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NHTSA Recall 16V583000: Manual transmission (power train)

Smeal Fire Apparatus Co., Inc. reported this safety recall to NHTSA on , covering an estimated 88 vehicles. It affects 3 models including the Smeal Aerial.

88
vehicles potentially affected
3
models affected
2016
owners notified (September 12)
NHTSA campaign16V583000
ComponentPOWER TRAIN › MANUAL TRANSMISSION
Report receivedAugust 4, 2016
Owner notificationSeptember 12, 2016
Initiated byManufacturer

Defect

Smeal Fire Apparatus Co., Inc. (Smeal) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Smeal Aerial and Pumper fire trucks manufactured July 16, 2015, to August 1, 2016. The affected vehicles may be equipped with certain C20 and C21 split-shaft transmissions from Waterous. This transmission sends power to the wheels of an emergency response vehicle or powers an add-on unit such as a water pump used for fighting fires. A component within the shift unit may be damaged and as a result, the operator may not be able to switch the power output.

Safety risk

If the power output cannot be changed, once the fire truck arrives at the scene, it may not be able to pump water to aid in extinguishing the fire, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Smeal will notify owners, and dealers will remove the shift unit assembly and replace the clevis pin and retaining rings, free of charge. The recall began on September 12, 2016. Owners may contact Smeal customer service at 1-877-415-8628.

Notes

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.

Vehicles covered by recall 16V583000

Make and modelModel years
Smeal Aerial2015
Smeal Aerial Fire Apparatus2016
Smeal Pumper2015, 2016

Being listed here means the campaign covers the model year, not that every car was built with the defect or is still unrepaired. Enter your VIN above to check your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are free at authorised dealers. Source: NHTSA, October 2026.