Recall 25V525 affects 1,360 2018-2020 Heil Front End Loader Garbage trucks for hydraulic tube leaks. Repair is free at any franchised Heil dealer.
Heil is recalling 1,360 2018-2020 Front End Loader Garbage trucks because excessive vibration can make the front head hydraulic tubes leak. Hydraulic fluid on hot engine or exhaust parts increases the risk of a fire, and Heil dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The front head hydraulic tube on 2018-2020 Heil Front End Loader Garbage trucks carries hydraulic fluid for the packing function. That hydraulic system moves the loader body through its work cycle, and the tube has to hold pressure while the packer shifts and compresses refuse. Clamps and valve programming help control how sharply that pressure changes.
On affected trucks, the hydraulic hardware allows elevated tube vibration during the packing cycle. That vibration was not found during design testing, so the original setup did not control it enough. Repeated vibration can work the front head tube until it leaks hydraulic fluid. Heil's correction adds clamping and changes the hydraulic valve shift ramp so the packing function moves with less tube vibration.
There is no warning sign before failure. If a leak appears, a crew is looking at an active failure, not an earlier warning from the truck.
Who's affected?
Covers 3 model years, all tied to hydraulic tube part 354-5571.
| 2018 Heil Front End Loader Garbage | Equipment |
|---|---|
| 2019 Heil Front End Loader Garbage | Equipment |
| 2020 Heil Front End Loader Garbage | Equipment |
| Units affected | 1,360 |
| 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?
A hydraulic fluid leak near hot engine or exhaust components raises the risk of a fire. If you see hydraulic fluid leaking, stop using the vehicle and call the dealer for repair instructions. Schedule the recall repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Heil dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018-2020 Heil Front End Loader Garbage truck is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Heil dealer to schedule the free stabilizing-clamp, hydraulic-tube, and software repair that stops vibration-related tube leaks.
- Bring the recall notice if it is available, or reference recall number 25V525 when you call.
- Keep the truck away from ignition sources and stop using it if you see a hydraulic fluid leak until a Heil dealer gives repair guidance.
- Call Heil customer service at 1-866-275-4345 with questions about the repair.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Heil technician installs stabilizing clamps, replaces the front head hydraulic tubes, and updates the related software. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered by Heil. If you already paid out of pocket to fix the hydraulic tube leak tied to this defect, Heil will reimburse documented expenses. Bring repair invoices, receipts, and any service notes to the dealer or contact Heil customer service for the reimbursement process.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| August 12, 2025 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 8, 2025 | Dealer notification began |
| September 8, 2025 | Dealer notification ended |
| October 30, 2025 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 25V525?
Recall 25V525 covers 1,360 2018-2020 Heil Front End Loader Garbage trucks with front head hydraulic tubes that can leak after excessive vibration. A hydraulic fluid leak near hot engine or exhaust components can increase fire risk. Heil will install stabilizing clamps, new hydraulic tubes, and updated software for free.
What should I do if my 2018-2020 Heil Front End Loader Garbage is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 25V525. If it is, contact Heil customer service at 1-866-275-4345 or a franchised Heil service location to arrange the repair. Reference recall number 25V525 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost. Heil will install stabilizing clamps, replace the hydraulic tubes, and update the software free of charge for trucks included in recall 25V525.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is fire. Excessive vibration can lead to a hydraulic fluid leak from the front head hydraulic tubes. If that fluid reaches an ignition source, such as hot engine or exhaust components, the leak can increase the risk of a fire.
When were owners notified about this Heil recall?
Heil mailed owner notification letters on October 30, 2025. If you did not receive a letter, check your VIN because mailed notices do not always reach current owners, especially when a truck has changed hands or fleet records are outdated.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/25V525000 |
|---|---|
| Heil customer service | 1-866-275-4345 |
| NHTSA recall # | 25V525 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 25V525000 |
Source documents
-
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 19, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →