Recall 21V816 covers 547 2012-2020 Schwarze M6 Avalanche Street Sweep and Cng sweepers for unintended conveyor activation. Free dealer repair.
Schwarze is recalling 547 2012-2020 M6 Avalanche Street Sweep and M6 Avalanche Cng street sweepers because the outside switch box for the conveyor can activate while the vehicle is running. That can advance the conveyor and create a crushing hazard between the conveyor and hopper; Schwarze dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The outside remote switch box on the 2012-2020 Schwarze M6 Avalanche Street Sweep and M6 Avalanche Cng sweepers controls the debris hopper and conveyor from outside the vehicle. In normal use, the switch box lets an operator raise and dump the hopper and operate the conveyor while keeping the moving parts under deliberate control.
The hazard comes from the switch box location and design. If the engine is running and an operator enters the space between the hopper and conveyor without using the conveyor safety pins, the conveyor controls can be activated unintentionally. That movement can create a crushing hazard in the area where a worker is standing.
The remedy adds a metal guard around the outside switch box and adds crushing hazard warning decals on both sides of the hopper. There is no warning sign before failure. Treat the switch box area as active whenever the engine is running, and use the safety pins before entering the space between the hopper and conveyor.
Who's affected?
Covers two M6 Avalanche sweeper variants across the 2012-2020 model years, all tied to the same switch control box equipment.
| 2017 Schwarze M6 Avalanche Street Sweep | Equipment |
|---|---|
| 2017 Schwarze M6 Avalanche Cng | Equipment |
| 2014 Schwarze M6 Avalanche Street Sweep | Equipment |
| 2013 Schwarze M6 Avalanche Street Sweep | Equipment |
| 2015 Schwarze M6 Avalanche Street Sweep | Equipment |
| 2018 Schwarze M6 Avalanche Street Sweep | Equipment |
| 2012 Schwarze M6 Avalanche Street Sweep | Equipment |
| 2019 Schwarze M6 Avalanche Street Sweep | Equipment |
| 2020 Schwarze M6 Avalanche Street Sweep | Equipment |
| 2012 Schwarze M6 Avalanche Cng | Equipment |
| 2013 Schwarze M6 Avalanche Cng | Equipment |
| 2014 Schwarze M6 Avalanche Cng | Equipment |
| 2015 Schwarze M6 Avalanche Cng | Equipment |
| 2016 Schwarze M6 Avalanche Cng | Equipment |
| 2018 Schwarze M6 Avalanche Cng | Equipment |
| 2019 Schwarze M6 Avalanche Cng | Equipment |
| 2016 Schwarze M6 Avalanche Street Sweep | Equipment |
| 2020 Schwarze M6 Avalanche Cng | Equipment |
| Units affected | 547 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 2 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?
Unintentional switch-box activation can advance the conveyor and create a crushing hazard between the conveyor and hopper, increasing the risk of injury or death. Keep people clear of the conveyor area and schedule the repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Schwarze dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2012-2020 Schwarze M6 Avalanche Street Sweep or M6 Avalanche Cng is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Schwarze dealer to schedule the free outside switch guard and warning decal installation that addresses unintentional conveyor switch activation.
- Bring the recall notice if Schwarze mailed one. If not, reference recall number 21V816 when you call.
- Keep people clear of the conveyor and hopper while the sweeper is running until the repair is complete.
- Call Schwarze customer service at 1-800-879-7934 with questions about the repair.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Schwarze technician installs a kit with an outside switch guard and two crushing hazard warning decals for the conveyor switch box. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. The added guard helps prevent unintended switch activation while the sweeper is running, and the decals warn workers about the crushing hazard around the conveyor. Schwarze has a general reimbursement plan on file for eligible out of pocket repairs paid before the recall work. Bring repair invoices and payment documentation to the service desk or contact Schwarze customer service to start the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| October 18, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 23, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| December 1, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| December 1, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| December 17, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V816?
Recall 21V816 covers 547 2012-2020 Schwarze M6 Avalanche Street Sweep and M6 Avalanche Cng street sweepers. The outside switch box that controls conveyor position can activate unintentionally while the vehicle is running, creating a crushing hazard between the conveyor and hopper.
What should I do if my 2012-2020 Schwarze M6 Avalanche Street Sweep or M6 Avalanche Cng is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific street sweeper is included in recall 21V816. If it is, contact an authorized Schwarze dealer to schedule the switch guard and crushing hazard decal installation. Reference recall number 21V816 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Schwarze dealers will install the outside switch guard kit and crushing hazard warning decals free of charge.
What is the safety risk in recall 21V816?
The risk is a crushing hazard between the conveyor and hopper. If the outside switch box activates unintentionally while the vehicle is running, the conveyor can advance and increase the risk of injury or death. The free dealer repair adds a guard and warning decals.
When were owners notified about recall 21V816?
Schwarze mailed owner notification letters on November 23, 2021. If you own an affected street sweeper and never received a letter, check your VIN and contact Schwarze customer service at 1-800-879-7934 or an authorized Schwarze dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V816000 |
|---|---|
| Schwarze customer service | 1-800-879-7934 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V816 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V816000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (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 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →