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Campaign 23V096 Posted February 17, 2023 64 units

2018-2023 Pierce Aerial Trucks Recall 23V096: Handrail

Recall 23V096 covers 64 2018-2023 Pierce Arrow Xt, Enforcer, Velocity and Impel trucks for detaching basket handrails. Repair is free at any franchised Pierce dealer.

Pierce is recalling 64 2018-2023 Velocity, Impel, Enforcer, and Arrow Xt 110-foot aerial trucks because the platform mounting bracket can interfere with the basket handrail hinge peg. The handrail can detach from the basket, which puts first responders and people on the ground at risk of injury, and Pierce dealers will complete the repair free of charge.

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What's wrong?

The platform handrail hinge peg on Pierce 2018-2023 Arrow Xt, Enforcer, Velocity, and Impel 110-foot aerial trucks lets the basket handrail rotate around its mounting bracket. In normal use, that hinge point keeps the handrail attached while allowing it to move as designed when crews access or secure the aerial platform. The handrail depends on enough clearance around the peg and bracket.

On these trucks, the platform mounting bracket was designed without enough clearance for the hinge peg at the aerial platform's maximum angle. When the platform reaches that position, the bracket can interfere with the hinge peg. That contact can damage the hinge connection and let the handrail detach from the basket and fall.

There is no known warning sign before failure. An operator should not expect a light, sound, or change in platform operation before the handrail separates.

Who's affected?

Spans Arrow Xt, Enforcer, Velocity, and Impel trucks from 2018-2023, all tied to the platform handrail hinge peg.

2018 Pierce Arrow Xt Boom/crane/ladder
2018 Pierce Enforcer Boom/crane/ladder
2022 Pierce Enforcer Boom/crane/ladder
2019 Pierce Arrow Xt Boom/crane/ladder
2023 Pierce Velocity Boom/crane/ladder
Units affected64
Field incidentsNHTSA 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?

A basket handrail that detaches unexpectedly increases the risk of injury to first responders using the handrail and to people on the ground near the vehicle. There is no known warning before detachment. Ask the Pierce dealer how to handle the vehicle until the hinge pegs are replaced, and schedule the repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Pierce dealer.

What should I do?

  1. Check your VIN to confirm your 2018-2023 Pierce Arrow Xt, Enforcer, Velocity, or Impel is included in this recall.
  2. Contact your nearest franchised Pierce dealer to schedule the free basket handrail hinge-peg repair that keeps the platform bracket from detaching the handrail.
  3. Bring the recall notice if Pierce mailed one, or reference recall number 23V096 when you call.
  4. Avoid using the aerial platform at its maximum angle until the hinge pegs are replaced.
  5. Call Pierce customer service at 1-888-974-3723 with questions about recall number 23V096 or Pierce recall 74B326.

What happens at the repair

At the dealer, a Pierce technician installs new basket handrail hinge pegs so the aerial platform mounting bracket no longer interferes with the handrail hardware when the platform is raised. The recall repair is free, including parts and labor. Pierce has a general reimbursement plan on file for owners who already paid for a related repair before the recall notice. Bring repair invoices and proof of payment to the service desk, or contact Pierce customer service to start the claim.

ReimbursementReimbursement available

Timeline

February 17, 2023 NHTSA published the recall
March 16, 2023 Owner notification mailed
April 10, 2023 Dealer notification began
April 10, 2023 Dealer notification ended
April 10, 2023 Interim owner notification (was planned for this date)

Frequently asked questions

What is recall 23V096?

Recall 23V096 covers 64 2018-2023 Pierce Arrow Xt, Enforcer, Velocity, and Impel 110-foot aerial trucks. When the aerial platform reaches its maximum angle, the platform mounting bracket can interfere with the basket handrail hinge peg and cause the handrail to detach.

What should I do if my 2018-2023 Pierce Arrow Xt, Enforcer, Velocity, or Impel is on this recall?

Check your VIN to confirm your specific aerial truck is included in recall 23V096. If it is, contact a franchised Pierce dealer to schedule installation of new basket handrail hinge pegs. Reference Pierce recall number 74B326 when you call. The repair is free.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Pierce dealers will install new basket handrail hinge pegs free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for included vehicles.

What is the safety risk?

The safety risk is injury from a basket handrail that detaches during aerial platform use. The loose handrail can affect first responders using the handrail and people on the ground near the truck. The dealer repair replaces the hinge pegs that are part of the handrail attachment.

When were owners notified about recall 23V096?

Pierce mailed owner notification letters on March 16, 2023. If your department or agency did not receive the letter, check your VIN and call Pierce customer service at 1-888-974-3723 or a franchised Pierce dealer with recall number 74B326.

More information

NHTSA campaign pagenhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/23V096000
Pierce customer service1-888-974-3723
NHTSA recall #23V096
NHTSA recall # (full)23V096000

Source documents

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 →