Vehicle recall 21V029000 · January 28, 2021
2008-2020 Smeal Aerial
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.
Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.
- Summary
- 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.
- Consequence
- A damaged positional waterway trolley can become disconnected from the ladder and drop to the ground, increasing the risk of injury or death.
- Remedy
- 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.
- 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
- 21V029000
- Reported to NHTSA
- January 28, 2021
- Filed by
- Smeal Holding, LLC
- Manufacturer campaign
- 21-02
- Owner notification
- March 25, 2021
- Vehicles potentially affected
- 343
- Initiated by
- the manufacturer
- Components
- Equipment › Mechanical › Boom/crane/ladder
Vehicles covered
As listed by NHTSA. A recall usually covers only some vehicles of each model and year, often a production date range.
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.