The defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: FIRE TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH OSHKOSH ALL-STEER ALL-WHEEL STEERING SYSTEM. THE REAR WHEELS OF A FIRE ENGINE CAN TURN UNINTENTIONALLY IF THE ALL-WHEEL STEERING SYSTEM KEY IS ON AND MOISTURE PENETRATES TO THE WIRE THAT CONNECTS THE STEERING SENSOR TO THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU). IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE INSULATION COVERING THE WIRES BETWEEN THE SENSOR AND THE ECU HAD BEEN NICKED DURING TIME OF ASSEMBLY. OVER TIME, THE NICK IN THE INSULATION ALLOWED MOISTURE TO PENETRATE TO THE ACTUAL WIRE.
The risk
UNDER THESE CONDITIONS, THE DRIVER CAN EXPERIENCE UNINTENDED TURNING OF A SINGLE OR A TANDUM REAR AXLE, POSSIBLY LEADING TO A VEHICLE CRASH OR INJURY OR DEATH TO A PEDESTRIAN OR FIRE FIGHTER.
The remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR NICKED WIRES AND REPLACE THE WIRE HARNESS. THIS RECALL CAMPAIGN IS 100% COMPLETE.
NHTSA's own wording · initiated by ODI
Vehicles covered
| Model | Model years |
|---|---|
| Pierce Fire Truck | 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001 |
Components: SUSPENSION:MULTIPLE AXLE
Model years in this recall
NHTSA complaints and the number of recall campaigns for each model year this recall covers.
| Model | Year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pierce Fire Truck | 1996 | 0 | 5 |
| Pierce Fire Truck | 1997 | 0 | 2 |
| Pierce Fire Truck | 1998 | 0 | 2 |
| Pierce Fire Truck | 1999 | 0 | 2 |
| Pierce Fire Truck | 2000 | 0 | 3 |
| Pierce Fire Truck | 2001 | 1 | 2 |
Other suspension recalls in 2001
44 of the 461 recall campaigns reported to NHTSA in 2001 concerned the suspension; PIERCE MANUFACTURING,INC. filed 18 campaigns in all.
| 01V377000 11 Dec 2001 | JAYCO, INC. |
| 01V363000 29 Nov 2001 | FREIGHTLINER CORPORATION |
| 01V361000 28 Nov 2001 | GENERAL COACH AMERICA, INC. |
| 01V359000 13 Nov 2001 | MONACO COACH CORP. |
| 01V338000 2 Nov 2001 | BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY |
| 01V317001 22 Oct 2001 | COACHMEN INDUSTRIES, INC. |
| 01V332000 17 Oct 2001 | FORD MOTOR COMPANY |
| 01V328000 11 Oct 2001 | MONACO COACH CORP. |
NHTSA recalls (public domain) · all recalls of 2001