Pierce/tie rod
Defect Summary
On certain fire trucks with tandem steer axles. the trw tie-rod on the rear-most axle of a tandem axle is restrained from rotational movement by a pair of anti-rotation seals located at the ball socket joints. these anti-rotation seals will compress over time. if the anti-rotation seal allows too much motion, the seals can deteriorate, allowing contact between the ball socket and the ball shaft. this metal-to-metal contact will transmit forces into the tie-rod tube, causing fatigue failure initiating at the root of the female treads.
Safety Consequence
Failure of the tie-rod will allow one of the wheels to swing to the limit of its steering stop, potentially causing a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action
Dealers will replace the tie rod. notification to owners began november 7, 2003. owners should contact pierce at 1-888-974-3723.
Similar Recalls
Other recalls from Pierce Manufacturing or involving Steering.
FAQ: Recall 03V380000
Your rights, the repair process, and what each field on this page means.
What is recall 03V380000?
NHTSA recall 03V380000 was issued by Pierce Manufacturing on October 8, 2003. It addresses: Pierce/tie rod. The recall affects approximately 202 vehicles, with the defect involving the Steering component.
How do I get this recall repaired?
Contact any authorized Pierce Manufacturing dealer and reference NHTSA recall ID 03V380000 or the manufacturer campaign number NR (Not Reported). Under federal law, the repair is completely free regardless of vehicle age or owner history.
Is my vehicle included in this recall?
The only way to confirm is to look up your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's tool will tell you if VIN-by-VIN this exact recall applies.
How long do I have to get a recall repair done?
There is no expiration on most federal safety recalls. Even if your vehicle is years old and you bought it used, the manufacturer is required to perform the repair at no cost.
Where does the data on this page come from?
All information on this page is sourced directly from the U.S. Department of Transportation public dataset for NHTSA recalls. Last refreshed: 2026-05-22. For the most current official notice, visit nhtsa.gov/recalls.