Recall 18V873 covers 156 2017-2018 Altec work vehicles with brake lights that illuminate incorrectly. Repair is free at any franchised Altec dealer.
Altec is recalling 156 2017-2018 Aerial Device, Service Body, and Digger Derrick vehicles equipped with Whelen accessory brake lights that illuminate even when the brake pedal is not pressed. The false brake signal can confuse other drivers and increase crash risk; Altec dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The accessory brake lights on 2017-2018 Altec Aerial Device, Service Body, and Digger Derrick vehicles are extra rear lights that tell traffic behind the vehicle when the driver is braking. They are part of the exterior lighting system, and they are supposed to turn on only when the brake pedal is pressed. That clear signal helps other drivers read whether the Altec vehicle is slowing or stopped.
On the recalled vehicles, the Whelen accessory brake lights can receive transient voltage on the input line. That brief electrical spike can make the lights illuminate even though the brake pedal has not been pressed. The problem depends on the way the individual vehicle is wired, so the same brake light part can behave differently from one Altec unit to another.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner or operator would only notice the problem if the accessory brake lights turn on when the brake pedal is not being used, or if another person sees the lights from outside the vehicle.
Who's affected?
Covers Aerial Device, Service Body, and Digger Derrick configurations across the 2017 and 2018 model years, all tied to brake lights.
| 2018 Altec Aerial Device | Brake lights |
|---|---|
| 2018 Altec Service Body | Brake lights |
| 2017 Altec Digger Derrick | Brake lights |
| 2017 Altec Aerial Device | Brake lights |
| 2017 Altec Service Body | Brake lights |
| 2018 Altec Digger Derrick | Brake lights |
| Units affected | 156 |
| 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?
Incorrect brake-light illumination can confuse drivers behind the vehicle and increase the risk of a crash. There is no warning sign before the problem appears, so schedule the recall repair soon and use extra care in traffic. Repair is free at any franchised Altec dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017-2018 Altec Aerial Device, Service Body, or Digger Derrick is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Altec dealer to schedule the free brake-light replacement that fixes brake lights that illuminate without brake-pedal input.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it, and reference recall number 18V873 and Altec recall CSN 708 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete and leave extra following distance.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Altec technician replaces the Whelen accessory brake lights covered by the recall. The issue is in the brake light operation: depending on the vehicle wiring, the lights can illuminate even when the brake pedal is not pressed. The recall repair is free, and parts and labor are covered. Ask the service desk to confirm the brake light replacement is logged under Altec recall CSN 708 before the vehicle leaves the shop.
Timeline
| December 7, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| February 6, 2019 | Dealer notification began |
| February 6, 2019 | Dealer notification ended |
| February 6, 2019 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| February 7, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V873?
Recall 18V873 covers 156 2017-2018 Altec Aerial Device, Service Body, and Digger Derrick vehicles equipped with Whelen accessory brake lights. The brake lights can illuminate when the brake pedal has not been pressed, which can confuse other drivers and increase crash risk. Altec dealers replace the brake lights for free.
What should I do if my 2017-2018 Altec Aerial Device, Service Body, or Digger Derrick is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 18V873. If it is, contact an Altec dealer to schedule the brake-light replacement. Reference recall number 18V873 and Altec recall number CSN 708 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Altec will replace the affected Whelen accessory brake lights free of charge. The recall repair began February 7, 2019, so owners can contact an Altec dealer now.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is driver confusion behind the vehicle. If the accessory brake lights illuminate when the brake pedal has not been pressed, other drivers can misread whether the Altec vehicle is slowing or stopping, which increases crash risk.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V873000 |
|---|---|
| Altec customer service | 1-877-462-5832 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V873 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V873000 |
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 →