Recall 16V148 affects 267 2014-2016 Pierce Enforcer and Saber emergency vehicles for improperly installed heater-hose clamps. Repair is free at any franchised Pierce dealer.
Pierce is recalling 267 2014-2016 Enforcer and Saber emergency vehicles because improperly installed heater-hose clamps can let engine coolant leak into the passenger compartment. Leaking coolant can short electrical circuits, stall the vehicle, increase crash risk, and burn occupants, and Pierce dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The heater hose on 2014-2016 Pierce Enforcer and Saber emergency vehicles carries hot engine coolant to the heater core, the small heat exchanger that warms the passenger compartment. Hose clamps hold that hose tight to the tube at the heater core so coolant stays inside the closed cooling system instead of entering the cab.
On affected vehicles, the hose clamps were installed incorrectly. The clamp location, hose position, or tightening step left the joint without the grip it needs. Coolant can leak at that junction, enter the passenger compartment, and contaminate nearby electrical components. Pierce traced customer electrical issues to short circuits caused by coolant contamination.
Owners or service crews can see signs before a failure. Look for coolant leaking at the heater hose, a hose or clamp pushed too far onto the tube, or coolant pooling on the floor of the vehicle or under the vehicle.
Who's affected?
Two Pierce fire-truck lines are listed across three model years, with the same wiring component named for each.
| 2016 Pierce Enforcer | wiring |
|---|---|
| 2014 Pierce Saber | wiring |
| 2016 Pierce Saber | wiring |
| 2014 Pierce Enforcer | wiring |
| 2015 Pierce Saber | wiring |
| 2015 Pierce Enforcer | wiring |
| Units affected | 267 |
| 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?
Coolant leaking into the passenger compartment can contact electrical components, short circuits, shut off affected vehicle functions, and cause a stall that increases crash risk. Hot coolant can also burn occupants. Treat coolant pooling on the floor or under the vehicle, or visible hose or clamp problems, as a reason to call the dealer promptly. Repair is free at any franchised Pierce dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2014-2016 Pierce Enforcer or Saber is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Pierce dealer to schedule the free heater-hose-clamp inspection and correction that stops coolant from leaking into the passenger compartment.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 16V148 when you call.
- Stop the vehicle and keep occupants away from hot coolant if coolant leaks into the passenger compartment before the repair.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Pierce technician inspects the heater hose clamp installation and corrects any clamps that were installed improperly. The work is free under the recall, including the inspection and any clamp correction needed to stop engine coolant from leaking into the passenger compartment. Pierce has a general reimbursement plan on file for this campaign. If you already paid for a related heater hose or coolant leak repair before the recall work, ask Pierce customer service or the service desk how to submit documented expenses under that plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| March 10, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 23, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
| March 23, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| April 6, 2016 | Dealer notification ended |
| April 11, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V148?
Recall 16V148 covers 267 2014-2016 Pierce Enforcer and Saber emergency vehicles with heater hose clamps that were installed incorrectly. Coolant can leak into the passenger compartment, short electrical circuits, cause a stall, or burn occupants. Pierce dealers will inspect and correct the clamps for free.
What should I do if my 2014-2016 Pierce Enforcer or Saber is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific emergency vehicle is included in recall 16V148. If it is, contact a franchised Pierce dealer to schedule the heater hose clamp inspection and correction. Reference recall 16V148 or Pierce recall number 74B269 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair the defect at no cost, and Pierce says dealers will inspect the hose clamp installation and correct improperly installed clamps free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is coolant entering the passenger compartment. That coolant can short electrical circuits, cut power to vehicle features, lead to a stall, and increase crash risk. Hot coolant can also contact occupants and cause burn injuries.
What if I bought this Pierce Enforcer or Saber used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Pierce emergency vehicle is included, then call a franchised Pierce dealer and reference recall 16V148.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V148000 |
|---|---|
| Pierce customer service | 1-888-974-3723 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V148 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V148000 |
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 May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →