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💥 Crash riskNHTSA 03V380📅 Oct 20, 2003

2000–2003 Pierce Custom Chassis recall: steering

⚠️ What's wrong

On certain fire trucks with tandem steer axles. The trw tie-rod on the rear-most axle of a tandem axle is restrained from rotational movement by a pair of anti-rotation seals located at the ball socket joints. These anti-rotation seals will compress over time. If the anti-rotation seal allows too much motion, the seals CAN deteriorate, allowing contact between the ball socket and the ball shaft. This metal-to-metal contact will transmit forces into the tie-rod tube, causing fatigue failure initiating at the root of the female treads.

💥 The risk

Failure of the tie-rod will allow one of the wheels to swing to the limit of its steering stop, potentially causing a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

🔧 The fix

Dealers will replace the tie rod. Notification to owners began november 7, 2003. Owners should contact pierce at 1-888-974-3723.

Is the fix free? Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer under federal law, including parts and labor. (Vehicles more than 15 years old when the recall was announced can be excluded, but most manufacturers still fix them.)
NHTSA campaign
03V380000
Manufacturer
PIERCE MANUFACTURING
Vehicles affected
202
Component
STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
Owner phone
1-888-974-3723
NHTSA hotline
1-888-327-4236
Owner letters mailed
Nov 7, 2003
Built
May 14, 1996 – May 15, 2004
Recall started by
MFR
Notes
Customers CAN also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Vehicles in this recall

Is your car affected? Recalls apply to specific VINs. Check my VIN

FAQ

Is the 03V380 recall repair free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer under federal law, including parts and labor. (Vehicles more than 15 years old when the recall was announced can be excluded, but most manufacturers still fix them.)

Which vehicles are included in recall 03V380?

2000–2003 Pierce Custom Chassis. 202 vehicles may be affected. Check your exact car with its 17-character VIN.

What should I do?

Check your VIN, then call any authorized Pierce dealer to book the free repair or call the manufacturer at 1-888-974-3723.