Recall 18V346 affects 133 2016-2017 Altec Digger Derrick vehicles for starter cable chafing that creates fire risk. Repair is free at any franchised Altec dealer.
Altec is recalling 133 2016-2017 Digger Derrick DM, D2000, D3000, and D4000 Series vehicles built on Freightliner M2106/V chassis because the starter cable can be improperly secured and chafe. An electrical short raises the risk of a fire, and Altec dealers will secure the cable free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The starter cable on the 2016-2017 Altec Digger Derrick carries battery power to the starter assembly so the engine can crank. It is a heavy electrical cable, and it needs to stay secured away from brackets, the hydraulic pump area, and moving suspension parts. If the insulation stays intact, the current stays inside the cable where it belongs.
On affected trucks, the starter cable was rerouted because it interfered with the hydraulic pump during installation. The way the cable was secured left it close enough to other parts that it can rub as the truck moves or the equipment operates. That rubbing wears through the insulation, a process called chafing, and an exposed starter cable can short against metal.
Owners can notice visible wire chafing, trouble starting the truck, or smoke. Those are warning signs that the cable insulation has been damaged or that the cable is overheating.
Who's affected?
Both model years point to the same starter assembly issue in the electrical system.
| 2017 Altec Digger Derrick | electrical system |
|---|---|
| 2016 Altec Digger Derrick | electrical system |
| Units affected | 133 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 1 field incident to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
Chafed starter-cable wiring can create an electrical short and increase fire risk. Difficulty starting or smoke is a warning sign. If either appears, stop using the vehicle and call the dealer before moving it. Repair is free at any franchised Altec dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016-2017 Altec Digger Derrick is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Altec dealer to schedule the free starter-cable inspection and securing repair that addresses cable chafing and electrical short risk.
- Bring the recall notice if Altec mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V346 when you call.
- Keep the vehicle out of service if the starter cable shows chafing or electrical damage, and ask Altec how to move it safely.
- Call Altec customer service at 1-877-462-5832 with questions about Altec recall CSN 683.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Altec technician inspects the starter cable, checks for chafing or loose routing, and secures the cable better as needed so it does not rub and short. The recall inspection and repair are free. If you already paid for this inspection or repair, Altec's warranty system handles reimbursement for covered costs. Keep your repair order and payment paperwork, and ask the service desk to submit the claim through Altec warranty.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| May 25, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 20, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
| 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 18V346?
Recall 18V346 covers 133 2016-2017 Altec Digger Derrick vehicles with a starter cable that needs inspection because improper securement and chafing create an electrical-short fire risk. Altec dealers will inspect and better secure the starter cable for free.
What should I do if my 2016-2017 Altec Digger Derrick is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 18V346. If it is, contact an Altec dealer to schedule the starter-cable inspection and securement repair. Reference recall number 18V346 or Altec CSN 683 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 inspect the starter cable and better secure it as needed, free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is fire from an electrical short. The recall involves a starter cable that is not properly secured, allowing chafing that can lead to an electrical short. If your VIN is included, schedule the free dealer repair.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V346000 |
|---|---|
| Altec customer service | 1-877-462-5832 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V346 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V346000 |
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 →