Recall 17V721 covers 20 2013-2017 Smeal Aerial and Pumper fire apparatus vehicles for corroded pressure-relief-valve rings. Hale service providers install the free remedy kit.
Smeal is recalling 20 2013-2017 Aerial and Pumper fire apparatus vehicles because Hale pressure relief valve retaining rings in the water pump can corrode and fail. When the valve opens, water pressure drops during firefighting, which increases the risk of injury; Smeal dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The pressure relief valve in the water pump on 2013-2017 Smeal Aerial and Pumper fire apparatus is there to control pump pressure during fire fighting. The valve helps keep water pressure from rising beyond the pump system's intended range while crews are flowing water. A retaining ring holds that valve assembly in place so the pump can maintain the pressure crews expect.
On affected apparatus, the retaining ring securing the Hale pressure relief valve was made with material that can corrode after exposure to water. As corrosion builds, the ring can weaken and fail. If the ring fails, the pressure relief valve can open when it should stay closed, which reduces water pressure at the pump and at the hose line.
Corrosion on the retaining ring can be found during routine service. That visible corrosion is the warning sign to report before the pump is relied on in service.
Who's affected?
Spans both Aerial and Pumper trucks across the 2013-2017 model years, all listed under the Equipment component.
| 2016 Smeal Aerial | Equipment |
|---|---|
| 2015 Smeal Pumper | Equipment |
| 2016 Smeal Pumper | Equipment |
| 2015 Smeal Aerial | Equipment |
| 2017 Smeal Pumper | Equipment |
| 2014 Smeal Pumper | Equipment |
| 2013 Smeal Pumper | Equipment |
| 2014 Smeal Aerial | Equipment |
| 2013 Smeal Aerial | Equipment |
| 2017 Smeal Aerial | Equipment |
| Units affected | 20 |
| 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.
What's the safety risk?
Reduced water pressure can hinder firefighting efforts and increase the risk of injury. Corrosion on the retaining ring can be found during routine service, so have the truck inspected and schedule the recall repair before relying on the pump for emergency response. Repair is free at any franchised Smeal dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013-2017 Smeal Aerial or Pumper fire apparatus is included in this recall.
- Contact Smeal customer service at 1-800-543-5008 to schedule the free Hale pressure-relief-valve remedy kit that protects water-pump pressure during firefighting.
- Ask whether a Hale service provider will perform the repair and how the apparatus should be handled until the kit is installed.
- Bring the recall notice if Smeal mailed one. If not, reference recall number 17V721 when you call.
- Keep crews informed that the defect involves the water-pump pressure relief valve and reduced water pressure during firefighting until the repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the service visit, a Hale service provider installs the remedy kit for the pressure relief valve assembly in the fire pump system. The kit addresses the corroded retaining rings that let the pressure relief valve open and reduce water pressure for firefighting. Parts and labor are covered under recall 17V721. The recall repair is available now, and Smeal says the kit is installed free of charge. For scheduling, contact Smeal customer service or Hale customer service through the recall notice.
Timeline
| November 16, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 17, 2017 | Dealer notification began |
| November 17, 2017 | Dealer notification ended |
| November 30, 2017 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| December 11, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V721?
Recall 17V721 covers 20 2013-2017 Smeal Aerial and Pumper fire apparatus vehicles with Hale pressure relief valves in the water pumps. Securing rings can corrode after water exposure, let the valve open, and reduce water pressure available for fire fighting.
What should I do if my 2013-2017 Smeal Aerial or Pumper is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific fire apparatus is included in recall 17V721. If it is, contact Smeal customer service at 1-800-543-5008 or a Hale service provider and reference Smeal recall number 17028. The remedy kit installation is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Smeal says Hale service providers will install the remedy kit free of charge. Federal recall law also requires the manufacturer to provide the recall remedy at no cost for included vehicles.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced water pressure during fire fighting. If the pressure relief valve opens because the securing ring fails, the apparatus loses water pressure needed at the scene, which can hinder fire fighting efforts and increase the risk of injury.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V721000 |
|---|---|
| Smeal customer service | 1-800-543-5008 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V721 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V721000 |
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 →