Recall 17V254 covers 34 2012-2017 Rosenbauer Commander vehicles with ball joints that can separate. Repair will be free at a Rosenbauer dealer once available.
Rosenbauer is recalling 34 2012-2017 Commander vehicles because ball joints in the independent front suspension modules can loosen and separate, causing a partial loss of steering. A separated ball joint can cause loss of steering control and raise crash risk; the Rosenbauer dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The independent front suspension on 2012-2017 Rosenbauer Commander vehicles lets the front wheels steer and move over bumps without tying both sides together. Its ball joints are pivot points at the control arms. They hold the wheel assembly in position while still allowing it to turn and travel with the suspension.
On affected Commanders, the ball joints in the independent front suspension modules can loosen and separate. The filing points to installation procedures during production of the IFS modules, not a different part design. If a ball joint separates, the front suspension no longer holds that wheel assembly in its intended position, and the driver has a partial loss of steering.
There is no warning sign before failure. That means the first clear sign can be the steering change itself, after the joint has already loosened or separated.
Who's affected?
Spans the Commander across 6 model years (2012-2017), all involving the same front control arm.
| 2016 Rosenbauer Commander | control arm |
|---|---|
| 2017 Rosenbauer Commander | control arm |
| 2014 Rosenbauer Commander | control arm |
| 2015 Rosenbauer Commander | control arm |
| 2013 Rosenbauer Commander | control arm |
| 2012 Rosenbauer Commander | control arm |
| Units affected | 34 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
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?
A separated ball joint can cause loss of steering control and increase the risk of a crash. Drive cautiously, avoid extra trips, and schedule the recall inspection as soon as the repair is open. Repair will be free at any franchised Rosenbauer dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2012-2017 Rosenbauer Commander is included in this recall.
- Contact Rosenbauer customer service at 1-651-462-1000 for the current repair status before scheduling service.
- Contact a franchised Rosenbauer dealer to schedule the free ball-joint inspection, cleaning, and securing repair once Rosenbauer opens the remedy for your VIN.
- Reference recall number 17V254 when you call, and bring the owner letter if you have it.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. If steering feels loose or abnormal, stop driving and ask Rosenbauer about towing.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Rosenbauer technician will inspect the independent front suspension ball joint, clean it, and secure it so the joint stays properly seated. The dealer repair will be free once available, with parts and labor covered under the recall. Until then, ask the dealer or Rosenbauer customer service what scheduling or movement guidance applies to your Commander before arranging service.
Timeline
| April 17, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 8, 2017 | Dealer notification began |
| May 12, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
| May 15, 2017 | Dealer notification ended |
| May 22, 2017 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V254?
Recall 17V254 covers 34 2012-2017 Rosenbauer Commander vehicles with independent front suspension ball joints that can loosen and separate, causing partial steering loss. Rosenbauer dealers inspect, clean, and secure the ball joint for free.
What should I do if my 2012-2017 Rosenbauer Commander is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Commander is included in recall 17V254. If it is, contact a franchised Rosenbauer dealer to schedule the front suspension inspection and repair. Reference recall number 17V254000 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Rosenbauer's recall remedy says dealers will inspect, clean, and secure the ball joint free of charge. Federal recall law also requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost through the franchised dealer network.
What is the safety risk?
A separated front suspension ball joint can cause loss of steering control and increase crash risk. If your VIN is included, arrange the free dealer inspection and repair before further service use, and ask Rosenbauer customer service at 1-651-462-1000 about transport guidance.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V254000 |
|---|---|
| Rosenbauer customer service | 1-651-462-1000 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V254 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V254000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (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 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →