The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereNHTSA·13V434000·Announced 2013-09-16

Vactor Ramjet Recall: Transmission Software May Cause Drive Mode During PTO Use

Vactor is recalling 2012-2013 Ramjet vehicles with Allison Transmissions because incorrect software may allow the vehicle to enter drive mode while the power take-off is in use.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).

The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The source text explicitly states the defect could cause 'personal injury or a vehicle crash,' which aligns with the rubric criterion for significant injury reports or structural/functional defects leading to severe harm.

Plain-English summary

Vactor Manufacturing is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Ramjet vehicles equipped with Allison Transmissions. The recall addresses an issue with the electrical system software.

Due to an incorrect transmission software parameter, the vehicle may go into drive mode while the power take-off (PTO) is being used. In this scenario, the remote throttle would function, and the vehicle could potentially overpower the park brake, causing personal injury or a vehicle crash.

Vactor notified all affected end users in early September 2013. Dealers will reprogram the transmission software free of charge. Owners may contact Vactor at 1-815-672-3171. Vactor's recall number is SB 264. 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.

The recalled product

Product
VACTOR RAMJET
Brand
VACTOR
Manufacturer
Vactor Manufacturing
Category
Vehicle — Commercial Truck
Hazard
Affected units
30

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Model numbers (1)

  • RAMJET

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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