Recall 18V553 covers 40 2017-2018 Altec Aerial Device vehicles for an incorrectly placed battery fuse. Repair is free at any franchised Altec dealer.
Altec is recalling 40 2017-2018 Aerial Device vehicles because the battery fuse sits outside Altec's installation guidelines. An electrical 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 main battery fuse on a 2017-2018 Altec Aerial Device is a protective link in the electrical system. It is supposed to sit close to the battery so it can open the circuit quickly if wiring draws too much current or a short develops before power travels farther through the vehicle.
On affected Aerial Devices, that fuse was installed farther from the battery than Altec's electrical guidelines allow. That placement leaves more battery cable protected later than intended. If that exposed section shorts against another surface, the electrical system can overheat and raise the risk of smoke or an electrical short in the engine compartment.
An operator can notice smoke in the engine compartment before the problem gets worse. Some electrical components can also stop operating, which is a warning sign that the circuit is no longer working as designed.
Who's affected?
The same Aerial Device model appears under both wiring and battery components across the 2017 and 2018 model years.
| 2018 Altec Aerial Device | wiring |
|---|---|
| 2018 Altec Aerial Device | battery |
| 2017 Altec Aerial Device | wiring |
| 2017 Altec Aerial Device | battery |
| Units affected | 40 |
| 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?
An electrical short raises fire risk in the engine compartment. If the operator sees smoke or components stop working, stop using the equipment and call the dealer for recall guidance. Schedule the inspection promptly so the battery fuse location is checked and relocated if needed. Repair is free at any franchised Altec dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017-2018 Altec Aerial Device is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Altec dealer to schedule the free battery-fuse inspection and relocation that corrects the fuse placement linked to electrical-short and fire risk.
- Bring the recall notice if Altec mailed one, or reference recall number 18V553 when you call.
- Call Altec customer service at 1-877-462-5832 with questions about the inspection or Altec recall CSN 691.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Altec technician inspects the battery fuse location on the affected aerial device. If the fuse was installed outside the proper location, the technician relocates it so the battery circuit is protected as intended. The inspection and any needed relocation are free under the recall. If you've already paid out of pocket for a related battery fuse repair before the recall notice, use Altec's standard reimbursement plan to submit documented expenses. Bring the repair invoice and payment proof to the service desk or contact Altec customer service for the claim path.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| August 22, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 4, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
| October 15, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| October 16, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V553?
Recall 18V553 covers 40 2017-2018 Altec Aerial Device units with a battery fuse installed outside Altec guidelines. The fuse location can lead to an electrical short, increasing fire risk. Altec dealers will inspect the fuse location and relocate it for free when needed.
What should I do if my 2017-2018 Altec Aerial Device is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific unit is included in recall 18V553. If it is, contact an Altec dealer or Altec customer service at 1-877-462-5832 to schedule the battery fuse inspection. Reference recall 18V553 and Altec CSN 691 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to correct the defect at no cost. Altec dealers will inspect the battery fuse location and relocate the fuse if needed free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is fire from an electrical short. Altec reported that the battery fuse was installed outside its guidelines, and that placement can increase the risk of an electrical short. The repair path is an inspection and fuse relocation at no cost.
What if I bought the Altec Aerial Device used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the specific VIN, not the original owner. Check your VIN, then contact an Altec dealer or Altec customer service with recall 18V553 and Altec CSN 691.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V553000 |
|---|---|
| Altec customer service | 1-877-462-5832 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V553 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V553000 |
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 →