Recall 17V656 affects 74 2010-2017 Smeal Aerial fire apparatus vehicles for torque frame cracks. Repair is free at any franchised Smeal dealer.
Smeal is recalling 74 2010-2017 Aerial fire apparatus vehicles because the torque frame can crack at the notched area. A cracked frame can make the aerial device unstable and increase the risk of injury; Smeal dealers will complete the free repair.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
In NHTSA campaign 17V656, the torque frame on 2010-2017 Smeal Aerial fire apparatus is the structural frame member that helps carry twisting loads through the body. It supports the apparatus structure as the vehicle is driven, positioned, and used at a scene. That frame needs continuous metal around high-stress areas to hold those loads without cracking.
On the affected Aerial fire apparatus, the torque frame has a cutout for a customer-required compartment. That opening leaves a notched area in the frame. Smeal reports that the torque frame can crack at that notch, while other vehicles without the cutout are not included in this recall.
Cracks can develop without warning. An owner or department crew should not rely on a noise, light, or handling change to know the frame has started to fail.
Who's affected?
Spans the Aerial line across the 2010-2017 model years, all tied to the same body or structural component.
| 2016 Smeal Aerial | body or structural component |
|---|---|
| 2013 Smeal Aerial | body or structural component |
| 2012 Smeal Aerial | body or structural component |
| 2011 Smeal Aerial | body or structural component |
| 2015 Smeal Aerial | body or structural component |
| 2010 Smeal Aerial | body or structural component |
| 2017 Smeal Aerial | body or structural component |
| 2014 Smeal Aerial | body or structural component |
| Units affected | 74 |
Not every 2010-2017 Smeal Aerial truck is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
A cracked frame can make the aerial device unstable and increase the risk of injury. Cracks can develop without warning, so schedule the recall repair before using the aerial device for work. Repair is free at any franchised Smeal dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2010-2017 Smeal Aerial is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Smeal dealer to schedule the free torque-frame crack repair and reinforcement for the frame area that can make the aerial device unstable.
- Tell the dealer the apparatus is covered by recall number 17V656 and Smeal recall 17024.
- Bring the recall notice if Smeal sent one.
- Keep the aerial device out of service if the frame shows cracking or the device feels unstable until Smeal completes the repair.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Smeal technician repairs cracks at the torque frame notch area and adds reinforcement to the affected structure. The recall repair is free, including parts and labor. Smeal has a general reimbursement plan on file for owners who already paid for related crack repair before the recall work. Ask Smeal customer service or the service desk how to submit documentation for that plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| October 16, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 20, 2017 | Dealer notification began |
| October 20, 2017 | Dealer notification ended |
| December 8, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
| December 8, 2017 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| December 8, 2017 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V656?
Recall 17V656 covers 74 2010-2017 Smeal Aerial fire apparatus vehicles with a torque frame that can crack at the notched area. If the frame cracks, the aerial device can become unstable and increase the risk of injury. Smeal dealers will repair the cracks and add reinforcement for free.
What should I do if my 2010-2017 Smeal Aerial is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific apparatus is included in recall 17V656. If it is, contact a franchised Smeal dealer or Smeal customer service at 1-800-543-5008 to arrange the torque-frame repair and reinforcement. Reference Smeal recall number 17024 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Smeal's remedy says dealers will repair the cracks and add reinforcement free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for included vehicles.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is aerial-device instability if the torque frame cracks. For a fire apparatus, that instability creates an injury risk during aerial operation. Until the repair is complete, have the apparatus inspected and serviced through Smeal's recall process before relying on the aerial device.
What if I bought this Smeal Aerial used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your apparatus is included, then contact a franchised Smeal dealer or Smeal customer service with recall 17V656 and Smeal recall number 17024.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V656000 |
|---|---|
| Smeal customer service | 1-800-543-5008 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V656 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V656000 |
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 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →