Recall 20V502 covers 17 2015-2018 Altec Aerial Device vehicles for unexpected boom-speed changes during idle rise. Repair is free at any franchised Altec dealer.
Altec is recalling 17 2015-2018 Aerial Device vehicles built on International N9/N10 chassis because an HC Desorb cycle can rapidly raise idle and pump flow. The higher flow can change boom speed and move the boom where the operator did not intend, which raises injury risk; Altec dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
On 2015-2018 Altec Aerial Device units built on an International N9/N10 chassis, the emission-control system includes an HC Desorb cycle. That cycle is part of the exhaust system's cleanup process. The engine idle and hydraulic pump are tied together, so engine speed affects the amount of hydraulic flow available to move the boom.
In affected units, the HC Desorb cycle causes the idle to rise fast. When idle rises, pump flow increases at the same time. That added flow changes how quickly the boom moves, so a control input that felt normal before the cycle can produce a different boom speed during the cycle. The update kit reprograms the low idle preset to 850 RPM.
The warning sign is the engine sound. Owners or operators can hear the engine ramping at the same time the RPM changes. Treat that change as the sign that boom movement speed can change while the cycle is happening.
Who's affected?
Spans the 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018 model years, with the same emission-control component identified for each Altec Aerial Device.
| 2018 Altec Aerial Device | Emission control |
|---|---|
| 2017 Altec Aerial Device | Emission control |
| 2016 Altec Aerial Device | Emission control |
| 2015 Altec Aerial Device | Emission control |
| Units affected | 17 |
| 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?
The boom speed can change when the engine RPM ramps, which can move the boom into an unintended position and increase the risk of injury. If the engine sound rises with an RPM change or boom movement feels unexpected, stop using the aerial device and schedule the update. Repair is free at any franchised Altec dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015-2018 Altec Aerial Device is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Altec dealer to schedule the free software update that reprograms the low idle preset linked to unintended boom movement.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it, or reference recall number 20V502 when you call.
- Keep operators clear of the boom area until the update is complete, and stop work if the boom speed changes during an HC Desorb cycle.
- Call Altec customer service at 1-877-462-5832 with questions about the repair.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Altec technician installs a software update that reprograms the low idle preset to 850 RPM. The update is free under the recall, and the recall repair is available now. Altec has a general reimbursement plan on file for eligible out-of-pocket repairs paid before the recall notice. Bring repair documentation or receipts to the service desk and ask Altec customer service how to submit the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| August 25, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 16, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
| October 19, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| October 19, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| October 20, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V502?
Recall 20V502 covers 17 2015-2018 Altec Aerial Device vehicles built on International N9/N10 chassis. During an HC Desorb cycle, idle speed rises quickly, pump flow increases, and boom speed changes. Altec dealers will reprogram the low idle preset to 850 RPM for free.
What should I do if my 2015-2018 Altec Aerial Device is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 20V502. If it is, contact Altec or an Altec dealer to schedule the low-idle software update. Reference recall number 20V502 or Altec CSN 774 when you call.
Does the recall repair cost anything?
No. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Altec will reprogram the low idle preset to 850 RPM free of charge. Parts and labor are covered through the recall repair.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is unintended boom positioning. During an HC Desorb cycle, the engine idle rises quickly, pump flow increases, and the boom speed changes. That change increases the risk of injury, so confirm your VIN and arrange the free Altec repair if your vehicle is included.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V502000 |
|---|---|
| Altec customer service | 1-877-462-5832 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V502 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V502000 |
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 24, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →