VehicleVerdict

2013 Mcneilus Contender Front Loader problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 2013 Mcneilus Contender Front Loader — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

0

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

Does the 2013 Mcneilus Contender Front Loader have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

19V656000Fuel SystemSeptember 17, 2019 · 330 units

Defect

McNeilus Truck & Manufacturing, Inc. (McNeilus) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Bridgemaster Mixer, Standard Mixer, Model 49 Autoreach Side Loader, Model 48 Zero Radius Side Loader, Model 78 Meridian Front Loader, Model 29 Atlantic Front Loader, Model 87 Contender Front Loader, Model 42 Manual Automated Side Loader, Model 16 3.5 yard TG Rear Loader, Model 11 Heavy Duty Rear Loader, Model 66 40.60 Split Body Rear Loader, Model 10 Standard Rear Loader, Model 12 Tailgate Tag Axle Rear Loader, and Model 13 High Compaction Rear Loader vehicles. The vehicles are powered with compressed natural gas (CNG) and are equipped with pressure relief devices (PRD) that may not function as designed, failing to vent a buildup of pressure, such as could occur if the CNG tank was exposed to fire.

Consequence

If the PRD does not activate in the event of a buildup of pressure, the CNG tank may explode, increasing the risk of fire and injury.

Remedy

McNeilus will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the PRD's, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 30, 2019. Owners may contact McNeilus customer service at 1-888-686-7278.

15V720000EngineNovember 2, 2015 · 730 units

Defect

McNeilus Truck & Manufacturing, Inc. (McNeilus) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 Atlantic, Pacific, Contender, and Ultra front loader refuse trucks manufactured March 2, 2012, to October 14, 2015 and equipped with an optional hydraulic test port tube to check hydraulic system pressures and taking hydraulic fluid samples. This tube may crack or break and allow hydraulic fluid to contact hot exhaust and turbo components.

Consequence

Hydraulic fluid contacting hot exhaust and turbo components increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy

McNeilus will notify owners, and dealers will remove the optional hydraulic test port tube, and cap off the hydraulic test inlet port, free of charge. The recall began on December 16, 2015. Owners may contact McNeilus customer service at 1-888-686-7278. McNeilus' number for this recall is VSR-TSB-014.

2013 Mcneilus Contender Front Loader — common questions

Is the 2013 Mcneilus Contender Front Loader reliable?

The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2013 Mcneilus Contender Front Loader have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2013 Mcneilus Contender Front Loader. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.