NHTSA vehicle safety data

2016 Pierce Saber Recalls & Complaints

The 2016 Pierce Saber has 8 NHTSA recall campaigns and 1 owner complaint on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Pierce dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2016 Pierce Saber. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2016 Pierce Saber owner complaints

Owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA about the 2016 Pierce Saber, describing incidents dated February 24, 2019.

Most-cited components

Electrical System 1 complaint
Service Brakes 1 complaint
Unknown or Other 1 complaint

The complaint on file reports a fire, with 2 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11192153 · Filed March 28, 2019
CITY OF DAYTON FIRE-RESCUE FIREFIGHTERS WERE RETURNING FROM A FIRE ALARM WHEN THEY NOTICED A "BURNING WIRES" SMELL IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT OF THE 2016 PIERCE SABER THEY WERE DRIVING. AS FIREFIGHTERS WERE ATTEMPTING TO FIND A SAFE LOCATION TO STOP THE TRUCK, ALL OF THE CAB AND DASH LIGHTS BEGAN…

Read the full complaint

Rear LED Lights Too Bright/FMVSS 108

NHTSA #21V222000 · Exterior Lighting — Turn Signal · NHTSA notice

Reported March 30, 2021 · Pierce Manufacturing

Potentially affected: 4 vehicles

Repair completion: 100% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified May 5, 2021

Defect description

Pierce Manufacturing (Pierce) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Enforcer, Freightliner and Saber vehicles equipped with ECCO Holdings Code 3 7x9 Stop-Tail-Turn Reverse All-in-One LED stop, tail, turn, and reverse lights. The rear LED lights may be too bright. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Safety consequence

The excessive brightness may negatively affect the vision of other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Pierce will notify owners, and dealers will provide a filter kit to be installed in the rear lights, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 26, 2021. Owners may contact Pierce customer service at 1-888-974-3723.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Water Pressure Relief valve may Open

NHTSA #18V050000 · Equipment · NHTSA notice

Reported January 11, 2018 · Pierce Manufacturing

Potentially affected: 123 vehicles

Repair completion: 12% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Pierce campaign 74B287 · Owners notified February 9, 2018 · Vehicles built November 20, 2013 – August 17, 2017 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Pierce Manufacturing (Pierce) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Arrow XT, Enforcer, Quantum, Saber, Velocity, and Commercial emergency vehicles equipped with Hale pressure relief valves in the water pumps used for fire fighting. Rings securing the valves may corrode over time after exposure to water, causing the ring to fail and the pressure relief valve to open, reducing the water pressure available for fire fighting.

Safety consequence

A reduction in water pressure may hinder fire fighting efforts, increasing the risk of injury.

Manufacturer remedy

Pierce has notified owners, and dealers will install a remedy kit, free of charge. The recall began on February 9, 2018. Owners may contact Pierce customer service at 1-888-974-3723 or Hale Products at 1-800-533-3569. Pierce's number for this recall is 74B287.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Tie Rod may Loosen

NHTSA #17V570000 · Steering — Linkages — Tie Rod Assembly · NHTSA notice

Reported September 14, 2017 · Pierce Manufacturing

Potentially affected: 56 vehicles

Repair completion: 26.42% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified November 30, 2017 · Vehicles built April 28, 2015 – April 29, 2016 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Pierce Manufacturing (Pierce) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Arrow XT, Enforcer, Impel, Quantum, Saber, and Velocity vehicles, equipped with certain Spicer D-Series and E-Series steer axles. The castellated nut on the steer axles may not be properly torqued, allowing the tie rod to loosen.

Safety consequence

If the tie rod loosens, it may disconnect from the steering knuckle, causing a complete loss of steering and increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Pierce will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the torque of the castellated nut and tie rod, tightening it as necessary. If the tie rod stud and knuckle on units cannot be sufficiently torqued, the dealer will replace the knuckle and tie rod end assembly, free of charge. The recall began on November 30, 2017. Owners may contact Pierce customer service at 1-414-832-3000.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Transmission May Not Switch from Road to Pump Mode

NHTSA #16V585000 · Power Train — Manual Transmission · NHTSA notice

Reported August 5, 2016 · Pierce Manufacturing

Potentially affected: 470 vehicles

Repair completion: 100% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Pierce campaign 74B277 · Owners notified September 2, 2016 · Vehicles built June 29, 2015 – June 30, 2016 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Pierce Manufacturing (Pierce) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Arrow, Dash, Enforcer, Impel, Quantum, Saber, and Velocity fire trucks manufactured June 29, 2015, to June 30, 2016. The affected vehicles may be equipped with certain C20 and C21 split-shaft transmissions from Waterous. This transmission sends power to the wheels of an emergency response vehicle or power to an add-on unit such as a water pump used for fighting fires. A component within the shift unit may be damaged and as a result, the operator may not be able to switch the power output.

Safety consequence

If the power output cannot be changed, once the fire truck arrives at the scene, it may not be able to pump water to aid in extinguishing the fire, increasing the risk of injury.

Manufacturer remedy

Piece will notify owners, and dealers will remove the shift unit assembly and replace the clevis pin and retaining rings, free of charge. The recall began on September 2, 2016. Owners may contact Pierce customer service at 1-888-974-3723. Pierce's number for this recall is 74B277.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Pump Strainer could fail due to Weak Soldering

NHTSA #16V390000 · Equipment · NHTSA notice

Reported June 1, 2016 · Pierce Manufacturing

Potentially affected: 114 vehicles

Repair completion: 100% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Pierce campaign 74B272 · Owners notified June 16, 2016 · Vehicles built August 4, 2015 – April 24, 2016 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Pierce Manufacturing (Pierce) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Arrow XT, Enforcer, Impel, Quantum, Saber, and Velocity emergency vehicles manufactured August 4, 2015, to August 24, 2016, equipped with pumps to provide pressurized water to aid in fighting fires. These pumps have 6" intake strainers that may have been improperly soldered during production and, as a result, the strainers may come apart during use, allowing parts of the strainer and debris to enter the pump, possibly damaging the pump.

Safety consequence

If the strainer and/or debris enters the pump, and the operator is forced to shut down the pump, reducing firefighting effectiveness, there could be an increased risk of injury.

Manufacturer remedy

Pierce will notify owners to check the strainer for missing solder at the joints. Any strainers missing solder will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on June 16, 2016. Owners may contact Pierce customer service at 1-888-974-3723 or Hale Products Customer Service Center at 1-800-533-3569. Pierce's number for this recall is 74B272.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Coolant Leak into Passenger Compartment

NHTSA #16V148000 · Electrical System — Wiring · NHTSA notice

Reported March 10, 2016 · Pierce Manufacturing

Potentially affected: 267 vehicles

Repair completion: 87.75% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Pierce campaign 74B269 · Owners notified April 11, 2016 · Vehicles built March 3, 2014 – February 3, 2016 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Pierce Manufacturing (Pierce) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Enforcer and Saber emergency vehicles manufactured from March 3, 2014, through February 3, 2016. The clamps on the heater hose may have been improperly installed allowing engine coolant to leak into the passenger compartment.

Safety consequence

If coolant leaks into the passenger compartment, it may contact electrical components causing a shorting of circuits and a loss of function of features controlled by those circuits, including loss of power to vehicle which may result in a stall and increase the risk of a crash. The hot coolant may also contact occupants and possibly cause burn injuries.

Manufacturer remedy

Pierce will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the hose clamp installation. Any improperly installed clamps will be corrected free of charge. The recall began on April 11, 2016. Owners may contact Pierce customer service at 1-888-974-3723. Pierce's number for this recall is 74B269.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Drive Shaft Cap may not be Properly Tightened

NHTSA #16V123000 · Power Train — Driveline — Driveshaft · NHTSA notice

Reported March 2, 2016 · Pierce Manufacturing

Potentially affected: 239 vehicles

Repair completion: 58.7% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Pierce campaign 74B270 · Owners notified March 25, 2016 · Vehicles built October 13, 2015 – February 9, 2016 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Pierce Manufacturing (Pierce) is recalling certain model year 2016 Arrow-XT, Dash, Enforcer, Impel, Quantum, Saber, and Velocity fire and emergency vehicles manufactured October 13, 2015, to February 9, 2016. The fastener cap over the bearing on the universal joint of the drive shaft may have been improperly tightened.

Safety consequence

If the cap was not properly tightened, the cap may detach from the vehicle and become a road hazard. Additionally, the universal joint may separate and the vehicle may not be able to be driven, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Pierce will notify owners, and dealers will check and correct the tightness of all bolts for the universal joint caps, as needed, free of charge. The recall began on March 25, 2016. Owners may contact Pierce customer service at 1-888-974-3723. Pierce's number for this recall is 74B270.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Driveshaft may Disconnect

NHTSA #15V706000 · Power Train — Axle Assembly · NHTSA notice

Reported October 26, 2015 · Pierce Manufacturing

Potentially affected: 5 vehicles

Repair completion: 66.67% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Pierce campaign 74B266 · Owners notified November 12, 2015 · Vehicles built November 20, 2014 – September 29, 2015 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Pierce Manufacturing (Pierce) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Arrow XT, Velocity, Enforcer, and Saber vehicles manufactured November 20, 2014, to September 29, 2015. The affected vehicles are equipped with front drive axles whose hex nuts on the flange yoke may not have been properly tightened.

Safety consequence

If the hex nuts are not tightened to specification, the driveshaft may disconnect from the drive axle, resulting in a loss of propulsion and increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Pierce will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the hex nuts, tightening them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on November 12, 2015. Owners may contact Pierce customer service at 1-888-974-3723. Pierce's number for this recall is 74B266.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

try.vin has no NCAP crash-test rating on file for the 2016 Pierce Saber. NHTSA rates some vehicles by body style — pickups by cab, vans by roof height — so check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

1 owner complaint has been filed with NHTSA for the 2016 Pierce Saber.

Electrical System; Unknown or Other; Service Brakes

ODI #11192153

Fire 2 injuries

Incident: February 24, 2019 · Filed: March 28, 2019

CITY OF DAYTON FIRE-RESCUE FIREFIGHTERS WERE RETURNING FROM A FIRE ALARM WHEN THEY NOTICED A "BURNING WIRES" SMELL IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT OF THE 2016 PIERCE SABER THEY WERE DRIVING. AS FIREFIGHTERS WERE ATTEMPTING TO FIND A SAFE LOCATION TO STOP THE TRUCK, ALL OF THE CAB AND DASH LIGHTS BEGAN TO FLICKER ON AND OFF REPEATEDLY. THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT OF THE TRUCK RAPIDLY FILLED WITH SMOKE AND THE DRIVER/OPERATOR HAD TO MAKE AN EMERGENCY STOP WITH HIS VISION IMPAIRED BY SMOKE. AS FIREFIGHTERS WERE EXITING THE APPARATUS, THE DRIVER/OPERATOR WAS ABLE TO SHUT THE ENGINE DOWN AND TURN OFF THE ELECTRICAL POWER. FIREFIGHTERS HAD TO REMOVE TWO PANELS IN THE PASSENGER SIDE DASH/FLOORBOARD TO EXPOSE THE FLAMES. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED WITH AN ABC DRY CHEMICAL EXTINGUISHER. TWO FIREFIGHTERS WERE EXPOSED TO SMOKE AND TOXIC GASES PRODUCED BY FLAMING COMBUSTION. BOTH WERE EVALUATED ON SCENE AND REFUSED FURTHER MEDICAL TREATMENT AT THAT TIME. THE FLAMES WERE SEEN BEHIND THE CIRCUIT BOARD/FUSE PANEL, BUT THE HEAT WAS CONDUCTED THROUGH THE PANEL CAUSING DAMAGE AND DISCOLORATION TO THE FRONT OF THE BOARD. SUBSEQUENT INSPECTION BY A PIERCE CERTIFIED MECHANIC (EVS FIRE APPARATUS) INDICATED THAT THE FIRE WAS CAUSED BY ELECTRICAL ARCING CAUSED BY A COOLANT LEAK IN THE TRUCK'S HEATER CORE. HE REPORTED THAT THE FLUID HAD PENETRATED THE RELAY CONNECTED TO THE BACK OF THE BOARD THAT CONTROLLED THE ABS BRAKING SYSTEM. THIS CASE APPEARS TO BE CONNECTED TO THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRANSPORTATION SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S CASE #16V148000 AS THE TRUCK WAS MANUFACTURED IN JANUARY OF 2016, BUT WAS NEVER RECALLED.

Other Pierce Saber model years

Check your 2016 Pierce Saber VIN

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