Recall 19V602 covers 23 2012-2019 Altec Aerial Device units for an overcapacity recovery winch valve. Repair is free at any franchised Altec dealer.
Altec is recalling 23 of its 2012-2019 Aerial Device units because the recovery winch valve can let the winch lift more than its rating. An overloaded recovery winch can increase the risk of injury or death, and Altec dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The recovery winch on 2012-2019 Altec Aerial Device units is the lifting and pulling equipment used during recovery work. Its valve is supposed to control pressure so the winch stays within its rated lifting limit. That rating matters because the hook, line, and winch hardware are designed around that controlled load.
On affected units, the winches were not plumbed correctly. That incorrect plumbing can leave the recovery winch over pressure, and the valve cannot be adjusted properly. When that happens, the winch can lift more than it is rated to lift, placing extra force on the hook and recovery line.
The warning signs are visible during unit inspections. Operators can see yielding, or bending and stretching, of the recovery hook. They can also find damage to the recovery winch line before the equipment is used again.
Who's affected?
Spans the 2012-2019 model years, all tied to the same winch component.
| 2017 Altec Aerial Device | Winch |
|---|---|
| 2018 Altec Aerial Device | Winch |
| 2019 Altec Aerial Device | Winch |
| 2016 Altec Aerial Device | Winch |
| 2012 Altec Aerial Device | Winch |
| 2015 Altec Aerial Device | Winch |
| 2013 Altec Aerial Device | Winch |
| 2014 Altec Aerial Device | Winch |
| Units affected | 23 |
| 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?
A recovery winch that lifts more than its rating increases the risk of injury or death. During inspections, operators can see yielding of the recovery hook or damage to the winch line. Stop winch use if those signs appear, and schedule the recall work soon. Repair is free at any franchised Altec dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2012-2019 Altec Aerial Device is included in this recall.
- Contact Altec customer service at 1-877-462-5832 to schedule the free winch-pressure inspection and external pressure-relief-valve repair that keeps the recovery winch within its rated lifting limit.
- Reference recall number 19V602 and Altec recall CSN 734 when you call.
- Bring the recall notice if Altec mailed one, plus service records for the aerial device.
- Limit winch use until Altec completes the inspection; do not lift loads above the winch rating.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer or Altec service location, an Altec technician checks the recovery winch pressure and installs an external pressure relief valve when the inspection shows it is needed. The recall repair is available now, and parts and labor are free. If you already paid out of pocket for the same winch pressure repair before the recall work was completed, Altec has a general reimbursement plan on file for documented expenses. Bring your repair paperwork to the service desk or contact Altec customer service for the claim process.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| August 15, 2019 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 7, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
| October 10, 2019 | Dealer notification began |
| October 10, 2019 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| October 11, 2019 | Dealer notification ended |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 19V602?
Recall 19V602 covers 23 2012-2019 Altec Aerial Device units with a recovery winch valve that can let the winch lift more than its rated load. Altec will inspect the winch pressures and install an external pressure relief valve if needed, free of charge.
What should I do if my 2012-2019 Altec Aerial Device is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific unit is included in recall 19V602. If it is, contact Altec or an authorized Altec service location to arrange the winch pressure inspection and pressure relief valve installation if needed. Reference recall number 19V602 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Altec will inspect the recovery winch pressures and install an external pressure relief valve if needed, free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is overload at the recovery winch. If the winch attempts to lift more than its rating, the load condition can increase the risk of injury or death. The repair path is an Altec winch pressure inspection and pressure relief valve installation if needed.
When did Altec start this recall repair?
Altec began the recall repair on October 7, 2019. Owners with an included 2012-2019 Altec Aerial Device should still confirm coverage by VIN and arrange the free winch inspection and valve installation if the repair has not been completed.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/19V602000 |
|---|---|
| Altec customer service | 1-877-462-5832 |
| NHTSA recall # | 19V602 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 19V602000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Report (PDF)
-
Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
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Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 24, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →