Recall 21V005 affects 2 2020 Smeal Aerial and Pumper vehicles for wireless remote batteries that drain fast. Repair is free at any franchised Smeal dealer.
Smeal is recalling 2 2020 Aerial and Pumper firefighting vehicles because battery-powered wireless remotes for the electric firefighting monitors lose battery power faster than intended. If the remote is unavailable during a response, firefighting efforts can be hindered and injury risk increases; Smeal dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The battery-powered 3600 wireless remote controller on the 2020 Smeal Aerial and Pumper controls the electric firefighting monitor. That monitor directs the water stream and adjusts the spray pattern during firefighting operations, so the controller has to stay powered and ready when the crew needs it.
On affected units, the battery-conserving sleep mode is disabled. The controller stays awake instead of dropping into a low-power state, which drains the batteries faster than designed. Once the batteries are too low, the remote loses the power it needs to operate the monitor.
The unit has LED lights that show when it is powered on. Those lights blink when the battery charge is low, then go out or fail to turn on when the batteries are depleted.
Who's affected?
The Aerial and Pumper configurations share the same affected equipment component.
| 2020 Smeal Aerial | Equipment |
|---|---|
| 2020 Smeal Pumper | Equipment |
| Units affected | 2 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
A wireless remote controller that stops working can slow or limit firefighting operations and increase the risk of injury. Watch the controller lights: blinking means low battery, and lights that go out or fail to turn on mean the batteries are depleted. Keep the controller powered and schedule the software update. Repair is free at any franchised Smeal dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020 Smeal Aerial or Pumper is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Smeal dealer to start the free wireless remote controller software update.
- Return the affected controller to Akron Brass as directed by the dealer; the update fixes the sleep-mode issue that drains the batteries faster than normal.
- Reference recall number 21V005 and Smeal recall 20-17 when you call, and bring the owner notice if Smeal mailed one.
- Verify the wireless remote controller works before firefighting use until the update is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, Smeal will arrange for the affected 3600 wireless remote controller to be returned to Akron Brass for a software update. The software update is free of charge under the recall. Smeal has a general reimbursement plan on file for this campaign. If you've already paid for a repair tied to this controller issue, contact Smeal customer service at 1-800-867-6478 and ask how to submit documented expenses under recall 20-17.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| January 12, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| January 13, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| January 15, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| January 15, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| January 18, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V005?
Recall 21V005 covers 2 2020 Smeal Aerial and Pumper firefighting vehicles with battery-powered 3600 wireless remote controller units. The controller sleep mode is disabled, which drains batteries faster than normal. Smeal's remedy sends the controller to Akron Brass for a free software update.
What should I do if my 2020 Smeal Aerial or Pumper is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 21V005. If it is, contact Smeal customer service at 1-800-867-6478 or a franchised Smeal dealer. Ask how to return the affected controller to Akron Brass for the free software update.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Smeal's remedy says the controller software update is free of charge. The dealer or Smeal customer service can explain the return process for the affected controller.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is that drained batteries leave the wireless remote controller unavailable during firefighting work. That controller directs the water stream and spray pattern, so losing it can hinder firefighting efforts and increase injury risk. Confirm the VIN and arrange the free update before relying on the controller in service.
When did the recall repair become available?
The recall began on January 15, 2021. Because that date has passed, owners with an included 2020 Smeal Aerial or Pumper should contact Smeal or a franchised Smeal dealer now for instructions on sending the affected controller to Akron Brass for the software update.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V005000 |
|---|---|
| Smeal customer service | 1-800-867-6478 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V005 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V005000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (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 →