Recall 12V080 covers 276 2010-2012 Pierce Arrow Xt, Dash Cf, Quantum, and Velocity emergency vehicles for engine-shutdown software. Repair will be free once available.
Pierce is recalling 276 2010-2012 Arrow Xt, Dash Cf, Quantum, and Velocity emergency vehicles equipped with Detroit Diesel DD13 EPA 2010 engines because engine shutdown protection was not disabled for emergency use. If operators ignore repeated warnings, the engine can shut down unexpectedly, hamper rescue operations, and place the public at risk; the Pierce dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The 2010-2012 Pierce Arrow Xt, Dash Cf, Quantum, and Velocity emergency vehicles in this recall use Detroit Diesel DD13 EPA 2010 engines. Engine shutdown software is built to protect the engine and vehicle when the engine control system detects a condition that threatens damage. In an emergency vehicle, that protection has to be balanced against the need to keep the apparatus running during a response.
On these vehicles, the shutdown software normally provided for engine protection was not disabled for emergency vehicle use. That means the engine control system can still command a shutdown when it reaches its programmed protection limit. For fire and rescue service, an unexpected engine shutdown can stop the vehicle or equipment when the crew needs power.
There is no warning sign before failure. The issue is software behavior, so the operator is not given a separate mechanical symptom before the shutdown logic acts.
Who's affected?
Spans Arrow Xt, Dash Cf, Quantum, and Velocity trucks across 2010-2012, all tied to the diesel engine component.
| 2012 Pierce Arrow Xt | Diesel |
|---|---|
| 2010 Pierce Arrow Xt | Diesel |
| 2011 Pierce Dash Cf | Diesel |
| 2010 Pierce Dash Cf | Diesel |
| 2012 Pierce Quantum | Diesel |
| 2011 Pierce Velocity | Diesel |
| 2012 Pierce Velocity | Diesel |
| 2011 Pierce Arrow Xt | Diesel |
| 2012 Pierce Dash Cf | Diesel |
| 2010 Pierce Velocity | Diesel |
| 2010 Pierce Quantum | Diesel |
| 2011 Pierce Quantum | Diesel |
| Units affected | 276 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the operator receives repeated warnings and ignores them, the engine can shut down unexpectedly. In an emergency vehicle, that shutdown can hamper rescue operations and place the public at risk. Treat repeated warnings as a reason to remove the vehicle from service and contact service. Repair will be free at any franchised Pierce dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2010-2012 Pierce Arrow Xt, Dash Cf, Quantum, or Velocity is included in this recall.
- Contact Pierce at 888-974-3723 for repair instructions if your VIN is included.
- Schedule the free Detroit Diesel engine-shutdown-software repair that prevents unexpected engine shutdown after repeated operator warnings.
- Bring the recall notice if Pierce mailed one. If not, reference recall number 12V080 when you call.
- Keep the emergency vehicle out of rescue service until Pierce or the servicing dealer confirms the repair path.
What happens at the repair
Pierce has not listed an owner-notification schedule for this recall. Once the repair opens, Pierce will notify owners and direct them to the dealer repair path. At the dealer, the engine shutdown software on Detroit Diesel DD13 EPA 2010 engines will be disabled so the emergency vehicle application is set up as intended. The final dealer repair will be free once available, with parts and labor covered under the recall.
Timeline
| February 28, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 14, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V080?
Recall 12V080 covers 276 2010-2012 Pierce Arrow Xt, Dash Cf, Quantum, and Velocity emergency vehicles with Detroit Diesel DD13 EPA 2010 engines. Engine shutdown software left active for emergency-vehicle use can shut the engine down after repeated warnings. Detroit Diesel dealers will disable the software for free.
What should I do if my 2010-2012 Pierce Arrow Xt, Dash Cf, Quantum, or Velocity is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific emergency vehicle is included in recall 12V080. If it is, contact Pierce at 888-974-3723 or a Detroit Diesel dealer to arrange the software change. Tell the service desk the recall involves disabling engine shutdown software on a DD13 EPA 2010 engine.
Does the recall repair cost anything?
No. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to correct recall defects at no cost, and Pierce says Detroit Diesel dealers will disable the engine shutdown software free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for included vehicles.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is unexpected engine shutdown during emergency use. If the operator receives repeated warnings and the software remains active, the engine can shut down, which can hamper rescue operations and place the public at risk. The free fix is to have the shutdown software disabled.
What warning signs should I watch for?
The source describes repeated warnings calling for operator intervention before the engine shutdown. Treat those warnings seriously, especially during emergency operation. If your VIN is included, arrange the free software change so the emergency vehicle is not exposed to shutdown behavior that the recall repair is meant to remove.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V080000 |
|---|---|
| Pierce customer service | 888-974-3723 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V080 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V080000 |
Source documents
-
Download Owner Notification Letter (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 →