Recall 20V044 covers 189 2017-2018 Reading Truck Master Mechanic Crane bodies for an overheating crane solenoid. Free replacement at franchised Reading Truck dealers.
Reading Truck is recalling 189 2017-2018 Master Mechanic Crane truck bodies because the crane solenoid can overheat and cause the crane to lose function. If left unattended, the overheated solenoid can increase the risk of a fire, and Reading Truck dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The solenoid on the 2017-2018 Reading Truck Master Mechanic Crane truck body is an electrical switch for the crane circuit. When the crane is commanded to move, the solenoid handles the high-current feed that lets power reach the crane motor. It is supposed to carry that load without building unsafe heat.
On the recalled truck bodies, the Buyers Products solenoid used in the crane circuit can overheat. Reading Truck traced the issue to Master Mechanic bodies equipped with the Buyers Products B98596 solenoid, while earlier upfits used a different supplier part. If the solenoid overheats, the crane can lose function and the overheated electrical part can create a thermal event.
There is no warning sign before failure. The first thing an owner or operator notices can be crane power loss, heat at the solenoid area, or evidence that the electrical component has overheated.
Who's affected?
Spans the 2017 and 2018 model years, with the same Buyers Products solenoid listed for the electrical system.
| 2018 Reading Truck Master Mechanic Crane | electrical system |
|---|---|
| 2017 Reading Truck Master Mechanic Crane | electrical system |
| Units affected | 189 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 3 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?
If the solenoid overheats and the condition is left unattended, fire risk increases. The filing does not list a warning sign before overheating, so confirm whether your VIN is included and schedule the solenoid replacement promptly. Repair is free at any franchised Reading Truck dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017-2018 Reading Truck Master Mechanic Crane is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Reading Truck dealer to schedule the free solenoid replacement that fixes crane solenoid overheating and loss of crane function.
- Bring the recall notice if Reading Truck mailed one. If not, reference recall number 20V044 when you call.
- Avoid leaving the crane unattended until the solenoid is replaced, because an overheated solenoid increases fire risk.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Reading Truck technician replaces the crane solenoid that can overheat and cause the crane to lose function. The replacement part and labor are free under recall 20V044. Reading Truck has a general reimbursement plan on file for owners who already paid for this repair before the recall work was performed. Contact Reading Truck customer service at 1-800-458-2226 with repair paperwork and proof of payment so they can review the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| January 24, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| February 1, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| February 1, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| February 14, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
| February 29, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V044?
Recall 20V044 covers 189 2017-2018 Reading Truck Master Mechanic Crane truck bodies with a crane solenoid that can overheat and cause the crane to lose function. If left unattended, the overheated solenoid can increase fire risk. Reading Truck dealers will replace the solenoid for free.
What should I do if my 2017-2018 Reading Truck Master Mechanic Crane is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck body is included in recall 20V044. If it is, contact a Reading Truck dealer to schedule the solenoid replacement. Reference recall number 20V044 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Reading Truck's remedy says dealers will replace the crane solenoid free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for included vehicles.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is fire. The crane solenoid can overheat, and if the overheated solenoid is left unattended, it can increase the risk of a fire. Confirm your VIN, then arrange the free solenoid replacement with a Reading Truck dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V044000 |
|---|---|
| Reading Truck customer service | 1-800-458-2226 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V044 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V044000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- 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 →