Recall 16V585 affects 470 2015-2016 Pierce fire trucks with Waterous C20 or C21 transmission shift-unit damage. Repair is free at any franchised Pierce dealer.
Pierce is recalling 470 2015-2016 Saber, Velocity, Dash Cf, Arrow Xt, Impel, Enforcer, and Quantum fire trucks because certain Waterous split-shaft transmissions have a damaged shift-unit component that can prevent the operator from switching power output. If the truck cannot shift power to the pump after arriving at a fire scene, water pumping can be unavailable, increasing injury risk; Pierce dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The split-shaft transmission on affected 2015-2016 Pierce Saber, Velocity, Dash Cf, Arrow Xt, Impel, Enforcer, and Quantum fire trucks directs engine power where the crew needs it. In road mode, it sends power to the wheels. In pump mode, it sends power to equipment such as the Waterous fire pump.
The problem is inside the shift unit for certain Waterous C20, C21, TC20, and TC21 pump transmissions. During pump assembly, installation pliers used on the retaining rings were out of adjustment. The rings were opened past their elastic limit, which deformed them. A damaged retaining ring at the clevis pin area can keep the shift unit from changing power output when the operator selects a different mode.
There is no warning sign before failure. Crews should not count on a sound, light, or change in driving feel before the shift unit refuses to switch output.
Who's affected?
Spans seven Pierce fire apparatus models across the 2015 and 2016 model years, all tied to the manual transmission.
| 2015 Pierce Saber | manual transmission |
|---|---|
| 2016 Pierce Velocity | manual transmission |
| 2015 Pierce Dash Cf | manual transmission |
| 2016 Pierce Arrow Xt | manual transmission |
| 2016 Pierce Dash Cf | manual transmission |
| 2016 Pierce Impel | manual transmission |
| 2015 Pierce Enforcer | manual transmission |
| 2015 Pierce Impel | manual transmission |
| 2016 Pierce Quantum | manual transmission |
| 2015 Pierce Velocity | manual transmission |
| 2016 Pierce Saber | manual transmission |
| 2015 Pierce Quantum | manual transmission |
| 2016 Pierce Enforcer | manual transmission |
| 2015 Pierce Arrow Xt | manual transmission |
| Units affected | 470 |
| 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 power output is stuck after arrival, the fire truck can fail to pump water for firefighting. That limits crews' ability to extinguish the fire and increases the risk of injury. Schedule the recall repair soon so the shift unit assembly, clevis pin, and retaining rings are corrected. Repair is free at any franchised Pierce dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015-2016 Pierce Saber, Velocity, Dash Cf, Arrow Xt, Impel, Enforcer, or Quantum fire truck is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Pierce dealer to schedule the free shift-unit repair that replaces the clevis pin and retaining rings so the transmission can switch power output.
- Bring the recall notice if Pierce mailed one. Reference recall number 16V585 and Pierce recall 74B277 when you call.
- Call Pierce customer service at 1-888-974-3723 with questions before scheduling or if the truck is already out of service.
- Keep the truck out of emergency-response use until the repair is complete if the transmission cannot switch power output to the water pump.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Pierce technician removes the shift unit assembly from the Waterous split shaft transmission, then replaces the clevis pin and retaining rings. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. Pierce has a general reimbursement plan on file for owners who already paid out of pocket for a related shift unit repair. Ask Pierce customer service or the service desk how to submit documentation for that claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| August 5, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 22, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
| August 22, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| September 2, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
| September 12, 2016 | Dealer notification ended |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V585?
Recall 16V585 covers 470 2015-2016 Pierce Saber, Velocity, Dash Cf, Arrow Xt, Impel, Enforcer, and Quantum fire trucks with Waterous C20 or C21 split-shaft transmissions. A damaged shift-unit component can prevent the operator from switching power output to the wheels or the water pump.
What should I do if my 2015-2016 Pierce Saber, Velocity, Dash Cf, Arrow Xt, Impel, Enforcer, or Quantum is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific fire truck is included in recall 16V585. If it is, contact a franchised Pierce dealer to schedule the shift-unit repair. Reference recall number 16V585 or Pierce recall number 74B277 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Pierce dealers will remove the shift unit assembly and replace the clevis pin and retaining rings free of charge.
What is the safety risk in recall 16V585?
The safety risk is loss of pump function at the scene. If the transmission output cannot be changed after the fire truck arrives, the truck can fail to power the water pump, increasing the risk of injury during firefighting.
What if I bought this Pierce fire truck used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your Pierce fire truck is included, then call a franchised Pierce dealer or Pierce customer service at 1-888-974-3723.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V585000 |
|---|---|
| Pierce customer service | 1-888-974-3723 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V585 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V585000 |
Source documents
-
Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF) - Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (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 →