1997–2015 Smeal Aerial, 2016 Smeal Aerial Fire Apparatus Recall: Affected vehicles are equipped with a movable ladder access guardrail that…
NHTSA campaign 16V887000 · Equipment · filed Dec 9, 2016 · verified Jul 30, 2026
The defect
Smeal Fire Apparatus Co., Inc. (Smeal) is recalling certain model year 1997-2016 Rear Mount Aerial Platform Apparatus emergency vehicles manufactured January 1, 1997, to November 30, 2016. The affected vehicles are equipped with a movable ladder access guardrail that may bend or break under heavy loads.
The risk
A guardrail that bends or breaks under load can increase the risk of injury.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →The fix — what to do
Smeal will notify owners, and dealers will add a support to the opposite side of the guardrail, free of charge. The recall began on January 11, 2017. Owners may contact Smeal customer service at 1-877-415-8628.
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Affected vehicles
Related recalls
More Smeal Aerial recalls
- 2024–2026 Smeal Aerial and 2 other models — A defective crimp may cause the high-pressure hydraulic…
- 2020–2022 KME Aerial Fire Apparatus and 4 other models — In the event of a short circuit or wiring failure, the…
- 2008–2020 Smeal Aerial — If the operator attempts to both extend the ladder, and…
- 2020 Smeal Aerial and 1 other model — Monitor is used to direct the water stream and adjust the…
- 2013–2017 Smeal Aerial and 1 other model — Rings securing the valves may corrode over time after…
Other campaigns involving Smeal vehicles
Source: NHTSA recall database, campaign 16V887000. Data last verified Jul 30, 2026.