Recall 18V035 affects 29 2017 Altec Aerial Device units for circuit-breaker contact that can short. Repair is free at any franchised Altec dealer.
Altec is recalling 29 2017 Aerial Devices mounted on Ford F-550 chassis because a circuit breaker under the hood can contact the hood and create an electrical short. That short can increase the risk of a fire, and Altec dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The circuit breaker on the 2017 Altec Aerial Device is part of the under-hood electrical protection system. It is there to interrupt an overload before wiring or connected equipment overheats. The bracket holds that breaker in position so the connector stays clear of nearby metal parts, including the hood.
On affected units, the circuit breaker bracket sits high enough for the connector to rub against the hood. That contact wears through insulation and lets the electrical circuit short to the hood. Over time, intermittent current flow through that contact can heat wiring in the chassis dash and burn the radio antenna insulation.
An owner or technician can spot this during inspection if the circuit breaker bracket has contacted the hood or the insulation shows wear. Smoke from the chassis dash while driving is another warning sign tied to this defect.
Who's affected?
| 2017 Altec Aerial Device | wiring |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 29 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 2 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 vehicle.
What's the safety risk?
An electrical short in the circuit breaker area can increase the risk of a fire. During inspection, brackets that touched the hood or have worn insulation need attention before the damage creates a short. Schedule the bracket update and chafe pad installation soon. Repair is free at any franchised Altec dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017 Altec Aerial Device is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Altec dealer to schedule the free circuit-breaker bracket update and insulating chafe-pad installation that keeps the under-hood breaker from contacting the hood.
- Bring the recall notice if Altec mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V035 and Altec recall MAB 675 when you call.
- Use caution until the repair is complete, and stop operating the aerial device if you suspect an electrical short.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Altec technician updates the circuit breaker bracket under the hood and installs an insulating chafe pad so the breaker no longer contacts the hood. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. Altec has a general reimbursement plan on file for eligible repairs paid before the recall notice. If you already paid for this specific bracket or chafe pad repair, contact Altec customer service with your repair paperwork and proof of payment.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| January 11, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| January 12, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
| January 12, 2018 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| January 12, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V035?
Recall 18V035 covers 29 2017 Altec Aerial Device units mounted on Ford F-550 chassis. A circuit breaker under the hood can contact the hood and create an electrical short, increasing fire risk. Altec dealers update the circuit breaker bracket and install an insulating chafe pad for free.
What should I do if my 2017 Altec Aerial Device is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific unit is included in recall 18V035. If it is, contact an Altec dealer or Altec customer service at 1-205-991-7733 to schedule the bracket update and chafe pad installation. Reference recall 18V035 or Altec MAB 675 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Altec dealers will update the circuit breaker bracket and install an insulating chafe pad free of charge for units included in recall 18V035.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is fire from an electrical short. Recall 18V035 says the circuit breaker under the hood can contact the hood, creating the short. Confirm your VIN, then arrange the free Altec repair before relying on the aerial device for regular work.
When did Altec start the recall repair?
Altec began the recall repair on January 12, 2018. That means the dealer remedy is available now for included units. Call an Altec dealer or Altec customer service at 1-205-991-7733 with recall 18V035 or Altec MAB 675.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V035000 |
|---|---|
| Altec customer service | 1-205-991-7733 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V035 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V035000 |
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 →