Recall 20V040 affects 67 2014-2019 Rosenbauer Commander emergency vehicles for front shocks that can damage steering gear. Repair is free at any franchised Rosenbauer dealer.
Rosenbauer is recalling 67 2014-2019 Commander emergency response vehicles because the front shocks can separate from the upper front suspension mount. A loose shock can damage the steering gear housing, cause a steering fluid leak, and lead to a loss of hydraulic steering assist, which increases crash risk; Rosenbauer dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The front shock on a 2014-2019 Rosenbauer Commander is part of the front suspension. Its job is to control up-and-down wheel movement after bumps, keeping the tire planted and helping the heavy emergency vehicle steer and handle predictably. The upper shock mount holds the shock eyelet tightly in place.
On affected Commanders, the upper shock mount pocket was built too wide or the spacer hardware did not hold the joint tightly enough. That lets the shock eyelet loosen at the top mount. As the joint moves, the shock loses its damping control and can swing far enough to hit nearby steering parts. If it damages the steering gear housing, steering fluid can leak and power steering assist can drop.
Before full separation, an operator can hear a rattle or clunk from the front suspension. During inspection, the shock eyelet can move by hand. A louder clunk, poorer handling, or a steering-fluid puddle under the vehicle means the condition has progressed.
Who's affected?
Spans 6 model years, and each listed model year includes both the front suspension and steering system.
| 2018 Rosenbauer Commander | front suspension |
|---|---|
| 2018 Rosenbauer Commander | steering system |
| 2019 Rosenbauer Commander | front suspension |
| 2019 Rosenbauer Commander | steering system |
| 2014 Rosenbauer Commander | front suspension |
| 2014 Rosenbauer Commander | steering system |
| 2015 Rosenbauer Commander | front suspension |
| 2015 Rosenbauer Commander | steering system |
| 2016 Rosenbauer Commander | front suspension |
| 2016 Rosenbauer Commander | steering system |
| 2017 Rosenbauer Commander | front suspension |
| 2017 Rosenbauer Commander | steering system |
| Units affected | 67 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2014-2019 Rosenbauer Commander truck is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
A damaged steering gear box can leak and reduce hydraulic steering assist, which increases crash risk. Rattling, clunking, a shock eyelet that moves by hand, a fluid puddle, or heavier steering are warning signs to treat seriously. Drive cautiously and schedule the recall repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Rosenbauer dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2014-2019 Rosenbauer Commander is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Rosenbauer dealer to schedule the free front-shock mounting repair that prevents shock separation and steering gear damage.
- Bring the recall notice if Rosenbauer has mailed one. If not, reference recall number 20V040 when you call.
- Avoid operating the vehicle until the repair is complete if steering assist feels reduced or steering fluid is leaking.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Rosenbauer technician installs a new bolt, nut, hardened washer, and shim for the front suspension shock mount. Parts and labor are free under the recall. Rosenbauer has a general reimbursement plan on file for eligible owner-paid repairs tied to this recall. Bring documentation for any prior related repair to the service desk, or contact Rosenbauer customer service to ask how to submit the claim under that plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| January 23, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| January 31, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| February 6, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
| February 10, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| June 30, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V040?
Recall 20V040 covers 67 2014-2019 Rosenbauer Commander emergency response vehicles equipped with Reyco front suspensions. The front shocks can separate from the upper mount, damage the steering gear housing, cause a steering fluid leak, and reduce power steering assist.
What should I do if my 2014-2019 Rosenbauer Commander is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Commander is included in recall 20V040. If it is, contact Rosenbauer customer service or a Rosenbauer service contact to arrange the repair. Reference recall number 20V040 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Rosenbauer's remedy states that Reyco dealers will install a new bolt, nut, hardened washer, and shim free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced power steering assist. If the loose front shock damages the steering gear housing and causes a hydraulic steering fluid leak, steering effort increases and crash risk increases, especially during emergency response driving or low-speed maneuvering.
When did the recall repair become available?
The recall began February 6, 2020. That means the remedy is available now for included 2014-2019 Rosenbauer Commander vehicles. When you contact service, ask them to confirm parts availability for recall 20V040 before scheduling the vehicle.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V040000 |
|---|---|
| Rosenbauer customer service | 1-765-543-5815 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V040 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V040000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (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 24, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →