Vehicle recall 16V583000 · August 4, 2016
Smeal Pumper, Aerial and 1 more model
The affected vehicles may be equipped with certain C20 and C21 split-shaft transmissions from Waterous.
Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.
- Summary
- 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.
- Consequence
- 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.
Recall details
- NHTSA campaign
- 16V583000
- Reported to NHTSA
- August 4, 2016
- Filed by
- Smeal Fire Apparatus Co., Inc.
- Owner notification
- September 12, 2016
- Vehicles potentially affected
- 88
- Initiated by
- the manufacturer
- Components
- Power train › Manual transmission
Vehicles covered
As listed by NHTSA. A recall usually covers only some vehicles of each model and year, often a production date range.
- Smeal Aerial (2015): 2015
- Smeal Aerial Fire Apparatus (2016): 2016
- Smeal Pumper (2015-2016): 2016, 2015
Has your Smeal been repaired?
Recalls here come from NHTSA’s records for the model and year. Not every vehicle of a model is included in every recall, and this site can’t see whether a repair has been done. Only a VIN lookup can tell you that.
NHTSA’s VIN search doesn’t show recalls that were already repaired, recalls more than 15 years old, or some small manufacturers’ recalls. A Smeal dealer can also check your VIN. Recall repairs are free.