2003 Pierce Impel problems, complaints & recalls
Safety recalls (2)
Steering 2010-09-21 · campaign 10V423000 · 2,652 vehicles
Defect: PIERCE IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1998 THROUGH 2008 ARROW XT, LANCE, VELOCITY, ENFORCER, IMPEL, AND DASH CUSTOM FIRE APPARATUS VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 30, 1998 THROUGH NOVEMBER 25, 2008. THE STEERING GEAR BRACKET MAY FRACTURE AND BREAK. IF THIS OCCURS THE STEERING GEAR MAY DETACH FROM THE VEHICLE.
Risk: DETACHMENT OF THE STEERING GEAR WILL RESULT IN A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL THAT COULD CAUSE A CRASH.
Fix: PIERCE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW STEERING GEAR MOUNTING BRACKET FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 12, 2010. OWNERS ARE BEING INSTRUCTED TO INSPECT THE STEERING GEAR BRACKET PRIOR TO EACH TRIP. THE REMEDY TO REPAIR THIS DEFECT IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN NO EARLIER THE JANUARY 31, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PIERCE AT 1-888-974-3723.
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 (42)
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 42 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.