Recall 21V133 covers 355 2017-2019 Altec DC1317 Chipper and DRM12 Wood Chipper units for exhaust flex-pipe separation. Repair is free through Altec.
Altec is recalling 355 chippers, covering 2017-2019 DC1317 Chipper and DRM12 Wood Chipper models equipped with gasoline engines, because the flexible exhaust pipe section can separate and leak exhaust gas. An exhaust leak in the engine compartment increases the risk of a fire, and the Altec dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The exhaust flex pipe on 2017-2019 Altec DC1317 Chipper and DRM12 Wood Chipper models is the flexible section of the engine exhaust system. It lets exhaust gases move away from the gasoline engine while allowing for normal engine vibration and movement. That flexibility matters because a rigid pipe would be more likely to crack under repeated motion.
On affected chippers, that flexible pipe section can separate. Once it separates, exhaust gas escapes before it reaches the rest of the exhaust system. Altec linked a separated flex pipe to hot particles from the exhaust area and a reported thermal event. The repair replaces the original 409 stainless steel flex pipe with a 321 stainless steel pipe.
An engine exhaust sensor is designed to detect high intake temperatures. If that happens, the control panel can show a code and reduce engine performance, which is the warning sign an operator is most likely to see.
Who's affected?
Spans the DC1317 Chipper and DRM12 Wood Chipper across the 2017, 2018, and 2019 model years; both use the same exhaust flex pipe.
| 2019 Altec DC1317 Chipper | Exhaust system |
|---|---|
| 2017 Altec DRM12 Wood Chipper | Exhaust system |
| 2017 Altec DC1317 Chipper | Exhaust system |
| 2018 Altec DC1317 Chipper | Exhaust system |
| 2018 Altec DRM12 Wood Chipper | Exhaust system |
| 2019 Altec DRM12 Wood Chipper | Exhaust system |
| Units affected | 355 |
| 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 vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
An exhaust gas leak in the engine compartment increases the risk of a fire. A high intake temperature code on the control panel and reduced engine performance are warning signs to stop work, shut the machine down, and call for service. Repair will be free at any franchised Altec dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017-2019 Altec DC1317 Chipper or DRM12 Wood Chipper is included in this recall.
- Contact Altec customer service at 1-877-462-5832 if you have not received the flex-pipe replacement instructions.
- Have the flexible exhaust pipe replaced for free using Altec's instructions; the repair fixes the exhaust leak that raises fire risk in the engine compartment.
- Reference recall number 21V133 and Altec recall CSN 802 when you call.
- Avoid operating the chipper with an exhaust leak or separated flex pipe until the replacement is complete.
What happens at the repair
The known remedy is replacement of the exhaust flex pipe on the affected chipper. Once the final repair is available, an Altec technician will replace the flexible exhaust section, free of charge, so exhaust gas is routed through the pipe instead of leaking at the separated section. Altec began owner notification on April 28, 2021, and the repair instructions come from Altec for this campaign.
Timeline
| March 3, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 28, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| April 29, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| April 30, 2021 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V133?
Recall 21V133 covers 355 2017-2019 Altec DC1317 Chipper and DRM12 Wood Chipper units equipped with gasoline engines. The flexible exhaust-pipe section can separate and create an exhaust gas leak in the engine compartment, increasing fire risk. Altec provides flex-pipe replacement instructions free of charge.
What should I do if my 2017-2019 Altec DC1317 Chipper or DRM12 Wood Chipper is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific chipper is included in recall 21V133. If it is, follow Altec's flex-pipe replacement instructions or call Altec customer service at 1-877-462-5832 and reference CSN 802. The recall repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to correct the defect at no cost, and Altec's remedy says owners receive flex-pipe replacement instructions free of charge. Keep the recall number 21V133 and Altec CSN 802 available when you contact customer service.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is fire from an exhaust gas leak in the engine compartment. The flexible exhaust-pipe section can separate, allowing hot exhaust gas to leak near engine-area components. If your VIN is included, complete the free flex-pipe replacement remedy before returning the chipper to regular service.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V133000 |
|---|---|
| Altec customer service | 1-877-462-5832 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V133 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V133000 |
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 →