Recall 26V071 covers 57 2021-2025 Altec Digger Derrick and Am Series Aerial Device vehicles for missing diodes. Inspection and repair kit are free.
Altec is recalling 57 2021-2025 Digger Derrick and Am Series Aerial Device vehicles because a missing diode in the power distribution module can let the chassis engine start unintentionally. An unexpected start raises the risk of injury during maintenance near the engine compartment, and Altec dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
In the 2021-2025 Altec Digger Derrick and Am Series Aerial Device trucks, the Altec power distribution module is an electrical junction that routes power to body equipment and related circuits. The missing part is a diode, a one-way electrical gate that keeps current from flowing back into the wrong circuit.
On affected vehicles, that diode is missing. Without it, 12-volt power at the Altec power distribution module can backfeed into the chassis ignition circuit when the ground is disconnected and reconnected during battery replacement or other maintenance. That backfeed can start the chassis engine even when the key is not in the ignition. The remedy adds the diode so voltage cannot feed back onto the ignition circuit.
There is no warning sign before the engine starts unintentionally. The issue shows up during battery work or similar maintenance, so unexpected electrical activity around the battery or ignition circuit is a reason to stop work and have the unit inspected.
Who's affected?
Covers both Altec equipment lines across the 2021-2025 model years, all tied to the same wiring component.
| 2021 Altec Digger Derrick | wiring |
|---|---|
| 2022 Altec Digger Derrick | wiring |
| 2023 Altec Digger Derrick | wiring |
| 2024 Altec Digger Derrick | wiring |
| 2025 Altec Digger Derrick | wiring |
| 2025 Altec Am Series Aerial Device | wiring |
| 2024 Altec Am Series Aerial Device | wiring |
| 2021 Altec Am Series Aerial Device | wiring |
| 2022 Altec Am Series Aerial Device | wiring |
| 2023 Altec Am Series Aerial Device | wiring |
| Units affected | 57 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no 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?
An engine that starts unexpectedly increases the risk of injury to anyone near the engine compartment during maintenance. There is no warning sign before it happens. Before service work, keep people clear of the engine area and follow Altec's inspection instructions for the power distribution module. Repair is free at any franchised Altec dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2021-2025 Altec Digger Derrick or Am Series Aerial Device is included in this recall.
- Contact Altec customer service at 1-877-462-5832 to schedule the free inspection and repair kit.
- Reference recall number 26V071 and Altec recall CSN-3281 when you call.
- Keep people clear of the engine compartment during maintenance until the power distribution module is inspected.
- Complete the diode inspection and repair kit service that fixes the missing diode linked to unintended engine starts.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer or service location, an Altec technician follows Altec's instructions to inspect the power distribution module for the missing diode that lets the chassis engine start unintentionally. If the diode is missing, Altec provides and installs the repair kit as necessary. The recall repair, including parts and labor, is free now. Altec's standard reimbursement plan is on file for this recall. If you already paid for the same inspection or repair before the recall notice, contact Altec customer service with your repair documentation.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| February 6, 2026 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 27, 2026 | Owner notification mailed |
| April 3, 2026 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 26V071?
Recall 26V071 covers 57 2021-2025 Altec Digger Derrick and Am Series Aerial Device vehicles with a missing diode in the Altec power distribution module. The defect can let the chassis engine start unintentionally. Altec will provide inspection instructions and a repair kit as needed for free.
What should I do if my 2021-2025 Altec Digger Derrick or Am Series Aerial Device is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 26V071. If it is, follow Altec's inspection instructions for the power distribution module and contact Altec customer service at 1-877-462-5832 for the repair kit process. Reference recall CSN-3281 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Altec says it will provide inspection instructions and a repair kit as necessary free of charge. Keep the recall number, 26V071, and Altec recall number CSN-3281 with your service records.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is injury during maintenance. If the chassis engine starts unexpectedly while someone is near the engine compartment, that person faces a higher risk of injury. Confirm whether your VIN is included, then complete Altec's inspection and repair-kit process before routine maintenance work continues.
When did Altec notify owners about recall 26V071?
Altec mailed owner notification letters on March 27, 2026. The remedy is available, and owners can contact Altec customer service at 1-877-462-5832 for recall CSN-3281. A used or recently transferred vehicle still needs a VIN check because the letter follows the ownership information Altec has on file.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/26V071000 |
|---|---|
| Altec customer service | 1-877-462-5832 |
| NHTSA recall # | 26V071 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 26V071000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (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 →