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Campaign 21V126 Posted March 1, 2021 613 units

2017-2020 Altec DT65 Recall 21V126: Placard Pinch Point

RN
Reviewed by the RecallNotify editorial team
Published May 23, 2026

Recall 21V126 affects 613 2017-2020 Altec DT65-E and DT65-H vehicles for a placard-plate pinch point. Altec provides relocation instructions free.

Altec is recalling 613 2017-2020 DT65-E and DT65-H vehicles because the capacity placard plate sits where it forms a pinch point with the boom. If an operator's hand rests on that plate as the boom is raised, the hand can be pinched and injured; Altec dealers will complete the repair free of charge.

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What's wrong?

The boom on 2017-2020 Altec DT65-E and DT65-H digger derricks raises and positions the equipment for utility work. The capacity placard plate is the fixed label that gives the operator the rated capacity information for boom operation. It needs to be visible, but it also needs clear space around moving boom parts.

On affected units, the placard plate sits close enough to the boom that a pinch point forms at high boom angles. As the boom moves into that position, the space between the boom and the plate narrows. A hand or other body part in that area can be caught between the moving boom and the fixed plate, creating an injury risk.

There is no warning sign before failure. The problem is the plate location, not a noise, light, or gradual performance change the operator can rely on.

Who's affected?

Covers DT65-E and DT65-H configurations across 2017-2020, with both boom equipment and vehicle label components listed.

2018 Altec DT65-E Boom/crane/ladder
2018 Altec DT65-E vehicle label (placard or certification)
2019 Altec DT65-H Boom/crane/ladder
2019 Altec DT65-H vehicle label (placard or certification)
2020 Altec DT65-H Boom/crane/ladder
Units affected613
Field incidentsNHTSA has logged no field incidents to date.

A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.

What's the safety risk?

A hand resting on the placard plate can be pinched as the boom is raised, increasing the risk of injury. There is no warning sign before the pinch point becomes a hazard, so keep hands clear of the control pod area and schedule the relocation repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Altec dealer.

What should I do?

  1. Check your VIN to confirm your 2017-2020 Altec DT65-E or DT65-H is included in this recall.
  2. Contact Altec customer service at 1-877-462-5832 to confirm the free placard-plate relocation instructions.
  3. Reference recall number 21V126 and Altec recall CSN 800 when you call.
  4. Follow Altec's instructions to move the capacity placard plate from the left-hand control pod to the right-hand control pod, which removes the pinch point between the boom and plate.
  5. Keep hands away from the placard plate and boom pinch area until the plate is relocated.

What happens at the repair

At the service location, an Altec technician relocates the capacity placard plate from the left-hand control pod to the right-hand control pod, following Altec's recall instructions. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. Altec's general reimbursement plan handles documented out-of-pocket repairs tied to this condition. If you've already paid for a related repair, contact Altec customer service with your repair paperwork and ask how to submit it under the plan.

ReimbursementReimbursement available

Timeline

March 1, 2021 NHTSA published the recall
April 16, 2021 Owner notification mailed
April 29, 2021 Interim owner notification (was planned for this date)

Frequently asked questions

What is recall 21V126?

Recall 21V126 covers 613 2017-2020 Altec DT65-E and DT65-H vehicles with a capacity placard plate placed where it can create a pinch point near the boom. If an operator's hand rests on the plate as the boom is raised, the hand can be pinched, increasing injury risk.

What should I do if my 2017-2020 Altec DT65-E or DT65-H is on this recall?

Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 21V126. If it is, contact Altec customer service at 1-877-462-5832 and ask for recall CSN 800. Altec provides instructions to relocate the capacity placard plate from the left-hand control pod to the right-hand control pod for free.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to provide recall remedies at no cost, and Altec's remedy for recall 21V126 is free. The remedy is to relocate the capacity placard plate from the left-hand control pod to the right-hand control pod.

What is the safety risk?

The safety risk is a hand pinch injury during boom operation. The capacity placard plate location creates a pinch point between the boom and the plate. If an operator's hand rests on that plate as the boom is raised, the hand can be pinched.

When did Altec start this recall?

Altec began the recall on April 16, 2021. If you own or operate a 2017-2020 Altec DT65-E or DT65-H, check your VIN and reference recall 21V126 or Altec CSN 800 when you contact Altec customer service.

More information

NHTSA campaign pagenhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V126000
Altec customer service1-877-462-5832
NHTSA recall #21V126
NHTSA recall # (full)21V126000

Source documents

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 →