Recall 11V422 covers 18 2011 Pierce emergency vehicles with V-band clamp T-bolts that fracture under load. Repair is free through authorized Cummins dealers.
Pierce is recalling 18 2011 Pierce Dash Cf, Impel, Custom Contender, Arrow Xt, Saber, and Velocity emergency vehicles because a V-band clamp T-bolt in the diesel exhaust aftertreatment system can fracture and loosen. Hot exhaust gases can vent before the tailpipe, which creates a fire risk, and the dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The V-band clamp assembly on these 2011 Pierce Dash Cf, Impel, Custom Contender, Arrow Xt, Saber, and Velocity emergency vehicles holds key exhaust sections together. It uses a T-bolt to tighten a circular clamp around the inlet and outlet cones connected to the diesel oxidation catalyst and diesel particulate filter, the exhaust parts that treat diesel exhaust and trap soot.
On affected vehicles, that T-bolt can fracture when the clamp is under stress or load. Once the bolt breaks, the clamp loses tension. The inlet or outlet section attached to the diesel oxidation catalyst and diesel particulate filter housing can loosen, then separate from the housing instead of staying sealed in the exhaust path.
There is no warning sign before failure. A crew or maintenance technician notices the problem only after the clamp has loosened or an exhaust section has separated, so the vehicle needs inspection and the recall repair before it returns to service.
Who's affected?
Spans 6 Pierce models in the 2011 model year, all tied to engine and engine cooling.
| 2011 Pierce Dash Cf | Engine and engine cooling |
|---|---|
| 2011 Pierce Impel | Engine and engine cooling |
| 2011 Pierce Custom Contender | Engine and engine cooling |
| 2011 Pierce Arrow Xt | Engine and engine cooling |
| 2011 Pierce Saber | Engine and engine cooling |
| 2011 Pierce Velocity | Engine and engine cooling |
| Units affected | 18 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific truck.
What's the safety risk?
If an inlet or outlet section disconnects, hot exhaust gases can vent before the tailpipe, raising the risk of combustion and fire. If both clamps fail, the emissions housing can detach and create a road hazard. Drive cautiously and schedule the repair promptly. Repair will be free at any franchised Pierce dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011 Pierce Dash Cf, Impel, Custom Contender, Arrow Xt, Saber, or Velocity is included in this recall.
- Contact Pierce or an authorized Cummins dealer for instructions before scheduling the free repair.
- Schedule the V-band clamp repair that keeps the DOC/DPF exhaust sections secured and prevents hot exhaust gases from venting before the tailpipe.
- Bring the recall notice if Pierce or Cummins sent one. If not, reference recall number 11V422 when you call.
- Avoid operating the emergency vehicle until the exhaust clamp repair is complete if the exhaust system is loose, leaking, or damaged.
What happens at the repair
Pierce worked with Cummins to identify and notify owners. The source says repairs are handled by authorized Cummins dealers free of charge. The repair path centers on the diesel exhaust aftertreatment hardware: the dealer addresses the V-band clamp assembly that connects the inlet and outlet cone sections to the DOC and DPF housing, including the T-bolt failure concern described in the recall. The dealer repair will be free once available for your VIN.
Timeline
| August 17, 2011 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 10, 2011 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 11V422?
Recall 11V422 covers 18 2011 Pierce Dash Cf, Impel, Custom Contender, Arrow Xt, Saber, and Velocity emergency vehicles with Cummins diesel engines. A T-bolt in the V-band clamp can fracture, loosening the DOC/DPF exhaust connection. Authorized Cummins dealers perform the repair free of charge.
What should I do if my 2011 Pierce Dash Cf, Impel, Custom Contender, Arrow Xt, Saber, or Velocity is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific emergency vehicle is included in recall 11V422. If it is, contact Pierce or an authorized Cummins dealer and reference recall 11V422. The repair is free, and the safety recall began on October 10, 2011.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Pierce and Cummins state that authorized Cummins dealers perform the recall repair free of charge. Federal recall rules require the manufacturer to correct the safety defect at no cost to the owner.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is fire or a road hazard from the exhaust aftertreatment assembly. If the clamp loosens, hot exhaust gases can vent before the tailpipe and create combustion risk. If both clamps fail, the DOC/DPF housing can detach completely in certain applications.
What if I bought this Pierce emergency vehicle used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the current owner or purchase history. Check your VIN, then give recall 11V422 to Pierce or the authorized Cummins dealer when you call for repair instructions.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/11V422000 |
|---|---|
| Pierce customer service | 1-812-377-5000 |
| NHTSA recall # | 11V422 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 11V422000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →