Recall 18V642 covers 5,704 2014-2016 Heil garbage trucks and Rolloff Body/Hoist units for cracked oil tank brackets. Repair is free at any franchised Heil dealer.
Heil is recalling 5,704 2014-2016 Front End Loader Garbage, Side Loader Garbage Truck, Rolloff Body/Hoist, and Rear Loader Garbage Truck vehicles because hydraulic oil tank brackets can crack. If the tank detaches and leaks oil onto the road, crash risk increases; Heil dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The hydraulic oil tank brackets on 2014-2016 Heil Front End Loader Garbage, Side Loader Garbage Truck, Rolloff Body/Hoist, and Rear Loader Garbage Truck bodies hold the hydraulic reservoir to the chassis frame rails. That tank stores the oil used by the truck body's hydraulic system, which powers equipment such as loaders, hoists, and related body functions. The brackets keep that weight fixed to the truck frame while the body works.
On affected trucks, the bracket was made with the sheet metal bend running parallel to the metal grain instead of across it. That manufacturing direction weakens the bend area. Cracks can start small, then spread as the truck works and vibrates. If the brackets continue to crack, the tank can sag, detach from the frame rails, and leak hydraulic oil.
Owners or fleet crews can see the warning sign before failure: cracks in the brackets that support the tank. The brackets are visible, often on the driver's side behind the cab, without disassembly.
Who's affected?
Covers four refuse-body configurations across the 2014, 2015, and 2016 model years, all tied to the same equipment issue.
| 2014 Heil Front End Loader Garbage | Equipment |
|---|---|
| 2016 Heil Side Loader Garbage Truck | Equipment |
| 2014 Heil Side Loader Garbage Truck | Equipment |
| 2016 Heil Rolloff Body/Hoist | Equipment |
| 2014 Heil Rear Loader Garbage Truck | Equipment |
| 2015 Heil Front End Loader Garbage | Equipment |
| 2014 Heil Rolloff Body/Hoist | Equipment |
| 2015 Heil Rolloff Body/Hoist | Equipment |
| 2016 Heil Rear Loader Garbage Truck | Equipment |
| 2015 Heil Rear Loader Garbage Truck | Equipment |
| 2015 Heil Side Loader Garbage Truck | Equipment |
| 2016 Heil Front End Loader Garbage | Equipment |
| Units affected | 5,704 |
| 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 truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
Cracked oil tank support brackets can let the tank sag and leak hydraulic oil onto the road, increasing crash risk. Check the visible brackets around the oil tank for cracks or sagging, and schedule the repair soon if your VIN is included. Repair is free at any franchised Heil dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2014-2016 Heil Front End Loader Garbage, Side Loader Garbage Truck, Rolloff Body/Hoist, or Rear Loader Garbage Truck is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Heil dealer to schedule the free oil-tank supporting-bracket replacement that keeps the hydraulic oil tank secured to the chassis.
- Bring the recall notice if Heil sent one. If not, reference recall number 18V642 when you call.
- Avoid operating the truck with visible hydraulic oil leaks or cracked oil-tank brackets until the repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Heil technician replaces both oil tank supporting brackets that hold the hydraulic oil tank to the chassis frame rails. The replacement parts and labor are free under recall 18V642. If you already paid for this bracket repair before the recall notice, Heil's general reimbursement plan is the path for documented expenses. Bring the repair invoice and payment paperwork to the service desk when you arrive.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| September 17, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 28, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| October 5, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| October 5, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| October 18, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V642?
Recall 18V642 covers 5,704 2014-2016 Heil Front End Loader Garbage, Side Loader Garbage Truck, Rolloff Body/Hoist, and Rear Loader Garbage Truck vehicles with hydraulic oil tank brackets that can crack. Heil dealers will replace both oil tank supporting brackets for free.
What should I do if my 2014-2016 Heil Front End Loader Garbage, Side Loader Garbage Truck, Rolloff Body/Hoist, or Rear Loader Garbage Truck is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 18V642. If it is, contact a franchised Heil dealer or Heil customer service at 1-866-275-4345 to schedule replacement of both oil tank supporting brackets. Reference Heil recall number BRACKET when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Heil's remedy says dealers will replace both oil tank supporting brackets free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for included vehicles.
What is the safety risk?
Hydraulic oil can leak onto the roadway if the oil tank brackets crack and the tank detaches from the chassis frame rails. That oil on the road can increase crash risk. Confirm your VIN, then schedule the free bracket replacement with a Heil dealer.
When did Heil start this recall repair?
Heil began the recall repair on October 18, 2018. For an included vehicle that still has an open recall, the dealer remedy remains replacement of both oil tank supporting brackets free of charge.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V642000 |
|---|---|
| Heil customer service | 1-866-275-4345 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V642 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V642000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- 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 →