Recall 16V546 covers 8 2015-2016 Pierce Tanker and Pumper trucks missing required side marker lights. Repair is free at any franchised Pierce dealer.
Pierce is recalling 8 2015-2016 Tanker and Pumper trucks built on Freightliner chassis because extended bumpers required additional side marker lights that were not installed. The missing lights reduce visibility to other drivers and raise the risk of a crash; Pierce dealers will add the required marker lights free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The side marker lights on 2015-2016 Pierce Tanker and Pumper trucks are exterior lamps along the sides of the apparatus. They show the truck's length and outline at night or in low light, especially when another driver sees the truck from the side rather than head-on or from behind. On a long fire apparatus, those lights help other road users judge how much vehicle is entering or crossing their path.
These trucks were first built as stock units with standard bumpers, so their length stayed under 30 feet and the extra side marker lamps were not installed. After sale, extended bumpers were added to certain Freightliner-chassis trucks. That change made the trucks long enough to need additional side marker lights, but the process did not catch the lighting update.
What you notice is visual. A compliant Pierce truck has the side marker lamps installed; an affected truck lacks the added lamps required for its extended bumper length. A walkaround inspection can show whether those lamps are present.
Who's affected?
Covers Tanker and Pumper fire trucks across the 2015 and 2016 model years, all tied to exterior lighting.
| 2015 Pierce Tanker | Exterior lighting |
|---|---|
| 2015 Pierce Pumper | Exterior lighting |
| 2016 Pierce Tanker | Exterior lighting |
| 2016 Pierce Pumper | Exterior lighting |
| Units affected | 8 |
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?
In NHTSA campaign 16V546, missing side marker lights make the vehicle less visible to other drivers and increase crash risk. A visual inspection can confirm whether the lamps are installed. Schedule the repair soon if your VIN is included. Repair is free at any franchised Pierce dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015-2016 Pierce Tanker or Pumper is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Pierce dealer to schedule the free side-marker-lamp installation required for the extended bumper configuration.
- Bring the recall notice if Pierce mailed one. Reference recall number 16V546 when you call.
- Call Pierce customer service at 1-888-974-3723 with questions about scheduling or dealer instructions.
- Limit low-light operation until the side marker lamps are installed so the truck is easier for other drivers to see.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Pierce technician installs the required side marker lamps added by this recall. The work brings the extended bumper trucks into the required lighting configuration, and the recall parts and labor are free. Pierce's general reimbursement plan is on file for owners who already paid for the same lighting repair before the recall work was completed. If that applies to you, contact Pierce customer service or bring repair paperwork to the service desk so the claim can be reviewed.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| July 21, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 8, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
| August 8, 2016 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| August 8, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| August 15, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
| August 29, 2016 | Dealer notification ended |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V546?
Recall 16V546 covers 8 2015-2016 Pierce Tanker and Pumper trucks built on Freightliner chassis with extended bumpers and missing required side marker lamps. The missing lamps reduce visibility to other drivers and increase crash risk. Pierce dealers will install the lamps for free.
What should I do if my 2015-2016 Pierce Tanker or Pumper is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 16V546. If it is, contact a Pierce dealer to schedule installation of the required side marker lamps. Reference recall number 16V546 and Pierce recall number 74B275 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Pierce dealers will install the required side marker lamps free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is reduced visibility to other drivers. A Pierce Tanker or Pumper missing the required side marker lamps is harder to see from the side, which increases crash risk. The recall repair adds the required lighting.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V546000 |
|---|---|
| Pierce customer service | 1-888-974-3723 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V546 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V546000 |
Source documents
-
Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF) - Download Owner Notice (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 →