Recall 14V778 covers 185 2008-2011 Pierce Quantum fire apparatus for accelerator pedal return springs that can break. Repair is free at any franchised Pierce dealer.
Pierce is recalling 185 2008-2011 Quantum fire apparatus because accelerator-pedal return springs can break after the driver lifts off the pedal. A broken spring can keep the pedal from returning to idle, increasing the risk of unintended acceleration and a crash; the Pierce dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The accelerator pedal on a 2008-2011 Pierce Quantum fire apparatus controls engine throttle. When the driver presses it, the pedal assembly tells the engine to add power. When the driver lifts off, mechanical return springs are supposed to pull the pedal back to idle so the vehicle stops accelerating.
In affected Quantum apparatus under NHTSA campaign 14V778, the Williams Controls throttle control pedal assembly used return springs made with a poor edge condition in the raw material. That edge condition created a stress riser, a weak point where repeated pedal movement concentrates force. A spring can break at that weak point, leaving the pedal with less return force and reducing its ability to come back to idle after the driver's foot comes off.
The driver can notice the pedal feels lighter or takes less force to press when one spring has broken. That change in pedal feel is the warning sign before the remaining return action is lost.
Who's affected?
The scope stays within the Quantum line across the 2008-2011 model years, with the accelerator pedal as the shared component.
| 2008 Pierce Quantum | Accelerator pedal |
|---|---|
| 2009 Pierce Quantum | Accelerator pedal |
| 2010 Pierce Quantum | Accelerator pedal |
| 2011 Pierce Quantum | Accelerator pedal |
| Units affected | 185 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
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 throttle pedal springs break, the pedal can fail to return to idle after the driver lifts their foot. That can cause unintended acceleration and increases the risk of a crash. Less pedal resistance is a warning sign if one spring breaks. Schedule the repair soon. Repair will be free at any franchised Pierce dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2008-2011 Pierce Quantum is included in this recall.
- Call Pierce customer service at 1-888-974-3723 to confirm current repair timing for recall number 14V778.
- Contact a franchised Pierce service center to ask when the free throttle-pedal assembly replacement that restores accelerator return to idle can be completed.
- Bring the Pierce owner notice if you have it, and give the service desk recall number 14V778.
- Avoid operating the apparatus until Pierce confirms the repair path, since the accelerator pedal can fail to return to idle.
What happens at the repair
Pierce has identified the dealer repair as replacement of the throttle pedal assembly, the pedal unit tied to accelerator return. Once Pierce opens the final repair, a Pierce technician will replace the affected assembly at no charge. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. Pierce has a general reimbursement plan on file, so owners who already paid for a related throttle pedal repair should ask Pierce customer service how to submit documented expenses under that plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| December 8, 2014 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 8, 2014 | Dealer notification began |
| December 15, 2014 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| December 19, 2014 | Dealer notification ended |
| December 23, 2014 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 14V778?
Recall 14V778 covers 185 2008-2011 Pierce Quantum fire apparatus with accelerator pedal return springs that can break. If the springs break, the pedal does not return to idle after the driver lifts off the pedal, causing unintended acceleration and increasing crash risk.
What should I do if my 2008-2011 Pierce Quantum is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific apparatus is included in recall 14V778. If it is, contact a franchised Pierce dealer or Pierce customer service at 1-888-974-3723 and reference Pierce recall 74B258. Dealers replace the throttle pedal assemblies for free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Pierce dealers replace the affected throttle pedal assemblies free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for vehicles included in recall 14V778.
Is it safe to drive a Pierce Quantum with this recall?
The safety risk is unintended acceleration if the accelerator pedal return springs break. The filing does not include a do-not-drive order, but the defect increases crash risk. Confirm the VIN, then arrange the free throttle pedal assembly replacement with a Pierce dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/14V778000 |
|---|---|
| Pierce customer service | 1-888-974-3723 |
| NHTSA recall # | 14V778 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 14V778000 |
Source documents
-
Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF) - Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 1, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →