Recall Roundup: NHTSA targets braking, lighting, and equipment safety defects
Key Highlights
- Ford, Mack, Volvo, GM, and Altec vehicles face recalls involving several safety-related defects.
- Mack and Volvo recalls involve software errors that may reduce braking performance with tanker trailers.
- Fleet operators should review recall notices for affected vehicles and follow manufacturer repair instructions.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently issued recall notices for commercial vehicles, including brands from Altec, General Motors, and more.
Owners of the affected vehicles should be contacted via U.S. mail over the next two months, but fleet and independent owners of these vehicles can contact the NHTSA Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 or visit nhtsa.gov for more details. More information on each recall can be found below.
Altec models’ boom stow auto-neutral system improperly wired
Altec Industries is recalling certain 2021-2026 Altec Digger Derrick and 2023-2025 Altec TA Series Aerial Device vehicles. Improper wiring may prevent the boom stow auto-neutral feature from engaging, which can allow the truck to be driven while the boom is still elevated. When the vehicle is moved or driven with the boom out of stow, the vehicle could exceed the recorded travel height, increasing the risk of a crash.
This recall potentially affects 143 vehicles. Altec will correct the wiring in the power distribution module to enable the boom stow auto-neutral functionality. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 20. Owners may contact Altec's customer service at 877-462-5832. Altec's number for this recall is CSN-3370.
Chevrolet, GMC models’ airbag inflator endcap may detach
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500/3500, GMC Sierra 2500/3500 vehicles, and 2016-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles. The left-side or right-side roof rail airbag (RRAB) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator or the inflator sidewall may rupture. A detached end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape and project the end cap or fragments of the inflator into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury.
This recall potentially affects 1,559 vehicles. Dealers will replace both RRAB modules. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 9. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 888-988-7267 or Chevrolet customer service at 800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N262569920.
Ford models’ exterior lighting may fail
Ford is recalling certain 2025-2027 Expedition, 2026 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, and F-550 SD vehicles. The headlight assemblies may contain a contaminated LED chip, which can result in a loss of daytime running lights, parking lights, high beams, or low beams. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment." A loss of exterior lighting can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
This recall potentially affects 41,748 vehicles. Dealers will inspect and replace the headlight assemblies, as necessary. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 26. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C43.
Mack models’ intake and grille bezels may detach
Mack Trucks is also recalling certain 2026-2027 Anthem AN (4) and 2025-2027 Pioneer PR (4) vehicles. The intake and grille bezels may detach from the vehicle. A detached bezel can become a road hazard for other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.
This recall potentially affects 3,096 vehicles. Dealers will inspect, replace the intake and grille bezels, and install cable ties as necessary. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 30. Owners may contact Mack's customer service at 800-866-1177. Mack's number for this recall is SC0501.
Mack models’ software calculation error may cause reduced braking performance
Mack Trucks is recalling certain 2026-2027 Anthem AN (4) and Pioneer PR (4) vehicles equipped with a tanker application package. Inaccurate axle load calculations may cause reduced braking performance while transporting smoothbore tanker trailers. Reduced braking performance can require a greater distance to stop, increasing the risk of a crash.
This recall potentially affects 850 vehicles. Dealers will install new software to disable the dynamic trailer braking calculations. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 27. Owners may contact Mack's customer service at 800-866-1177. Mack's number for this recall is SC0500.
Volvo VNL, VNR models’ software calculation error may cause reduced braking performance
Volvo Trucks North America (VTNA) is recalling certain 2025-2027 VNL (4) and 2026-2027 VNR (4) vehicles equipped with a tanker application package. Inaccurate axle load calculations may cause reduced braking performance while transporting smoothbore tanker trailers. Reduced braking performance can require a greater distance to stop, increasing the risk of a crash.
This recall potentially affects 392 vehicles. Dealers will install new software to disable the dynamic trailer braking calculations. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 27. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks' customer service at 800-528-6586. Volvo Trucks' number for this recall is RVXX2610.
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Jenna HumeJenna Hume
Digital Editor
Digital Editor Jenna Hume previously worked as a writer in the gaming industry. She has a bachelor of fine arts degree in creative writing from Truman State University and a master of fine arts degree in writing from Lindenwood University. She is currently based in Missouri.