2008–2020 Smeal Aerial Recall: If the operator attempts to both extend the ladder, and shift from one…
NHTSA campaign 21V029000 · Equipment · filed Jan 28, 2021 · verified Jul 30, 2026
The defect
Smeal Holding, LLC (Smeal) is recalling certain 2009-2020 Aerial Fire Apparatus vehicles equipped with a positional waterway trolley. If the operator attempts to both extend the ladder, and shift from one mode to the other at the same time, the locking tabs can be broken off the locking arms.
The risk
A damaged positional waterway trolley can become disconnected from the ladder and drop to the ground, increasing the risk of injury or death.
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 adjust the proximity switches for those units equipped with a positional waterway mode shift timer interlock system, free of charge. The recall began on March 25, 2021. Owners may contact Smeal customer service at 1-800-867-6478.
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…
- 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…
- 2010–2017 Smeal Aerial — Torque frame may crack at the notched area
Other campaigns involving Smeal vehicles
Source: NHTSA recall database, campaign 21V029000 (manufacturer number 21-02). Data last verified Jul 30, 2026.