Recall 19V485 affects 18 2019 Mcneilus Meridian, Atlantic, and Contender Front Loader refuse trucks for a battery cable that can short-circuit. Free repair at a franchised Mcneilus dealer.
Mcneilus is recalling 18 2019 Meridian Front Loader, Atlantic Front Loader, and Contender Front Loader refuse trucks under recall 19V485 because the battery cables were routed against the fuse box bracket and can wear through the positive cable insulation. A short circuit raises the risk of fire, and Mcneilus dealers will reroute the cables free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The positive battery cable on these 2019 McNeilus front loader refuse trucks runs from the battery through the battery box to the truck's electrical system. It carries high current to start the engine and power onboard systems. Inside the battery box sits a fuse box held in place by a metal bracket. The cable is supposed to be routed clear of that bracket so nothing rubs against the insulation.
On affected Meridian, Atlantic, and Contender trucks, the cable was routed incorrectly during assembly in early 2019. With the truck in normal service, vibration pushes the cable against the fuse box bracket. Over time the insulation wears through, exposing bare wire to the metal bracket. Once the bare cable touches the bracket or a battery bolt, it creates a short circuit, which can lead to electrical failure or a fire risk in the battery compartment.
There is no warning sign before failure. The wear happens out of sight inside the battery box and will not show up on a normal pre-trip walk-around.
Who's affected?
Covers three Mcneilus front loader refuse truck models (Meridian, Atlantic, Contender) built in a two-month window from January 28 to March 29, 2019, all sharing the same battery cable issue.
| 2019 Mcneilus Meridian Front Loader | battery |
|---|---|
| 2019 Mcneilus Atlantic Front Loader | battery |
| 2019 Mcneilus Contender Front Loader | battery |
| Units affected | 18 |
| 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 your specific truck is included in this recall.
What's the safety risk?
A battery cable rubbing against the fuse box bracket can short-circuit and start a fire. Watch for a burning smell, smoke, or warning lights from the electrical system, and stop driving if you notice any of them. Park away from buildings and other vehicles until the inspection is done. Repair is free at any franchised Mcneilus dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019 Mcneilus Meridian Front Loader, Atlantic Front Loader, or Contender Front Loader is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mcneilus dealer to schedule the battery-cable inspection and rerouting that prevents the cable from rubbing through and short-circuiting.
- Reference recall number 19V485 when you call so the service desk pulls the correct repair instructions.
- Call Oshkosh customer service at 1-888-686-7278 with questions about scheduling, parts, or reimbursement.
- Keep the truck out of service if you see signs of cable wear or burning smells near the battery box until the repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a McNeilus technician inspects the battery box and reroutes the battery cables so they no longer rub against the fuse box bracket or battery bolts. The work prevents wear-through on the positive cable insulation. Parts and labor are free under the recall. If you have already paid out of pocket for a related repair tied to this condition, McNeilus's standard reimbursement plan covers documented expenses. Bring your receipts and any related repair paperwork to the service desk when you arrive, or contact Oshkosh customer service at 1-888-686-7278 with questions about eligibility.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| June 21, 2019 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 12, 2019 | Dealer notification ended |
| August 12, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
| August 12, 2019 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 19V485?
Recall 19V485 covers 18 2019 McNeilus Meridian Front Loader, Atlantic Front Loader, and Contender Front Loader refuse trucks with battery cables that were incorrectly routed and can rub against the fuse box bracket. The worn insulation can short-circuit and increase the risk of fire.
What should I do if my 2019 McNeilus Meridian Front Loader, Atlantic Front Loader, or Contender Front Loader is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 19V485. If it is, contact McNeilus to schedule the battery cable inspection and rerouting. Reference recall number 19V485 when you call. You can reach Oshkosh customer service at 1-888-686-7278. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair the defect at no cost. McNeilus will inspect the battery box and reroute the battery cables free of charge to ensure they do not contact the fuse box bracket or battery bolts.
What is the safety risk?
The positive battery cable insulation can wear through where it rubs the fuse box bracket. If the cable continues to rub, it can short-circuit and increase the risk of a fire in the battery box area. The inspection and rerouting eliminates the contact point.
What warning signs should I watch for?
Inspect the battery box for cables touching the fuse box bracket or battery bolts, and look for worn or chafed insulation on the positive battery cable. Any burning smell, smoke, or signs of electrical arcing near the battery box should prompt you to park the truck and contact McNeilus at 1-888-686-7278.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/19V485000 |
|---|---|
| Mcneilus customer service | 1-888-686-7278 |
| NHTSA recall # | 19V485 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 19V485000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (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 →