Recall Roundup: NHTSA issues Altec and Autocar recalls over fire, safety, and electrical risks

Safety and electrical defects in Altec and Autocar commercial vehicles prompt NHTSA recall notices for affected fleets and owners.
Jan. 6, 2026
2 min read

Key takeaways

  • Altec and Autocar vehicles face recalls for hydraulic, electrical, and battery defects that pose fire and safety risks.
  • Fleet operators should monitor recall notices and inspect affected vehicles promptly to prevent downtime and liability.
  • Proper maintenance and timely corrective action are critical to protect drivers, equipment, and operations from preventable hazards.
Autocar
Autocar model’s improperly secured battery cable connections

Improperly secured cable connections may overheat, increasing the risk of a fire. Additionally, loose connections may cause a loss of motive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently issued recall notices for commercial vehicles, including brands from Altec and Autocar

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 Industries
Altec models’ hydraulic system may have missing check valve

Reduced insulation can conduct electricity to the operator or others who touch the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury and death.

Altec models’ hydraulic system may have missing check valve

Altec Industries is recalling certain 2022-2023 AA55, 2023 AM55, 2023 AN46, and 2023 AN55 vehicles. A check valve that retains oil in the boom hoses may not have been installed, allowing a vacuum to form and reducing the upper boom’s insulation. Reduced insulation can conduct electricity to the operator or others touching the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury and death.

This recall potentially affects 18 vehicles. Altec will provide instructions to owners on how to inspect their vehicles for the check valve. Altec service will install the check valve as necessary. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 20. Owners may contact Altec customer service at 877-462-5832. Altec's number for this recall is CSN 3272.

Altec Industries
Altec models’ inadequate fuse protection can cause fire

Wiring without adequate protection may cause a short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.

Altec models’ inadequate fuse protection can cause fire

Altec Industries is recalling certain 2023-2025 Aerial Device and Digger Derrick vehicles. The electronic taillight module harness may have inadequate circuit protection. Wiring without adequate protection may short-circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.

This recall potentially affects 152 vehicles. Altec will provide instructions on inspecting and updating the circuit as necessary. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 13. Owners may contact Altec customer service at 877-462-5832.

Autocar
Autocar model’s improperly secured battery cable connections

Improperly secured cable connections may overheat, increasing the risk of a fire. Additionally, loose connections may cause a loss of motive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

Autocar model’s improperly secured battery cable connections

Autocar is recalling one 2024 E-ACTT terminal tractor. The battery cable connections at the traction motors and the power inverter may not be properly secured. Improperly secured cable connections may overheat, increasing the risk of a fire. Additionally, loose connections may cause a loss of motive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

This recall potentially affects one vehicle. Autocar will inspect and properly secure the cable connections as necessary. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 12. Owners may contact Autocar customer service at 888-218-3611. Autocar's number for this recall is ACTT-2505.

Eric Van Egeren
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About the Author

Jenna Hume

Jenna Hume

Digital Editor

Digital Content Specialist Jenna Hume joined FleetOwner in November 2023 and 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. 

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