Recall 20V401 affects 2,550 2017-2020 Altec Aerial Device vehicles for PTO oil leaking onto exhaust shielding. Repair is free at any franchised Altec dealer.
Altec is recalling 2,550 2017-2020 Aerial Device units because the Chelsea 249 Power Take-Off can leak oil onto the exhaust heat shield thermal blanket. Oil absorbed there raises the risk of fire when exposed to hot engine parts, and Altec dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The Chelsea 249 power take-off on the 2017-2020 Altec Aerial Device is the drivetrain unit that transfers engine power to the hydraulic pump used by the aerial equipment. On these gas-engine Ford F-350, F-450, and F-550 chassis, the PTO and pump sit close to the exhaust tube and its heat shield. That shield is there to keep exhaust heat away from nearby parts.
The problem starts when oil leaks from PTO or pump fittings, hose fittings, mating surfaces, or the PTO and pump installation. Oil that reaches the exhaust heat shield thermal blanket can soak into the shielding instead of staying contained inside the PTO and pump system. Altec also identified hose routing near heat sources and heat-shield material that did not resist oil absorption well enough, which creates a fire risk.
Operators can look for oil at the PTO and pump fittings, hose fittings, and mating surfaces. Older oil marks on the exhaust heat shielding are also warning signs. A burning-oil smell from the heat shielding is another sign to stop and have the unit checked.
Who's affected?
Spans the 2017-2020 model years, with equipment and exhaust system components listed for each year.
| 2020 Altec Aerial Device | Equipment |
|---|---|
| 2020 Altec Aerial Device | Exhaust system |
| 2019 Altec Aerial Device | Equipment |
| 2019 Altec Aerial Device | Exhaust system |
| 2018 Altec Aerial Device | Equipment |
| 2018 Altec Aerial Device | Exhaust system |
| 2017 Altec Aerial Device | Equipment |
| 2017 Altec Aerial Device | Exhaust system |
| Units affected | 2,550 |
| 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?
Oil on the exhaust heat shield thermal blanket raises the risk of fire when it reaches hot engine components. Watch for leaks at the PTO, pump fittings, hose fittings, or mating surfaces, and treat a burning oil smell near the heat shielding as a reason to stop operating the unit and call the dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Altec dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017-2020 Altec Aerial Device is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Altec dealer to schedule the free PTO heat-shield inspection and repair that keeps leaked PTO oil farther from hot exhaust components.
- Bring the recall notice if Altec mailed one. If not, reference recall number 20V401 and Altec recall CSN 767 when you call.
- Avoid operating the unit if you see PTO oil leaking near the exhaust area. Ask Altec or the dealer for guidance before moving it.
- Call Altec customer service at 1-877-462-5832 with questions about the repair appointment.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Altec technician inspects the exhaust heat shield area and replaces the heat shield with a redesigned version. The technician also installs plumbing to move the pressure switch and installs hoses with routing that keeps them farther from heat sources. Parts and labor are free under the recall. Altec has a general reimbursement plan on file for owners who already paid for the same repair before the recall work was completed. Contact Altec customer service and ask how to submit repair documentation under that plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| July 10, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 2, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| September 2, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| September 4, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| September 8, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V401?
Recall 20V401 covers 2,550 2017-2020 Altec Aerial Devices mounted on Ford F-350, F-450, or F-550 gas chassis with a Chelsea 249 PTO. The PTO can leak oil onto the exhaust heat shield thermal blanket, increasing fire risk near hot engine components.
What should I do if my 2017-2020 Altec Aerial Device is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific unit is included in recall 20V401. If it is, contact an authorized Altec dealer or service center to schedule the inspection, redesigned heat shield replacement, pressure switch relocation, and improved hose routing. Reference CSN 767 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the defect repair at no cost, and Altec's remedy states dealers will complete the inspection, heat shield replacement, pressure switch relocation, and hose routing work free of charge.
What is the safety risk in recall 20V401?
The safety risk is fire. Oil from the PTO can soak into the exhaust heat shield thermal blanket. Once that oil is exposed to hot engine components, the fire risk increases. The recall repair removes that condition by replacing and rerouting the affected parts.
When did Altec start the recall repair?
Altec began the recall on September 8, 2020. Because the remedy is available, included owners can contact Altec customer service at 1-877-462-5832 or an authorized Altec dealer to arrange the free recall work.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V401000 |
|---|---|
| Altec customer service | 1-877-462-5832 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V401 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V401000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (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 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →