Recall 21V283 affects 8 2016-2021 Hme AF1 and 1871 vehicles for aerial-bucket leveling malfunction. Repair is free at any franchised Hme dealer.
Hme is recalling 8 2016-2021 AF1 and 1871 vehicles because the aerial bucket self-leveling function can malfunction and move the bucket beyond its level position. Unexpected bucket movement increases the risk of injury, and Hme dealers will update the control program free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The aerial bucket on affected 2016-2021 Hme AF1 and 1871 vehicles is part of a 104-foot platform system. Its self-leveling function is supposed to keep the bucket level as the boom raises, lowers, or changes angle. That level position helps the person in the bucket keep footing while the platform moves.
On these vehicles, the self-leveling function can malfunction. Hme reported a case where the bucket tried to self-level but could not, even after adjustment and component replacement under warranty. The problem is in the aerial system and its controls, so the bucket can continue moving past the level position instead of stopping where it should.
There is no warning sign before failure. The owner or operator should not expect a light, sound, or other advance signal before the bucket moves beyond level.
Who's affected?
Spans the AF1 and 1871 across the 2016-2021 model years, all tied to the same motor/hydraulic pump component.
| 2017 Hme AF1 | Motor/hydraulic pump |
|---|---|
| 2021 Hme AF1 | Motor/hydraulic pump |
| 2016 Hme 1871 | Motor/hydraulic pump |
| 2020 Hme AF1 | Motor/hydraulic pump |
| 2016 Hme AF1 | Motor/hydraulic pump |
| 2021 Hme 1871 | Motor/hydraulic pump |
| 2018 Hme AF1 | Motor/hydraulic pump |
| 2019 Hme 1871 | Motor/hydraulic pump |
| 2020 Hme 1871 | Motor/hydraulic pump |
| 2019 Hme AF1 | Motor/hydraulic pump |
| 2018 Hme 1871 | Motor/hydraulic pump |
| 2017 Hme 1871 | Motor/hydraulic pump |
| Units affected | 8 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 1 field incident to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
Unexpected movement of the aerial bucket can injure someone working in or around the bucket. There is no warning sign before the movement. Keep people clear of the bucket area and schedule the repair before using the aerial controls again. Repair is free at any franchised Hme dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016-2021 Hme AF1 or 1871 is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Hme dealer to schedule the free aerial-control reprogramming and hydraulic-system modification that stops the bucket from moving beyond level.
- Bring the recall notice if Hme mailed one. If not, reference recall number 21V283 when you call.
- Avoid operating the aerial bucket until the repair is complete.
- Call Hme customer service at 1-616-534-1463 with repair questions.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Hme technician reprograms the aerial controls and modifies the hydraulic system so the aerial bucket stays within the intended level position. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. Hme has a general reimbursement plan on file for owners who already paid for a related repair before the recall work was available. Contact Hme customer service and ask what documentation they need for a reimbursement review.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| April 22, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 2, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| June 2, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| June 2, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| June 5, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V283?
Recall 21V283 covers 8 2016-2021 Hme AF1 and 1871 vehicles with an aerial bucket self-leveling defect. The bucket can move beyond the level position, increasing injury risk. Hme will reprogram the aerial controls and modify the hydraulic system for free.
What should I do if my 2016-2021 Hme AF1 or 1871 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 21V283. If it is, contact Hme customer service at 1-616-534-1463 or a franchised Hme service contact to schedule the aerial control reprogramming and hydraulic system modification.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Hme will reprogram the aerial controls and modify the hydraulic system free of charge. Federal recall law requires the recall remedy to be completed at no cost to the owner when the vehicle is included in the campaign.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is unexpected aerial bucket movement. In affected vehicles, the self-leveling function can malfunction and let the bucket move beyond the level position, increasing the risk of injury to a person in or near the bucket.
When were owners notified about recall 21V283?
Hme mailed owner notification letters on June 2, 2021. If you bought the vehicle used or never received a letter, check your VIN and reference recall 21V283 when contacting Hme customer service or the dealer service desk.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V283000 |
|---|---|
| Hme customer service | 1-616-534-1463 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V283 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V283000 |
Source documents
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 →