Check a vehicle VIN check Latest recalls Latest complaints Common problems Rankings Compare vehicles Recall roundups All makes Guides Share your experience
Theme

Vehicle safety record

2016 Pierce Velocity Problems, complaints & recalls

Owners have filed 1 complaint about the 2016 Pierce Velocity with NHTSA, most often about the wheels & tires (1). It is covered by 15 recalls, the latest in April 2026 for the boom / crane / ladder. For comparison, the 2015 has 0 and the 2017 has 0.

NHTSA data checked

DMore problems than a typical Velocity year, for its age

#408 most complained-about 2016 vehicle

Complaints
1
Recalls
15
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
0

Most common 2016 Pierce Velocity problems

Share of all 1 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.

2016 Pierce Velocity recalls 15

Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do

Equipment: boom / crane / ladder

26V217000674 vehicles affected

The problem
Pierce Manufacturing (Pierce) is recalling certain 2015-2026 Arrow XT, Enforcer, Impel, and Velocity 107' ladder and 110' platform aerial firetrucks equipped with a single rear axle. The firm-on-ground system light may remain illuminated after the rear stabilizer loses contact with the ground.
The risk
A false firm-on-ground indicator light may lead to using the aerial device when the vehicle may shift during aerial operation, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix
Pierce will provide instructions on how to update the vehicle software and perform an aerial device functional check, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 29, 2026. Owners may contact Pierce customer service at 1-888-974-3723.

Equipment: mechanical

22V809000299 vehicles affected

The problem
Pierce Manufacturing (Pierce) is recalling certain 2010-2022 Pierce Velocity, Enforcer, Arrow XT, Quantum, and Dash CF fire trucks. Stokes basket mounting brackets may be insufficiently welded.
The risk
The left and/or right brackets can fail, allowing the stokes basket to fall and increasing the risk of injury.
The fix
Pierce will replace the stokes basket mounting brackets, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 14, 2022. Owners may contact Pierce's customer service at 1-888-974-3723. Pierce's number for this recall is 74B323.

Fuel system: fuel rail

22V032000243 vehicles affected

The problem
Pierce Manufacturing (Pierce) is recalling certain 2015-2021 Arrow XT, Enforcer, Quantum and Velocity fire trucks. The fuel tubes between the fuel rail and the injectors for cylinders four, five, and six may fatigue and crack, which can result in a high pressure fuel leak.
The risk
A high pressure fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix
On engines with 75 miles or less, dealers will install vibration isolators to the fuel tubes. Engines with more than 75 miles will receive new fuel tubes with vibration isolators, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 11, 2022. Owners may contact Pierce's customer service at 1-888-974-3723.

Electrical system: software

19V022000994 vehicles affected

The 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.
The 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.
The 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.

Structure

18V46300017 vehicles affected

The 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.
The risk
If the bracket falls, it could strike a person below.
The 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.

Equipment

18V050000123 vehicles affected

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

Steering: tie rod assembly

17V57000056 vehicles affected

The problem
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.
The risk
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.
The fix
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.

Equipment

17V45500065 vehicles affected

The problem
Pierce Manufacturing (Pierce) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Arrow XT, Enforcer, Impel, Quantum, and Velocity fire trucks equipped with Hale Pump Interlock Module Kits. The Hale interlock pressure switch can fail after prolonged exposure to extreme cold temperatures, preventing the fire truck water pump from operating.
The risk
If the fire truck cannot pump water during a fire emergency, there would be an increased risk of injury.
The fix
Pierce will notify owners, and Hale Products dealers will replace the interlock modules, free of charge. The recall began on March 24, 2017. Owners may contact Hale customer service at 1-800-533-3569 or Pierce customer service at 1-414-832-3000. Pierce's number for this recall is 74B281.

Suspension

17V34900029 vehicles affected

The problem
Pierce Manufacturing (Pierce) is recalling certain 2012-2017 Arrow XT, Dash, Enforcer, Quantum, and Velocity fire trucks equipped with the T3 rear steer option. The affected vehicles have a rear sway bar that may detach from the vehicle.
The risk
If the sway bar detaches, the vehicle may sway more during steering maneuvers, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Pierce will notify owners, and dealers will replace and properly torque the sway bar fasteners, free of charge. The recall began on July 11, 2017. Owners may contact Pierce customer service at 1-888-974-3723.

Power train: manual transmission

16V585000470 vehicles affected

The problem
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.
The risk
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.
The fix
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.

Equipment

16V5510008 vehicles affected

The problem
Pierce Manufacturing (Pierce) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Enforcer, Impel, and Velocity vehicles manufactured April 12, 2016, to May 31, 2016, equipped with aerial devices. The affected vehicles may have a plastic plug installed in an unused port in the hydraulic pump for the aerial device. This plastic plug may separate from the pump resulting in a hydraulic fluid leak, potentially disabling the aerial device.
The risk
The inoperable aerial device can increase the risk of injury if the operator needs to move away from a hazardous situation or it may impede the safety mission.
The fix
Pierce has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and replace the plastic plug with a metal plug, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on July 26, 2016. Owners may contact Pierce customer service at 1-888-974-3723. Pierce's number for this recall is 74B276.

Equipment

16V390000114 vehicles affected

The problem
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.
The risk
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.
The fix
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.

Equipment

16V18600036 vehicles affected

The problem
Pierce Manufacturing (Pierce) is recalling certain model year 2010-2016 Arrow-XT, Quantum, and Velocity vehicles manufactured from October 30, 2010, through January 24, 2016. The affected vehicles are equipped with Pelican 9410L flashlights, part number 9410-021-245 or 9410-021-110, with lithium ion battery packs which may overheat.
The risk
If the flashlight battery pack overheats, it can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix
Pierce will notify owners and instruct them to inspect the flashlight and battery pack, and if necessary, to request a replacement battery pack from Pelican Products, free of charge. The recall began on April 18, 2016. Owners may contact Pierce customer service at 1-414-832-3000. Pierce's recall number for this campaign is 74B271.

Power train: driveshaft

16V123000239 vehicles affected

The problem
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.
The risk
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.
The fix
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.

Power train: axle assembly

15V7060005 vehicles affected

The problem
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.
The risk
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.
The fix
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.

What owners say

Be the first Velocity owner to share.

Problems or none - your experience is exactly what the next buyer is looking for. Write it now

1 complaints about the 2016 Pierce Velocity

Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.

Wheels & tires

2016 Pierce velocity ladder truck with tak-4 all steer. Vehicle is equipped with steel wheels. All four wheels on both rear axles are rusting. Rust appears to be in portion of wheel where water is allowed to pool when vehicle is parked. Ladder truck has been in service approximately 18 months.

Filed Incident WheelsNHTSA 11076072

Pierce Velocity: every year compared

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
20200800-C
20190900-C
20180800-C
20170900-C
201611500Wheels & tiresD
201501700-D
20140800-C
201301200-C
201201200-C
All Velocity years

2016 Pierce Velocity vs rivals

VehicleComplaintsRecallsCrashesGrade
2016 Pierce Velocity1150D
2016 Pierce Arrow XT7140DCompare
2016 Pierce Saber180FCompare

More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.

Own a 2016 Pierce Velocity? Share your experience.

Your experience goes live straight away and helps every owner and buyer who checks this vehicle. Anonymous, free, no account.

Overall, how would you rate it? *

0/4000 · Please leave out names, phone numbers and your full VIN.

By posting you confirm it's your own, honest experience and agree to the rules. Safety defect? Also report it to NHTSA - that's how recalls start.

Questions about the 2016 Pierce Velocity

Does the 2016 Pierce Velocity have any recalls?

Yes - NHTSA lists 15 recalls for the 2016 Pierce Velocity: boom / crane / ladder (April 2026); mechanical (October 2022); fuel rail (January 2022); software (January 2019) and more. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Pierce Velocity?

By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the wheels & tires (1).

How many complaints has the 2016 Pierce Velocity had?

1 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on March 3, 2018 and the latest on March 3, 2018. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.

Is the 2016 Pierce Velocity a reliable vehicle?

Its Safety Index is 34 out of 100 (grade D: more problems than a typical Pierce Velocity year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.

What should I do if my 2016 Pierce Velocity has a problem?

If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

Owners helping owners

Know before you drive.

Every experience you share - good or bad - shows on that vehicle's page and helps the next owner and buyer. Two minutes, anonymous.

Share your experience