The problem
Altec Industries Inc. (Altec) is recalling certain 2003-2019 Altec TA45, TA50, TA55, TA60, L37, L39, LRV, LR7, A-T40C, T40P and AP45 vehicles equipped with air-cushioned pintle hitch and/or accessory air components. The accessories utilizing chassis air supply may be missing pressure protection valves. The accessory lines may not prevent service brake line pressure loss due to failure or leakage in the accessory air system. Additionally, the air cushioned pintle hook may have been connected to the incorrect air lines. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 121, "Air Brake Systems."
The risk
Loss of service brake pressure can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix
Altec will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the pressure protection installation and repair any unit that does not pass inspection, free of charge. The recall began August 15, 2019. Owners may contact Altec customer service at 1-877-462-5832. Altec's number for this recall is CSN 724.
Contacts
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.
What to do
- Check your VIN. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls - it shows whether this recall applies to your vehicle and whether the repair has been done.
- Call a dealer. Any authorized Altec dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 19V483000.
- Ask about parts and a loaner. If parts aren't available yet, ask what to do in the meantime.
- Keep your paperwork. If you paid for this repair before the recall, you may be able to get reimbursed - here's how.