Recall 21V998 affects 150 2017-2021 Altec Aerial Device units for incorrect hydraulic plumbing that lets the boom overextend. Altec will inspect and correct it free.
Altec is recalling 150 2017-2021 Aerial Device units because hydraulic plumbing to the lower and upper boom lift cylinders can be connected incorrectly. That defect can let the boom overextend during material handling jib use and tip the aerial device over, increasing injury risk; Altec dealers will repair it free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The directional control blocking valve on 2017-2021 Altec Aerial Device units is part of the hydraulic system that moves and limits the boom. Hydraulic fluid runs through the valve to the lift cylinders for the lower and upper booms. In normal operation, the valve blocks flow when the boom reaches a restricted position, so the boom stays within its allowed range.
On affected units, the hydraulic plumbing at the turntable can be connected to the wrong ports on that blocking valve. When the hoses are routed that way, the range-limiting function does not stop the correct boom movement. The lower or upper boom can keep moving past the intended limit and overextend.
A preoperational inspection can reveal the problem. When the boom is operated in a restricted position, the indicator light shows the restricted condition, but the interlock does not disable the boom function. The operator should use the upper boom zone indicator light at the turntable to confirm whether material handling is allowed.
Who's affected?
Spans five model years (2017-2021), all tied to the same directional control valve in the motor/hydraulic pump system.
| 2018 Altec Aerial Device | Motor/hydraulic pump |
|---|---|
| 2019 Altec Aerial Device | Motor/hydraulic pump |
| 2020 Altec Aerial Device | Motor/hydraulic pump |
| 2017 Altec Aerial Device | Motor/hydraulic pump |
| 2021 Altec Aerial Device | Motor/hydraulic pump |
| Units affected | 150 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
Overextending the boom while using the material handling jib can make the aerial device tip over and increase injury risk. A preoperational inspection can catch the problem in the restricted boom position. Use the upper boom zone indicator light at the turntable to confirm material handling is allowed. Repair is free at any franchised Altec dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017-2021 Altec Aerial Device is included in this recall.
- Contact Altec customer service at 1-877-462-5832 to schedule the free hydraulic-plumbing inspection and correction for the lower and upper boom lift cylinders.
- Have the owner letter ready if you have it, and reference recall number 21V998 and Altec recall CSN 842 when you call.
- Avoid using the material handling jib until Altec completes the repair, because boom overextension can tip the aerial device.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Altec technician inspects the hydraulic plumbing to the lift cylinders on the lower and upper booms. If the plumbing is connected incorrectly, the technician corrects the routing so the boom does not overextend. The recall repair is free when the unit is presented for repair. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through Altec's warranty policy, not through a separate reimbursement program. Ask Altec customer service how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| December 20, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| February 18, 2022 | Owner notification mailed |
| February 18, 2022 | Dealer notification began |
| February 18, 2022 | Dealer notification ended |
| February 18, 2022 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| February 18, 2022 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V998?
Recall 21V998 covers 150 2017-2021 Altec Aerial Device units with hydraulic plumbing to the lower and upper boom lift cylinders connected incorrectly. That plumbing error can let the boom overextend. Altec will inspect and correct the plumbing for free.
What should I do if my 2017-2021 Altec Aerial Device is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific aerial device is included in recall 21V998. If it is, contact Altec or an authorized Altec service location to schedule the hydraulic plumbing inspection and correction. Reference recall number 21V998 and Altec recall number CSN 842 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Altec will inspect the hydraulic plumbing and correct it as necessary, free of charge, through Altec service.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is tip-over while the aerial device is in use. Incorrect hydraulic plumbing can let the operator overextend the boom while using the material handling jib, increasing the risk of injury.
Who should I contact about Altec recall 21V998?
Contact Altec customer service at 1-877-462-5832. Have your VIN or equipment identification ready, and ask about recall 21V998 and Altec recall number CSN 842 so the service team can confirm the inspection and repair path.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V998000 |
|---|---|
| Altec customer service | 1-877-462-5832 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V998 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V998000 |
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 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →