Recall 18V653 covers 5 2017-2018 Dennis Eagle Elite trucks for loose ignition barrels that can stall. Repair is free at any franchised Dennis Eagle dealer.
Dennis Eagle is recalling 5 2017-2018 Elite garbage trucks because loose ignition barrels can rotate, detach ignition wiring, and cause a stall. A stall can increase the risk of a crash, and the Dennis Eagle dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The ignition barrel in a 2017-2018 Dennis Eagle Elite is the keyed cylinder the operator turns to power the truck and start the engine. It sits inside a plastic ignition housing, which is supposed to hold the barrel in a fixed position while the key turns inside it. That fixed housing also protects the ignition wiring behind the switch.
On affected Elite trucks, the anti-rotation feature was not engaged. That means the barrel housing can rotate instead of staying locked in place. As it turns, the wiring attached to the ignition switch can pull loose. If that wiring detaches, power to the ignition can be interrupted and the truck can stall.
The warning sign is visible to the operator: the ignition barrel rotates inside the housing when it should stay still. If the key cylinder or surrounding housing moves as a unit, report that movement before the truck is driven again.
Who's affected?
The 2017 and 2018 model years are tied to the same ignition portion of the electrical system.
| 2018 Dennis Eagle Elite | electrical system |
|---|---|
| 2017 Dennis Eagle Elite | electrical system |
| Units affected | 5 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 1 field incident to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific truck.
What's the safety risk?
A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash. If the ignition barrel rotates in its housing, treat that visible movement as a warning sign and schedule service soon. Drive cautiously until the vehicle is repaired. Repair will be free at any franchised Dennis Eagle dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017-2018 Dennis Eagle Elite is included in this recall.
- Contact Dennis Eagle customer service at 1-813-440-8136 to confirm repair timing and reference recall number 18V653 when you call.
- Ask a franchised Dennis Eagle dealer about the free ignition-barrel anti-rotation-ring repair that keeps the ignition wiring attached and helps prevent a stall.
- Bring the recall notice if Dennis Eagle mailed one, plus any service paperwork tied to the ignition system.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete, and stop using the truck if it stalls or the ignition switch feels loose.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Dennis Eagle technician installs a metal anti-rotation ring that keeps the ignition barrel secured, so the housing cannot rotate and pull ignition wiring loose. The dealer repair will be free once available, with parts and labor covered under the recall. Dennis Eagle has a general reimbursement plan on file. If you already paid for an ignition barrel or related wiring repair tied to this recall, contact Dennis Eagle customer service with your repair paperwork and ask how to submit a reimbursement claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| September 21, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 2, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V653?
Recall 18V653 covers 5 2017-2018 Dennis Eagle Elite garbage trucks with ignition barrels that were improperly secured. The housing can rotate freely, detach ignition wiring, and stall the vehicle. Dennis Eagle dealers will install a metal anti-rotation ring for free.
What should I do if my 2017-2018 Dennis Eagle Elite is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 18V653. If it is, contact a franchised Dennis Eagle dealer to schedule the metal anti-rotation ring installation. Reference recall number 18V653 when you call. The repair is free.
Does the recall repair cost anything?
No. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Dennis Eagle dealers will install the metal anti-rotation ring free of charge, regardless of where the truck was purchased or who owns it now.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is a vehicle stall. If the ignition wiring detaches, the truck can lose power and stall, which increases the risk of a crash. Confirm your VIN, then schedule the free Dennis Eagle dealer repair if your truck is included.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V653000 |
|---|---|
| Dennis Eagle customer service | 1-813-440-8136 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V653 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V653000 |
Source documents
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Download Misc. Document (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 →