If the tie rod loosens and disconnects from the steering knuckle, the driver can lose steering control, which increases crash risk. The fix is to have the dealer tighten the castellated nut and tie rod, with replacement parts installed as needed.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V642000 |
|---|---|
| Hme customer service | 1-616-534-1463 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V642 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V642000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (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 →