Recall 18V728 covers 24 2015-2017 Altec Aerial Device vehicles. The 500W DC-DC converter can fail and cause a fire. Repair is free.
Altec is recalling 24 of its 2015-2017 Aerial Device units equipped with 500W DC-DC converters because voltage and current spikes can make the converter fail and cause a fire. The Altec dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The 500W DC-DC converter on affected 2015-2017 Altec Aerial Device units is part of the electrical system. It takes direct-current power from one voltage level and changes it to the level needed by connected equipment. In normal use, the converter keeps that electrical load controlled while the aerial device is working.
In NHTSA campaign 18V728, the problem is voltage and current spikes reaching the converter. Those spikes put stress on the converter's internal electrical parts. When the converter fails, it can overheat and start a fire, so the repair replaces it with a revised design.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner or operator should not rely on a dash light, sound, smell, or change in equipment behavior before the converter fails.
Who's affected?
Listed under one Altec Aerial Device model name across 2015-2017, all tied to the electrical system component.
| 2015 Altec Aerial Device | electrical system |
|---|---|
| 2017 Altec Aerial Device | electrical system |
| 2016 Altec Aerial Device | electrical system |
| Units affected | 24 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 2 field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.
What's the safety risk?
A converter failure can increase the risk of fire. There is no warning sign before failure, so stop using the equipment if you notice heat, smoke, burning odor, or electrical trouble and call an Altec dealer. Repair will be free at any franchised Altec dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015-2017 Altec Aerial Device is included in this recall.
- Contact Altec customer service at 1-877-462-5832 to confirm repair timing before scheduling service.
- Reference recall number 18V728 and Altec recall CSN 699 when you call.
- Schedule the free 500W DC-DC converter replacement that fixes the voltage and current spike failure linked to fire risk.
- Avoid using the aerial device until Altec confirms whether your unit needs the converter replacement.
What happens at the repair
Altec's recall notice says the repair began December 10, 2018, but the current remedy status is not listed here as available. Once the dealer repair is open for your vehicle, an Altec technician replaces the 500W DC-DC converter with the revised-design converter. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. Altec's general reimbursement plan is on file for this campaign. If you already paid for a related converter repair before the recall notice, contact Altec customer service at 1-877-462-5832 and ask how to submit repair documentation under recall CSN 699.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| October 16, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 5, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| December 5, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| December 6, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| December 10, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V728?
Recall 18V728 covers 24 2015-2017 Altec Aerial Device units equipped with 500W DC-DC converters. Voltage and current spikes can make the converter fail and cause a fire. Altec dealers replace the converter with a revised-design converter for free.
What should I do if my 2015-2017 Altec Aerial Device is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific unit is included in recall 18V728. If it is, contact an Altec dealer or Altec customer service at 1-877-462-5832. Reference recall 18V728 and Altec recall number CSN 699 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 18V728, Altec dealers replace the 500W DC-DC converter with a revised-design converter free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is fire. The recalled 500W DC-DC converter can fail after voltage and current spikes, and that failure can increase the risk of a fire. If your VIN is included, arrange the free converter replacement with an Altec dealer.
When did the repair become available?
The recall repair began on December 10, 2018. Altec's remedy is to replace the 500W DC-DC converter with a revised-design converter at no charge through an Altec dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V728000 |
|---|---|
| Altec customer service | 1-877-462-5832 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V728 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V728000 |
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 →