Recall 18V174 affects 59 2004-2012 Ferrara Inferno and Igniter emergency vehicles for front axle spindle cracks. Repair is free at any franchised Ferrara dealer.
Ferrara is recalling 59 2004-2012 Inferno and Igniter emergency vehicles equipped with Timoney Independent Front Suspensions because inconsistent machining can lead to fatigue cracks in the front axle spindles. A spindle failure can separate a front wheel from the vehicle and raise crash risk; Ferrara dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The front suspension on these 2004-2012 Ferrara Inferno and Igniter emergency vehicles uses a Timoney Independent Front Suspension. That system carries the front axle load while letting each front wheel move over bumps and steer independently. The spindle is the heavy metal shaft at the wheel end; it supports the wheel hub and keeps the wheel attached to the suspension.
On the affected vehicles, the front axle spindles were machined inconsistently during manufacturing. That machining can leave stress risers, which are small weak spots where metal fatigue starts. With long-term service, cracks can grow in the spindle until the spindle fails. If that happens, a front wheel can separate from the vehicle.
There is no warning sign before failure. The remedy is not visible from the outside, so an owner or fire department should not rely on a visual inspection to decide whether the vehicle is included.
Who's affected?
Covers Inferno and Igniter fire apparatus across the 2004-2012 model years, all tied to the front suspension.
| 2006 Ferrara Inferno | front suspension |
|---|---|
| 2012 Ferrara Igniter | front suspension |
| 2011 Ferrara Inferno | front suspension |
| 2007 Ferrara Inferno | front suspension |
| 2010 Ferrara Igniter | front suspension |
| 2006 Ferrara Igniter | front suspension |
| 2008 Ferrara Inferno | front suspension |
| 2004 Ferrara Inferno | front suspension |
| 2005 Ferrara Inferno | front suspension |
| 2009 Ferrara Inferno | front suspension |
| 2010 Ferrara Inferno | front suspension |
| 2012 Ferrara Inferno | front suspension |
| 2004 Ferrara Igniter | front suspension |
| 2005 Ferrara Igniter | front suspension |
| 2007 Ferrara Igniter | front suspension |
| 2008 Ferrara Igniter | front suspension |
| 2009 Ferrara Igniter | front suspension |
| 2011 Ferrara Igniter | front suspension |
| Units affected | 59 |
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 wheel separation from the vehicle increases the risk of a crash because the driver can lose control. There is no warning sign identified before the wheel separates, so schedule the repair soon if your VIN is included. Repair is free at any franchised Ferrara dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2004-2012 Ferrara Inferno or Igniter is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ferrara dealer to schedule the free front-axle-spindle replacement that addresses fatigue cracks and wheel separation risk.
- Bring the recall notice if Ferrara mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V174 when you call.
- Ask Ferrara customer service at 1-800-443-9006 about repair scheduling if your dealer cannot locate the campaign.
- Limit use until the repair is complete, and keep the vehicle out of service if front suspension or wheel-end problems are found.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ferrara technician replaces the front axle spindle covered by this recall. The replacement is free, with parts and labor covered under the recall remedy. Ferrara's reimbursement plan covers all parts and labor costs for dealer or customer paid repairs tied to this recall. If you already paid for this spindle repair, ask the dealer service desk or Ferrara customer service at 1 800 443 9006 how to submit repair documentation for reimbursement.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| March 14, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 20, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| April 27, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
| April 27, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| April 27, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V174?
Recall 18V174 covers 59 2004-2012 Ferrara Inferno and Igniter emergency vehicles with Timoney Independent Front Suspensions. Inconsistent machining can create fatigue cracks in the front axle spindles, which can lead to spindle failure and front wheel separation. Ferrara dealers will replace the front axle spindle for free.
What should I do if my 2004-2012 Ferrara Inferno or Igniter is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific emergency vehicle is included in recall 18V174. If it is, contact a franchised Ferrara dealer or Ferrara customer service at 1-800-443-9006 to arrange the front axle spindle replacement. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Ferrara dealers will replace the front axle spindle free of charge. Use recall 18V174 when you call so the service desk can match the repair to your vehicle.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is front wheel separation. If a cracked front axle spindle fails, a front wheel can separate from the emergency vehicle and increase crash risk. Until the repair is complete, ask the dealer or Ferrara customer service for guidance before putting the vehicle back into service.
What if I bought this Ferrara emergency vehicle used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2004-2012 Ferrara Inferno or Igniter is included, then reference recall 18V174 when you contact a Ferrara dealer or Ferrara customer service.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V174000 |
|---|---|
| Ferrara customer service | 1-800-443-9006 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V174 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V174000 |
Source documents
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 →