Recall 12V523 covered 9 2006-2008 Pierce Custom Contender fire trucks for engine software that surges RPM in pump mode. Pierce already updated them.
Pierce is recalling 9 2006-2008 Custom Contender fire trucks equipped with Caterpillar C9 engines because an engine software problem can make RPM surge in pump mode. That surge can make fire-hose water pressure fluctuate and raise the risk of personal injury; the Pierce dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The affected 2006-2008 Pierce Custom Contender fire trucks use Caterpillar C9 engine control software to manage engine speed. In pump mode, that software is supposed to hold the engine at the commanded RPM so the fire pump receives steady power. The truck depends on that steady engine speed while crews are using the pump.
On these trucks, the software has a defect that lets engine RPM surge while pump mode is active. A surge means the engine speed rises unexpectedly instead of staying at the setting selected by the operator. The problem is in the engine control programming, not a worn mechanical part listed in the recall filing.
There is no warning sign before failure. The owner or operator is most likely to notice the issue when pump mode is already engaged and the engine speed surges instead of holding steady.
Who's affected?
Spans the 2006, 2007, and 2008 model years, all involving the same electrical system software.
| 2006 Pierce Custom Contender | electrical system software |
|---|---|
| 2008 Pierce Custom Contender | electrical system software |
| 2007 Pierce Custom Contender | electrical system software |
| Units affected | 9 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
An engine surge can make fire-hose water pressure fluctuate. That pressure change creates an injury risk for firefighters or others near the hose stream. There is no listed warning sign before the pressure changes, so crews should confirm whether the engine software update was completed before placing the apparatus in service. Repair will be free at any franchised Pierce dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2006-2008 Pierce Custom Contender is included in this recall.
- Call Pierce customer service at 1-920-832-3000 because owner notices were not sent for this campaign.
- Reference recall number 12V523 and ask Pierce to confirm the engine software update that stops RPM surging in pump mode.
- Keep the truck out of pump-service use until Pierce confirms the software update is complete.
- Save any service documentation showing the engine software update for your department's maintenance file.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Pierce technician updates the engine software that controls the Caterpillar C9 engine in pump mode. Pierce says it has already completed that software update on all affected 2006-2008 Custom Contender fire trucks, so owner notification letters were not sent. If your VIN is still listed under campaign 12V523, ask a Pierce dealer or Pierce support to confirm the update is recorded for your truck. The recall remedy is free.
Timeline
| October 31, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 5, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V523?
Recall 12V523 covers 9 2006-2008 Pierce Custom Contender fire trucks equipped with Caterpillar C9 engines. An engine software problem can make engine RPM surge while the truck is in pump mode, which changes water pressure at the fire hose and creates personal injury risk. Pierce says all affected vehicles were repaired with an engine software update.
What should I do if my 2006-2008 Pierce Custom Contender is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific fire truck is included in recall 12V523. If it is, verify that the engine software update is documented in the truck's service history. Pierce says the affected vehicles were already remedied, and fleet owners can call Pierce at 1-920-832-3000 for records support.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost. Pierce's remedy for recall 12V523 was an engine software update, and Pierce says all affected Custom Contender fire trucks have already received that update.
What is the safety risk in recall 12V523?
The safety risk is unstable hose pressure during pump operation. If the Caterpillar C9 engine RPM surges while the fire truck is in pump mode, water pressure from the fire hose can fluctuate and create a personal injury risk for firefighters or people nearby.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V523000 |
|---|---|
| Pierce customer service | 1-920-832-3000 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V523 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V523000 |
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 →