2003 Pierce Custom Contender problems, complaints & recalls
Safety recalls (2)
Fuel System, Other 2011-07-26 · campaign 11V384000 · 6,803 vehicles
Defect: PIERCE HAS DECIDED THAT CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1995-2008 ARROW XT, DASH, CUSTOM CONTENDER, LANCE, ENFORCER, PIERCE ARROW, QUANTUM, SABER AND COMMERCIAL FIRE TRUCKS MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 2, 1995, THROUGH JANUARY 21, 2008, CONTAIN A SAFETY DEFECT. THESE VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH FUEL TANK STRAPS THAT MAY CORRODE DUE TO WINTER ROAD SALT OR LIQUID DE-ICING CHEMICALS. IF THE FUEL TANK STRAPS CORRODE SUFFICIENTLY, THE FUEL TANK SUPPORTING STRAPS MAY FRACTURE AND THE FUEL TANK MAY FALL FROM THE VEH
Risk: THE VEHICLES MAY LOSE POWER AND STALL. IN ADDITION, THE FUEL TANK MAY RUPTURE AND SPILL DIESEL FUEL ON THE ROADWAY. EITHER OF THESE OUTCOMES MAY CAUSE A FIRE TRUCK OR SURROUNDING VEHICLES TO SLIP OR SLIDE ON THE ROADWAY SURFACE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: FOR FIRE TRUCKS THAT ARE LESS THAN 10 YEARS OLD, DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FUEL TANK STRAPS AND REPLACE THEM IF NECESSARY WITH STAINLESS STEEL STRAPS FREE OF CHARGE. FOR VEHICLES THAT ARE OLDER THAN 10 YEARS, PIERCE IS NOT OFFERING A FREE REMEDY, BUT WILL OFFER FOR PURCHASE REPLACEMENT FUEL TANKS STRAPS AND PROVIDE INSTRUCTIONS FOR INSTALLATION. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 27, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PIERCE AT 1-920-832-3000.
Structure:body:bumpers 2010-06-28 · campaign 10V300000 · 25 vehicles
Defect: PIERCE IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2003 THROUGH 2009 CUSTOM CONTENDER, DASH, ENFORCER, IMPEL, LANCE SABER, AND VELOCITY FIRE TRUCKS MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 20, 2003, THROUGH MARCH 27, 2009. THESE TRUCKS MAY BE EQUIPPED WITH DROP-DOWN FIRE HOSE TRAYS MOUNTED UNDER THE FRONT BUMPER. THE HOSE TRAY LATCH MAY ACCIDENTALLY OPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION.
Risk: IF THIS OCCURS THE FIRE HOSE MAY DROP TO THE ROADWAY WITHOUT WARNING. POTENTIAL INJURY TO PEOPLE AND PROPERTY MAY OCCUR. THE SUDDEN HOSE DEPLOYMENT MAY ALSO DISTRACT DRIVERS TRYING TO AVOID THE HOSE AND A CRASH MAY OCCUR.
Fix: A NEW AND IMPROVED LATCH DESIGN HAS BEEN DEVELOPED AND A NEW HOSE BOX INCORPORATING THE NEW LATCH WILL BE INSTALLED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 4, 2010. OWNER MAY CONTACT PIERCE AT 1-920-832-3000.
Service bulletins (45)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Electrical System 2026-09-22 · 74B345 · Service Campaign
pierce has updated our inverter installation policy to require a sub-feed breaker box with inverters that can supply over 2400w (20a @ 120v) in an unprotected output. in alignment with the national electric code (nec), this will ensure that any 15a or 20a inverter load will not exceed the current r
Unknown Or Other 2026-09-15 · PB_799 · Other
pierce is communicating a material change to the ball joint boots used in applicable service kit pn 2742031. this bulletin is intended to help dealer parts and service teams understand the reason for the change and how to identify the new ball joint.
Unknown Or Other 2026-09-09 · SB_795 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this bulletin provides a procedure to update webpage and mqtt certificates in the telematics control unit (tcu) devices of pierce custom chassis apparatus equipped with command zone and with tcu software versions 6.0.8, 6.0.13, 7.4.3, or 8.0.0. apparatus with tcu software versions 7.0.1, 7.0.3, 7.2.
Unknown Or Other 2026-09-09 · SB_797 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this bulletin provides a procedure for comprehensive update of the command zone (cz) telematics control unit (tcu), control module, and display devices in pierce custom chassis apparatus to enable next-generation clearsky intelligence connected solutions capabilities, provide a pathway for future ov
Unknown Or Other 2026-09-09 · SB_796 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this bulletin provides a procedure to update telematics control unit (tcu) devices in pierce custom chassis apparatus equipped with command zone and with tcu software version 7.4.3. installation of new tcu webpage and mqtt security certificates is accomplished as part of this procedure. this update
Steering 2026-09-08 · PB_793 · Other
the previous bolt-in airbag and steering wheel design are now obsolete and will require replacement if the become damaged. a new clip-in airbag and steering wheel design have been implemented.
Showing the 6 most recent of 45 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
No detailed complaint narratives on file.
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.