Recall 18V345 affects 18 2017 Altec Aerial Device vehicles with incorrect travel-height decals. Repair is free at any franchised Altec dealer.
Altec is recalling 18 2017 Aerial Device units because the actual travel height can be higher than the height printed on the dashboard chassis decal. That mismatch can lead the vehicle to strike an overhead obstruction and raise crash risk, and Altec dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The travel height decal on a 2017 Altec Aerial Device tells the operator how tall the unit is when it is driven with the boom stowed. That height matters when planning routes under bridges, garage doors, service bays, and other overhead clearances. The boom stow weldment is the fixed structure that holds the boom in its travel position, and its placement helps determine the vehicle's actual travel height.
On affected units, the boom stow weldment installation and travel height measurement were done incorrectly during production. That left units with a dashboard decal that listed a lower travel height than the verified measurement. The equipment is not described as too tall for all uses; the problem is that the posted height does not match the actual height an operator must use for clearance decisions.
There is no warning sign before failure. An operator checking the dashboard decal sees a normal label, so the mismatch is not obvious during a walkaround. Treat the listed height as unreliable until Altec verifies the actual travel height and installs the corrected decal.
Who's affected?
The issue is listed under both vehicle labeling and body or structural categories for the same Aerial Device.
| 2017 Altec Aerial Device | vehicle label (placard or certification) |
|---|---|
| 2017 Altec Aerial Device | body or structural component |
| Units affected | 18 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the travel-height decal lists a height lower than the vehicle's actual travel height, the vehicle can strike an overhead obstruction and increase crash risk. There is no warning sign before a clearance strike. Treat the decal as unreliable until a dealer checks the vehicle. 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 your nearest franchised Altec dealer to schedule the free travel-height measurement and dashboard decal replacement that corrects a height label that does not match the vehicle.
- Bring the recall notice if Altec mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V345 when you call.
- Avoid routes with low overhead clearance until the travel height has been verified or the decal has been corrected.
What happens at the repair
At an Altec Service Center, an Altec technician measures the vehicle's travel height and compares it with the travel height listed on the dashboard decal. If the decal shows the wrong height, the technician replaces it with a corrected decal, free of charge. If you already completed the inspection or decal replacement yourself, Altec reimburses costs through its warranty system. Keep invoices or work records for the service desk.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| May 25, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 18, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
| July 20, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| July 20, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| July 20, 2018 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| July 20, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V345?
Recall 18V345 covers 18 2017 Altec Aerial Device vehicles. The travel-height decal on the chassis dashboard can show a height lower than the vehicle's actual travel height, which can lead to an overhead strike and increase crash risk. Altec dealers will measure the height and replace incorrect decals for free.
What should I do if my 2017 Altec Aerial Device is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 18V345. If it is, contact an Altec dealer or Altec customer service at 1-877-462-5832 and reference CSN 682. The dealer will measure the travel height and replace incorrect decals for free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair recall defects at no cost, and Altec's remedy says dealers will measure the vehicle's travel height and replace incorrect decals free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is an overhead strike. If the decal understates the vehicle's actual travel height, the operator can rely on the wrong clearance and hit a bridge, garage, sign, or other overhead obstruction. Confirm the VIN and have Altec correct the decal.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V345000 |
|---|---|
| Altec customer service | 1-877-462-5832 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V345 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V345000 |
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 →