Recall 25V800 affects 160 2024-2025 Mcneilus Volterra Zsl garbage trucks for unintended grabber-finger movement. Repair is free at any franchised Mcneilus dealer.
Mcneilus is recalling 160 2024-2025 Volterra Zsl side loader garbage trucks because a software error can move the grabber fingers without operator input. Grabber fingers that move on their own can strike a person or vehicle next to the truck, raising the risk of injury or a crash; Mcneilus dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The software on 2024-2025 Mcneilus Volterra Zsl side loader garbage trucks controls the automated grabber arm. That arm uses grabber fingers to hold and move containers while the operator commands the loading cycle from the cab. The control software is supposed to wait for an operator input before moving those fingers or the arm.
On affected trucks, a software error allows the grabber fingers to move on their own. Mcneilus traced the problem after reports that the arm grabber contacted a driver after the driver exited the cab, and that the grabber closed with no operator command. The recall repair installs new software that prevents unintended motion of the grabber arm.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner or crew member should treat any uncommanded grabber movement as part of the defect and keep people clear of the arm area until the software repair is complete.
Who's affected?
Both model years list software as the affected equipment component.
| 2025 Mcneilus Volterra Zsl | Equipment |
|---|---|
| 2024 Mcneilus Volterra Zsl | Equipment |
| Units affected | 160 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 2 field incidents 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?
Unintended grabber-finger movement can strike a person or vehicle next to the truck, increasing the risk of injury or a crash. Keep bystanders and nearby vehicles clear until the software update is completed. Repair is free at any franchised Mcneilus dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2024-2025 Mcneilus Volterra Zsl is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mcneilus dealer to schedule the free software update that stops the grabber fingers from moving without operator input.
- Bring the recall notice if Mcneilus has mailed one. If not, reference recall number 25V800 when you call.
- Keep people and vehicles clear of the side-loader grabber area until the software update is complete.
- Call Mcneilus customer service at 1-888-686-7278 with questions.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mcneilus technician updates the Volterra Zsl software that controls the side loader grabber fingers. The software update is free under the recall, and parts and labor are covered. Because Mcneilus used its general reimbursement plan on file, owners who already paid for a related software repair can ask Mcneilus customer service or the dealer service desk how to submit documented expenses.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| November 19, 2025 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| January 5, 2026 | Dealer notification began |
| January 5, 2026 | Owner notification mailed |
| January 9, 2026 | Dealer notification ended |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 25V800?
Recall 25V800 covers 160 2024-2025 Mcneilus Volterra Zsl side loader garbage trucks with software that can move the grabber fingers without operator input. Unintended grabber movement can strike a person or vehicle next to the truck, increasing the risk of injury or a crash.
What should I do if my 2024-2025 Mcneilus Volterra Zsl is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 25V800. If it is, contact Mcneilus customer service at 1-888-686-7278 or an authorized Mcneilus service contact to arrange the software update. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Mcneilus will update the affected software free of charge. Ask the service contact to reference recall 25V800 when scheduling the repair.
Is it safe to operate the truck before the software update?
The recall does not include a do-not-drive order, but the safety risk is specific: the grabber fingers can move without operator input. Keep people and vehicles clear of the loading area, and schedule the free software update promptly if your VIN is included.
When were owners notified about recall 25V800?
Mcneilus mailed owner notification letters on January 5, 2026. If you own a 2024-2025 Mcneilus Volterra Zsl and never received a letter, check your VIN and contact Mcneilus customer service at 1-888-686-7278 with recall number 25V800.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/25V800000 |
|---|---|
| Mcneilus customer service | 1-888-686-7278 |
| NHTSA recall # | 25V800 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 25V800000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (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 19, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →