2008 Pierce Arrow XT recalls and problems

The 2008 Pierce Arrow XT has 16 safety recalls and 1 owner complaint filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Pierce dealer.

Recalls
16
Complaints
1
Crashes / fires
0 / 1
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2008 Pierce Arrow XT vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2008 Pierce Arrow XT recalls

Recall 19V-022: Electrical System

Reported Jan 2, 2019 · 994 vehicles affected · Pierce Manufacturing

Problem: Pierce Manufacturing (Pierce) is recalling certain 2004-2018 Arrow XT, Dash, Enforcer, Impel, Quantum and Velocity aerial vehicles. The aerial device may unexpectedly rotate to the right when the ladder is being extended.

Risk: If the aerial device moves in an unexpected direction, the ladder may contact an object, such as a building or an electrical wire, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: Pierce will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the aerial control module, free of charge. The recall began February 28, 2019. Owners may contact Pierce customer service at 1-888-974-3723. Pierce's number for this recall is 74B295.

Recall 18V-463: Structure

Reported Jul 11, 2018 · 17 vehicles affected · Pierce Manufacturing

Problem: Pierce Manufacturing (Pierce) is recalling certain 2007-2017 Pierce Velocity, Impel, Arrow-XT, Quantum, and Enforcer emergency response vehicles equipped with 75ft aerial devices with a 21 inch or 28 inch limited retraction bracket. The bracket on the aerial device may detach from the aerial and fall to the ground.

Risk: If the bracket falls, it could strike a person below.

Fix: Pierce will notify owners, and dealers will install additional hardware to mount the limited retraction bracket, free of charge. The recall began on August 22, 2018. Owners may contact Pierce customer service at 1-888-974-3723. Pierce's number for this recall is 74B290.

Recall 17V-348: Power Train

Reported May 30, 2017 · 225 vehicles affected · Pierce Manufacturing

Problem: Pierce Manufacturing (Pierce) is recalling certain 1999-2013 Arrow XT, Dash, Enforcer, Quantum and Velocity fire trucks equipped with the electric All-steer rear steering option. The affected vehicles have rear steer axle shafts that were not properly heat treated.

Risk: Axle shafts that are not properly heat treated may break and potentially disable the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Pierce will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear steer axle shafts, free of charge. An interim notice was mailed on July 24, 2017. The recall began June 3, 2020. Owners may contact Pierce customer service at 1-888-974-3723.

Recall 13V-525: Equipment

Reported Oct 22, 2013 · 3,115 vehicles affected · Pierce Manufacturing

Problem: Pierce Manufacturing Inc. (Pierce) is recalling certain model year 2000-2009 Enforcer and model year 2000-2010 Dash, Lance, and Arrow XT vehicles. While raising or lowering the cab as part of vehicle maintenance, the mounts on which the cab tilt cylinders pivot may fatigue and fail allowing the cab to fall until the safety catch activates.

Risk: If a person is in the path of the moving cab when a mount fails, the person may be hit by the falling cab, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: Pierce will notify owners, and dealers will affix new safety signs advising the operator to stay clear of the cab while it is being tilted, free of charge. The recall began on January 6, 2014. Owners may contact Pierce at 1-920-832-3000. Pierce's recall number is 74B240.

Recall 11V-551: Structure

Reported Nov 10, 2011 · 59 vehicles affected · PIERCE MANUFACTURING

Problem: Pierce manufacturing (Pierce) is recalling certain model year 2005, 2008-2011 arrow xt, custom contender, dash, enforcer, impel, quantum, saber, and velocity 75 foot hal (Heavy aluminum ladder) fire apparatus bodies vehicles manufactured from may 17,2005, through october 13, 2011, that may be equipped with dual scba cylinder storage compartments. These compartments extend inboard horizontally from the side of the rear body. The scba compartment door latch orientation may have been manufactured incorrectly, allowing the door to accidentally open while the vehicle is in motion. The door may open without warning and without knowledge to the driver.

Risk: If the door opens, the scba cylinders may fall out of the compartment and onto the roadway, increasing the risk of a crash or injury to pedestrians.

Fix: Pierce dealers will notify owners, and will install a flat reinforcement plate that spans the length of the scba door. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on december 5, 2011. Owners may contact pierce at 1-920-832-3000.

Recall 11V-527: Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

Reported Nov 1, 2011 · 724 vehicles affected · PIERCE MANUFACTURING

Problem: Pierce manufacturing (Pierce) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 arrow xtand velocity, model year 2008-2011 custom contender, impel, quantum and model year 2009-2011 saber emergency trucks, equipped with meritor wabco electronic stability control (Esc) modules, manufactured from december 19, 2007, through october 7, 2011. Under certain road and driving conditions, vehicle body roll and road inclination characteristics may adversely affect the slip angle calculation of the electronic stability control (Esc) system. This might cause the ESC to perceive an over steering situation and therefore apply the outer wheel brake on the front axle until the vehicle is perceived to be stable.

Risk: If the driver is slow to react during this ESC intervention, the vehicle may deviate from the intended line of travel, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Pierce is working with meritor wabco and will replace the control module free of charge. The safety recall began on december 16, 2011. Owners may contact meritor wabco at 1-248-435-8001 or pierce at 1-920-832-3000.

Recall 11V-255: Vehicle Speed Control

Reported Apr 26, 2011 · 5,022 vehicles affected · PIERCE MANUFACTURING

Problem: Pierce is recalling certain model year 1999-2008 arrow xt, dash, lance, and enforcer fire apparatus manufactured from june 22, 1999, through may 12, 2008, and equipped with an electronic accelerator pedal. After repeated use with excessive force, the accelerator pedal arm may bend and cause the pedal to move closer to the floor. If the pedal arm bends far enough, the pedal may contact the cab floor without warning and stick in the full throttle position.

Risk: If the accelerator pedal becomes stuck, the operator may lose control of the vehicle increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will remove the existing accelerator arm and install a redesigned pedal arm free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about may 9, 2011. Owners may contact pierce at 1-920-832-3000.

Recall 11V-097: Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported Feb 14, 2011 · 108 vehicles affected · PIERCE MANUFACTURING

Problem: Pierce is recalling certain model year 2008-2009 arrow xt vehicles built with caterpillar c13 2007 engines. The three upper air cleaner bracket fasteners may loosen and fall out. If this occurs the air cleaner and bracket may fall onto the engine and start a fire.

Risk: If an under cab fire occurs, the engine operation could be affected and a crash may occur.

Fix: Pierce will notify owners and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during may 2011. Owners may contact pierce at 1-888-974-3723.

Recall 10V-423: Steering

Reported Sep 21, 2010 · 2,652 vehicles affected · PIERCE MANUFACTURING

Problem: 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.

Recall 10V-317: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported Jul 8, 2010 · 45 vehicles affected · PIERCE MANUFACTURING

Problem: Pierce is recalling certain model year 2006 through 2010 arrow xt, dash, enforcer, impel, quantum, and velocity fire trucks manufactured from october 11, 2006 through june 16, 2010 and equipped with meritor wabco ex225 rear disc brakes and onspot automatic tire chains. The meritor wabco ex225 rear disc brake caliper may interfere with the onspot automatic tire chain brackets. This interference may restrict the caliper from full movement.

Risk: If this interference occurs, braking performance may be reduced without warning and a crash may occur.

Fix: Dealers will install new automatic tire chain brackets. The new brackets provide additional clearance for the full actuation of the disc brake calipers. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began in july 2010. Owners may contact pierce at 1-920-832-3000.

Recall 10V-195: Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported May 7, 2010 · 827 vehicles affected · PIERCE MANUFACTURING

Problem: Pierce is recalling certain model year 2006 through 2010 arrow xt, dash, lance, quantum, and velocity emergency vehicles manufactured from december 20, 2006, through february 1, 2010, equipped with detroit diesel series 60 engines. The engine may shut down unexpectedly when a diesel particulate filter over temperature condition is detected.

Risk: Unexpected emergency vehicle engine shutdown under certain conditions could hamper rescue operations and place the public at risk.

Fix: Owners will be notified by detroit diesel and detroit diesel will repair the vehicles free of charge by reprogramming the engine control logic to illuminate a malfunction indicator light without requesting engine shutdown. Please see daimler trucks' defect report 10e-005. The safety recall began on may 28, 2010. Owners may contact daimler trucks at 1-800-547-0712 or pierce at 1-920-832-3000.

Recall 09V-389: Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported Oct 6, 2009 · 131 vehicles affected · PIERCE MANUFACTURING

Problem: Pierce is recalling certain model year 2008 and 2009 fire trucks manufactured between april 1, 2008 and september 30, 2009, equipped with cummins isb cm2150, isc cm2150, isl cm2150, ism cm876, and isx cm871 model diesel engines. The vehicles may be designed with a hard wired, dash-mounted switch that enables the vehicle operator to inhibit aftertreatment diesel particulate filter regeneration in environments where the operator believes it may be unsafe for elevated exhaust temperatures. Due to an issue with the logic in the ECM software in these engines, the switch may not function correctly, leading the operator to believe that the switch is in "inhibit" mode when it is not.

Risk: This condition will permit hot exhaust gases to exit the vehicle tailpipe, increasing the risk of melting or burning of nearby surfaces, or a fire.

Fix: Pierce is working with cummins to repair the engines. Cummins is conducting this campaign and will provide the remedy free of charge. Please see cummins recall campaign 09e-046. The safety recall is expected to begin during october 2009. Owners may contact cummins at 1-800-diesels (1-800-343-7357) or pierce at 1-920-832-3000.

Recall 09V-341: Air Bags

Reported Aug 31, 2009 · 28 vehicles affected · PIERCE MANUFACTURING

Problem: Pierce is recalling certain model year 2007 through 2009 fire trucks equipped with side-roll protection systems. The sensor designed to detect vehicle roll can malfunction resulting in an inadvertent deployment of the protection system.

Risk: Inadvertent deployment of the side-roll protection system could result in a vehicle crash or injury to an out of position occupant.

Fix: Pierce will notify owners and the vehicles will be repaired free of charge. The safety recall began on august 31, 2009. Owners may contact pierce toll-free at 1-888-974-3723.

Recall 09V-203: Steering

Reported Jun 8, 2009 · 185 vehicles affected · PIERCE MANUFACTURING

Problem: Pierce is recalling 185 model year 2008 and 2009 custom fire trucks manufactured between january 1, 2008 and may 31, 2009, equipped with meritor wabco steering angle sensors (Sas). Internal friction can develop between the sensor gears and the sensor housing as a result of external forces experienced on the vehicle including vibration. If developed friction is great enough, the driving tab of the sas can shear as the driver turns the steering wheel.

Risk: With a broken sas driving tab, the electronic stability control (Esc) will not function properly, which could possibly result in a vehicle crash.

Fix: Pierce will notify owners and the vehicles will be repaired free of charge. The safety recall began on july 2, 2009. Owners may contact pierce at 1-920-832-3000.

Recall 09V-137: Latches/Locks/Linkages

Reported Apr 28, 2009 · 257 vehicles affected · PIERCE MANUFACTURING

Problem: Pierce manufacturing is recalling 257 my 2008 emergency vehicles manufactured between june 1 and october 31, 2008, equipped with trimark door latches. These latches fail to comply with the transverse pull static load requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no 206, "door locks and door retention components." the latches may "pop" into the secondary locking position.

Risk: In the event of a vehicle crash, the door would not have primary closing security which could possibly lead to injury of the vehicle occupant.

Fix: Pierce will notify owners and repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began on may 4, 2009. Owners may contact pierce customer service toll-free at 1-888-974-3723.

Older recalls

RecallDateComponentSummary
08V-574Oct 31, 2008Engine and Engine CoolingPierce is recalling 76 my 2007-2008 arrow xt and velocity fire trucks equipped with caterpillar c13 diesel engines.

2008 Pierce Arrow XT problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine and Engine Cooling1

Most reported parts

  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Other Fuel Types › Turbo/Supercharger — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 10,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2008 Pierce Arrow XT complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Engine and Engine Cooling · at 10,000 miles · reported Aug 13, 2012
Our 2008 pierce fire tanker/pumper truck was responding to a blaze outside of corolla in the outer banks. According to the driver, when he came to where to the truck was needed to assist the other trucks controlling the fire, he saw a red light illuminate on the dash and immediately a ball of flames errupted from underneath the truck. No damage was done inside the cab but alot of wiring and other components were damamged. The truck was towed to an authorized detroit diesel repair facility upon which it was determined the turbo had a catastrophic failure which casued the fire. The truck was…

Other Pierce Arrow XT years

Compare all Pierce Arrow XT years · All Pierce models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 Pierce Arrow XT have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 16 recalls for the 2008 Pierce Arrow XT: 19V-022 (electrical system), 18V-463 (structure), 17V-348 (power train), 13V-525 (equipment), 11V-551 (structure) and more. Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2008 Pierce Arrow XT?

Owners report engine and engine cooling problems most often (1 reports). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 10,000 miles.

Are Pierce recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Pierce dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.