Recall 16V551 covers 8 2015-2016 Pierce Impel, Enforcer, and Velocity vehicles for an aerial-device hydraulic plug leak. Repair is free at any franchised Pierce dealer.
Pierce is recalling 8 2015-2016 Impel, Enforcer, and Velocity vehicles with aerial devices because a plastic plug in the hydraulic pump can separate and leak fluid. If the aerial device stops working, the operator can lose an escape path from a hazardous situation or have the safety mission impeded; Pierce dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
On 2015-2016 Pierce Impel, Enforcer, and Velocity apparatus equipped with aerial devices, the hydraulic pump supplies pressurized fluid that raises, lowers, and moves the aerial equipment. The pump has ports for hydraulic flow and unused ports that must be sealed with the correct plug. That seal keeps fluid in the system while the aerial device is working under pressure.
In this recall, an unused pump port was sealed with a plastic plug instead of the correct metal plug. The manufacturing process did not verify that the right plug was installed, and the plastic plug can separate from the pump. Once it comes out, hydraulic fluid leaks from the pump area and the aerial device can become disabled.
The warning sign is visible hydraulic fluid under the apparatus or fluid dripping on or around the hydraulic pump and nearby parts. Crews should treat that leak as a sign that the aerial hydraulic system needs inspection before the device is used.
Who's affected?
Covers Impel, Enforcer, and Velocity models across the 2015 and 2016 model years, all tied to the Equipment component.
| 2016 Pierce Impel | Equipment |
|---|---|
| 2015 Pierce Enforcer | Equipment |
| 2016 Pierce Velocity | Equipment |
| 2015 Pierce Impel | Equipment |
| 2016 Pierce Enforcer | Equipment |
| 2015 Pierce Velocity | Equipment |
| Units affected | 8 |
| 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?
An inoperable aerial device can leave the operator unable to move away from a hazardous situation and can interfere with the safety mission. Watch for hydraulic fluid under the apparatus or dripping near the hydraulic pump and nearby components. If you see fluid, keep the apparatus out of service and call the dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Pierce dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015-2016 Pierce Impel, Enforcer, or Velocity is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Pierce dealer to schedule the free inspection.
- Ask the dealer to inspect the aerial-device hydraulic pump and replace the plastic plug with a metal plug so a hydraulic fluid leak does not disable the aerial device.
- Bring the recall notice if Pierce mailed one, and reference recall number 16V551 when you call.
- Avoid using the aerial device until inspection if you see hydraulic fluid leaking or the aerial device does not operate correctly.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Pierce technician inspects the hydraulic pump for the aerial device and checks the unused port where the plastic plug was installed. If the plastic plug is present, the technician replaces it with a metal plug. The inspection and any needed replacement are free under the recall. Pierce has a general reimbursement plan on file for owners who already paid for this repair. Keep the repair order and payment records, then ask Pierce customer service how to submit documentation.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| July 22, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 25, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
| July 25, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| July 26, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
| August 8, 2016 | Dealer notification ended |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V551?
Recall 16V551 covers 8 2015-2016 Pierce Impel, Enforcer, and Velocity vehicles equipped with aerial devices. A plastic plug in an unused hydraulic pump port can separate, leak hydraulic fluid, and disable the aerial device. Pierce dealers will inspect the pump and replace the plug for free.
What should I do if my 2015-2016 Pierce Impel, Enforcer, or Velocity is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Pierce vehicle is included in recall 16V551. If it is, contact a Pierce dealer to schedule the hydraulic pump inspection and plug replacement. Reference recall 16V551 or Pierce recall number 74B276 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Pierce says dealers will inspect the vehicle and replace the plastic plug with a metal plug, as needed, free of charge.
What is the safety risk in recall 16V551?
The safety risk is an inoperable aerial device during use. If hydraulic fluid leaks and disables the aerial device, the operator loses a way to move away from a hazardous situation, or the failure can interfere with the vehicle's safety mission.
When did Pierce start notifying owners for recall 16V551?
Pierce began the recall on July 26, 2016. Because this is an older recall, a current owner who bought the vehicle later still needs a VIN check to confirm whether the free repair was completed.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V551000 |
|---|---|
| Pierce customer service | 414-832-3000 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V551 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V551000 |
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 →