Recall 22V461 covers 1 Custom Fire-modified 2018 Peterbilt 348 fire truck for steering fastener failure. Free repair at a franchised Peterbilt dealer once available.
Custom Fire is recalling one 2018 Peterbilt 348 fire truck under recall 22V461 because Dana D-series axle steering arm fasteners can fail where the steering arm attaches to the steering knuckle. Fastener failure can cause loss of steering control and increase crash risk, and the Peterbilt dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The steering arm fasteners on the 2018 Custom Fire Peterbilt 348 fire truck hold the steering arm to the steering knuckle on the Dana axle. The steering arm transfers movement from the steering linkage to the wheel end, while the knuckle lets the wheel turn left or right. That bolted joint has to stay tight and intact for the steering input to reach the wheel.
On the recalled truck, the fasteners that secure that joint can fail. Peterbilt identified a safety defect in certain models using these Dana axles, and Custom Fire included this fire truck because it uses the same axle setup. The official description does not name a separate material or assembly cause, but the failure point is the hardware that holds the steering arm to the knuckle.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner or fleet technician should not expect noise, looseness, or a dashboard alert before the fasteners fail.
Who's affected?
| 2018 Custom Fire Peterbilt 348 | steering linkage |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 1 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2018 Custom Fire Peterbilt 348 truck is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
If a steering arm fastener fails, the driver can lose steering control, which increases the risk of a crash. There is no warning sign before failure. Use caution and contact a Peterbilt dealer for current recall instructions. Repair will be free at any franchised Peterbilt dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018 Custom Fire Peterbilt 348 is included in this recall.
- Review the owner letter Custom Fire mailed on November 8, 2022 for interim instructions and repair timing.
- Contact a franchised Peterbilt dealer to ask about the free steering-arm fastener repair that replaces and tightens the Dana D-series fasteners securing the steering arm to the steering knuckle.
- Call Custom Fire customer service at 1-800-443-8851 with questions and reference recall number 22V461 (Custom Fire recall 22V277) when you call.
- Avoid driving the fire truck until Custom Fire or the dealer confirms the steering-arm fastener repair timing; fastener failure can cause loss of steering control.
What happens at the repair
Once the repair opens, a Peterbilt technician will replace the steer arm fasteners and tighten the related hardware that attaches the steering arm to the steering knuckle. The final dealer repair will be free under the recall, with parts and labor covered. Because the final dealer process is not open yet, call the Peterbilt dealer before bringing in the truck so the service desk can confirm parts, scheduling, and whether the vehicle needs special handling before it moves.
Timeline
| June 28, 2022 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 28, 2022 | Dealer notification began |
| June 28, 2022 | Dealer notification ended |
| June 28, 2022 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| November 8, 2022 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 22V461?
Recall 22V461 covers 1 2018 Custom Fire Peterbilt 348 fire truck with Dana D-series axle steering arm fasteners that attach the steering arm to the steering knuckle. If those fasteners fail, the truck can lose steering control. Dealers will replace and tighten the fasteners for free.
What should I do if my 2018 Custom Fire Peterbilt 348 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm the fire truck is included in recall 22V461. If it is, contact Custom Fire customer service at 1-800-443-8851 and ask where to schedule the steering arm fastener replacement and tightening. Reference Custom Fire recall number 22V277 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the safety defect at no cost, and Custom Fire says dealers will replace and tighten the steer arm fasteners free of charge. That covers the recall repair parts and labor for the included vehicle.
What is the safety risk with this steering recall?
The safety risk is loss of steering control. The recall states that the Dana D-series axle steering arm fasteners that attach the steering arm to the steering knuckle can fail, which increases crash risk. Confirm the VIN before the truck is placed back in service.
When was the owner notified about recall 22V461?
Custom Fire mailed the owner notification letter on November 8, 2022. If the truck changed hands or the letter never reached the current owner, check the VIN and contact Custom Fire at 1-800-443-8851 for the repair path tied to recall 22V461.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/22V461000 |
|---|---|
| Custom Fire customer service | 1-800-443-8851 |
| NHTSA recall # | 22V461 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 22V461000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →