Vehicle recall 04V567000 · December 9, 2004
2002-2004 Pierce Custom Chassis
On certain fire trucks equipped with the all wheel steer option, the position of the front axle is sensed by an optical encoder mounted to the bottom of the front axle kingpin,…
Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.
- Summary
- On certain fire trucks equipped with the all wheel steer option, the position of the front axle is sensed by an optical encoder mounted to the bottom of the front axle kingpin, which is protected from the elements by an outer case. This case shares a common grease cavity with the kingpin. Oil that leaches from the grease can migrate through the encoder seal, causing contamination of the optical encoder disc.
- Consequence
- Oil on the disc can cause the encoder to send incorrect wheel position information and can cause the rear wheels to steer unexpectedly causing the vehicle to crash without prior warning.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the encoders with new encoders with more robust seals. The control software will be updated to produce an error code and disable the rear steering function if unusual encoder inputs are detected. The recall began January 25, 2005. Owners should contact pierce at 1-888-974-3723.
- Notes
- Customers can also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).
Recall details
- NHTSA campaign
- 04V567000
- Reported to NHTSA
- December 9, 2004
- Filed by
- PIERCE MANUFACTURING
- Owner notification
- January 25, 2005
- Vehicles potentially affected
- 64
- Initiated by
- the manufacturer
- Components
- Steering
Vehicles covered
As listed by NHTSA. A recall usually covers only some vehicles of each model and year, often a production date range.
- Pierce Custom Chassis (2002-2004): 2004, 2003, 2002
Has your Pierce been repaired?
Recalls here come from NHTSA’s records for the model and year. Not every vehicle of a model is included in every recall, and this site can’t see whether a repair has been done. Only a VIN lookup can tell you that.
NHTSA’s VIN search doesn’t show recalls that were already repaired, recalls more than 15 years old, or some small manufacturers’ recalls. A Pierce dealer can also check your VIN. Recall repairs are free.