Sutphen Fire Apparatus Recall for Ladder Bearing Defect
Sutphen is recalling specific fire apparatus models because ladder extension bearings may seize, causing cables to fail and the aerial to retract unexpectedly.
What this means for you
Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 3/5 (High).
Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.
Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a mechanical defect in a fire apparatus that could cause the aerial to retract unexpectedly, posing a risk of injury to personnel. The source text describes the potential for injury but does not report specific incidents of death or serious injury, nor does it provide an FDA/USDA classification, fitting the 'High' severity criteria for risk-of-harm products where injury has not yet been reported.
Plain-English summary
Sutphen Corporation is recalling certain model year 2003-2012 SPH 100, model year 2000-2004 SP 110, model year 2003-2011 SPI 112, and model year 2003-2011 SAI 110 fire apparatus. The recall addresses a defect in the bearings used for the extension of the ladder. In the affected vehicles, these bearings may seize, which can cause the extension cables passing over them to chafe and fail.
The failure of the extend/retract system can cause the aerial to unexpectedly retract. This movement could result in injuries to personnel on or around the vehicle. The recall was completed on May 17, 2013, during which Sutphen inspected all affected vehicles and repaired them as necessary, free of charge.
Owners may contact Sutphen at 1-614-889-1005 for more information. 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
- SUTPHEN SPH 100, SP 110, SPI 112, SAI 110
- Brand
- SUTPHEN
- Manufacturer
- Sutphen Corporation
- Category
- Vehicle — Fire Apparatus
- Hazard
- Affected units
- 156
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 (4)
- SPH 100
- SP 110
- SPI 112
- SAI 110
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
Related recalls
Same brand · SUTPHEN
- SevereSutphen Recalls 2021 Fire Trucks Due to Fuel Hose Separation Risk
NHTSA · 2026-10-08
- SevereSutphen Recalls 2016-2020 Fire Trucks Due to Fuel Leak Risk
NHTSA · 2021-12-13
- SevereSutphen Recalls 2020 Fire Trucks Due to Power Steering Pump Defect
NHTSA · 2021-11-17
- High
- HighSutphen Fire Trucks Recalled for Excessively Bright LED Lights
NHTSA · 2021-10-19
Same manufacturer · Sutphen Corporation
See all →- HighSutphen Recalls 2020-2021 Fire Trucks Due to Fuel Hose Leak Risk
NHTSA · 2021-07-29
- SevereSutphen Fire Truck Recall: Fuel Rail Leak Risk
NHTSA · 2021-07-29
Same hazard · mechanical failure
See all →- SevereCanon Medical Alphenix INFX-8000C/B5 Recalled for Tabletop Shift Risk
FDA (Devices) · 2026-10-14
- ModerateLeMaitre TufTex Over-the-Wire Embolectomy Catheter Recalled for Balloon Failure
FDA (Devices) · 2026-10-14
- HighMirion Captus 4000e Thyroid Uptake System Recalled for Spring Arm Failure
FDA (Devices) · 2026-09-23
- HighIMRIS ORT300 Operating Room Table Recalled for Mechanical Failure Risk
FDA (Devices) · 2026-09-02
- HighIMRIS ORT200 Operating Room Table Recalled for Mechanical Failure Risk
FDA (Devices) · 2026-09-02
Similar recalls
- HighSutphen Aerial Devices Recalled for Potential Ladder Cable Failure
NHTSA · 2014-11-10
- HighSutphen SPH 100 Fire Trucks Recalled for Driveline Vibration Defect
NHTSA · 2010-03-02
- HighSpartan Fire Emergency Vehicles Recalled for Ladder Handle Defect
NHTSA · 2025-12-23
- SevereSutphen Firefighting Vehicles Recalled for Exhaust Clamp Failure Risk
NHTSA · 2011-12-01
- High
- SevereSutphen Recalls 2020 Fire Trucks Due to Power Steering Pump Defect
NHTSA · 2021-11-17