Recall 18V379 affects 44 2016-2017 Altec Digger Derrick and Aerial Device vehicles for improperly sized grounding connectors. Repair is free at any franchised Altec dealer.
Altec is recalling 44 2016-2017 Digger Derrick and Aerial Device vehicles because improperly sized cable connection receptacles can cause the high voltage grounding system to fail. If the grounding system fails, the user has an increased risk of injury, and Altec dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The high-voltage grounding system on 2016-2017 Altec Digger Derrick and Aerial Device vehicles is built to give electrical current a controlled path to ground during utility work. The grounding cable connects to the vehicle through a receptacle and terminal, so the system depends on a tight, correctly sized connection.
On these vehicles, that connection point can have the wrong-size cable receptacle. Altec found that the grounding reel was delivered with a ring terminal sized for a different cable connection than the installed system needed. If the cable does not seat correctly, the grounding cable can disconnect from the terminal and the high-voltage grounding system can fail when it is needed.
There is no warning sign before failure. A loose or disconnected grounding cable is a visible problem, but the recall issue is the connection size itself, so owners and operators should not rely on normal operation as proof that the grounding system is correct.
Who's affected?
Both Digger Derrick and Aerial Device vehicles are included across the 2016 and 2017 model years, with the electrical system named for each.
| 2016 Altec Digger Derrick | electrical system |
|---|---|
| 2017 Altec Digger Derrick | electrical system |
| 2016 Altec Aerial Device | electrical system |
| 2017 Altec Aerial Device | electrical system |
| Units affected | 44 |
| 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 vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
A high voltage grounding system failure increases the user's risk of injury. If your VIN is included, schedule the inspection soon and have any improperly sized cable ring terminal connectors replaced before the equipment stays in regular service. Repair is free at any franchised Altec dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016-2017 Altec Digger Derrick or Aerial Device is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Altec dealer to schedule the free inspection of the high voltage grounding cable connectors and replacement of any improperly sized connectors.
- Bring the recall notice if Altec sent one, and reference recall number 18V379 and Altec CSN 686 when you call.
- Keep the equipment out of high voltage grounding work until the inspection and any needed connector replacement are complete.
- Call Altec customer service at 1-877-462-5832 with questions about the repair.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Altec technician inspects the high voltage grounding system cable ring terminal connectors and replaces any connectors that are improperly sized. The inspection, replacement parts, and labor are free under the recall. Altec has a general reimbursement plan on file for owners who already paid for the same recall related repair before the notice. Keep repair invoices and payment records, then contact Altec customer service or ask the dealer service desk how to submit documented expenses.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| June 7, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 1, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| August 6, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V379?
Recall 18V379 covers 44 2016-2017 Altec Digger Derrick and Aerial Device vehicles with high-voltage grounding system cable receptacles that are the wrong size. If the grounding system fails, the user has an increased risk of injury. Altec dealers will inspect and replace improper connectors for free.
What should I do if my 2016-2017 Altec Digger Derrick or Aerial Device is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Altec vehicle is included in recall 18V379. If it is, contact an Altec dealer or Altec customer service at 1-877-462-5832 to arrange the grounding system inspection. Reference recall number 18V379 and Altec recall CSN 686 when you call.
Does the Altec recall repair cost anything?
No. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Altec dealers will inspect the high-voltage grounding system cable ring terminal connectors and replace any improperly sized connectors free of charge.
What is the safety risk in recall 18V379?
The safety risk is user injury if the high-voltage grounding system fails. The recall focuses on cable connection receptacles that are improperly sized, which can stop the grounding system from working as intended. If your VIN is included, arrange the free inspection and connector replacement.
When did Altec start this recall repair?
Altec began the recall repair on August 6, 2018. Owners of affected 2016-2017 Altec Digger Derrick and Aerial Device vehicles can contact an Altec dealer or Altec customer service to arrange the free grounding system inspection and connector replacement.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V379000 |
|---|---|
| Altec customer service | 1-877-462-5832 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V379 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V379000 |
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 →