The Used Car Index

2016 Pierce Saber problems

NHTSA lists 1 complaints for the 2016 Pierce Saber, 0 of them mention a crash and 1 mention a fire. 1 complaints mention an injury, with 2 injuries and 0 deaths reported.

Data build 2026-10-09.

NHTSA lists this vehicle as PIERCE SABER.

At a glance

Complaints
1
With crash
0
With fire
1
With injury (complaints)
1
Injuries
2
Deaths
0
Recalls
8
Do not drive recalls
0
Park outside recalls
0
Recall potential units (maximum)
470
Investigations
0
Open investigations
0
Manufacturer communications
32

Complaints per 100k sold unavailable. No sales source is available for this record.

Where the complaints are

Top systems
SystemComplaintsShare of this vehicle's complaints
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1100.0%
SERVICE BRAKES1100.0%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER1100.0%
Top subsystems
SystemSubsystemComplaints

One complaint can name several systems, so shares can add to more than 100 percent.

Model-generated complaint tags

These labels are model-generated, not NHTSA data.

Failure modes
LabelCountShare of taggedMean confidence
electrical electronic1100.0%0.38
Severities
LabelCountShare of taggedMean confidence
critical1100.0%0.70

Model: typesafe/jev-1.13-20260917; schema version: tag-v1. 1 tagged complaints of 1 complaints (100.0%).

Confidence is the model's own probability for the label it chose (0 to 1), not accuracy.

Model-generated labels on tagged complaints only. Model years 2013 and newer are tagged in full; 2012 in part (see tagged_share); earlier model years have no tags. NHTSA's own flags remain separate in the complaints block.

Recalls

See new recalls and investigations this week.

8 recalls.

21V222000

Date: 2021-03-30. Systems: EXTERIOR LIGHTING.

Defect: Pierce Manufacturing (Pierce) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Enforcer, Freightliner and Saber vehicles equipped with ECCO Holdings Code 3 7x9 Stop-Tail-Turn Reverse All-in-One LED stop, tail, turn, and reverse lights. The rear LED lights may be too bright. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, (excerpt)

Consequence: The excessive brightness may negatively affect the vision of other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash. (excerpt)

Remedy: Pierce will notify owners, and dealers will provide a filter kit to be installed in the rear lights, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 26, 2021. Owners may contact Pierce customer service at 1-888-974-3723. (excerpt)

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

18V050000

Date: 2018-01-11. Systems: EQUIPMENT.

Defect: Pierce Manufacturing (Pierce) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Arrow XT, Enforcer, Quantum, Saber, Velocity, and Commercial emergency vehicles equipped with Hale pressure relief valves in the water pumps used for fire fighting. Rings securing the valves may corrode over time after exposure to water, causing the ring to fail and the pressure relief valve to open, reducing the water pressure availabl (excerpt)

Consequence: A reduction in water pressure may hinder fire fighting efforts, increasing the risk of injury. (excerpt)

Remedy: Pierce has notified owners, and dealers will install a remedy kit, free of charge. The recall began on February 9, 2018. Owners may contact Pierce customer service at 1-888-974-3723 or Hale Products at 1-800-533-3569. Pierce's number for this recall is 74B287. (excerpt)

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

17V570000

Date: 2017-09-14. Systems: STEERING.

Defect: Pierce Manufacturing (Pierce) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Arrow XT, Enforcer, Impel, Quantum, Saber, and Velocity vehicles, equipped with certain Spicer D-Series and E-Series steer axles. The castellated nut on the steer axles may not be properly torqued, allowing the tie rod to loosen.

Consequence: If the tie rod loosens, it may disconnect from the steering knuckle, causing a complete loss of steering and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Pierce will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the torque of the castellated nut and tie rod, tightening it as necessary. If the tie rod stud and knuckle on units cannot be sufficiently torqued, the dealer will replace the knuckle and tie rod end assembly, free of charge. The recall began on November 30, 2017. Owners may contact Pierce customer service at 1-414-832-3000.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

16V585000

Date: 2016-08-05. Systems: POWER TRAIN.

Defect: Pierce Manufacturing (Pierce) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Arrow, Dash, Enforcer, Impel, Quantum, Saber, and Velocity fire trucks manufactured June 29, 2015, to June 30, 2016. The affected vehicles may be equipped with certain C20 and C21 split-shaft transmissions from Waterous. This transmission sends power to the wheels of an emergency response vehicle or power to an add-on unit s (excerpt)

Consequence: If the power output cannot be changed, once the fire truck arrives at the scene, it may not be able to pump water to aid in extinguishing the fire, increasing the risk of injury. (excerpt)

Remedy: Piece will notify owners, and dealers will remove the shift unit assembly and replace the clevis pin and retaining rings, free of charge. The recall began on September 2, 2016. Owners may contact Pierce customer service at 1-888-974-3723. Pierce's number for this recall is 74B277. (excerpt)

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

16V390000

Date: 2016-06-01. Systems: EQUIPMENT.

Defect: Pierce Manufacturing (Pierce) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Arrow XT, Enforcer, Impel, Quantum, Saber, and Velocity emergency vehicles manufactured August 4, 2015, to August 24, 2016, equipped with pumps to provide pressurized water to aid in fighting fires. These pumps have 6" intake strainers that may have been improperly soldered during production and, as a result, the strainers ma (excerpt)

Consequence: If the strainer and/or debris enters the pump, and the operator is forced to shut down the pump, reducing firefighting effectiveness, there could be an increased risk of injury. (excerpt)

Remedy: Pierce will notify owners to check the strainer for missing solder at the joints. Any strainers missing solder will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on June 16, 2016. Owners may contact Pierce customer service at 1-888-974-3723 or Hale Products Customer Service Center at 1-800-533-3569. Pierce's number for this recall is 74B272. (excerpt)

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

16V148000

Date: 2016-03-10. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

Defect: Pierce Manufacturing (Pierce) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Enforcer and Saber emergency vehicles manufactured from March 3, 2014, through February 3, 2016. The clamps on the heater hose may have been improperly installed allowing engine coolant to leak into the passenger compartment.

Consequence: If coolant leaks into the passenger compartment, it may contact electrical components causing a shorting of circuits and a loss of function of features controlled by those circuits, including loss of power to vehicle which may result in a stall and increase the risk of a crash. The hot coolant may also contact occupants and possibly cause burn injuries.

Remedy: Pierce will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the hose clamp installation. Any improperly installed clamps will be corrected free of charge. The recall began on April 11, 2016. Owners may contact Pierce customer service at 1-888-974-3723. Pierce's number for this recall is 74B269.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

16V123000

Date: 2016-03-02. Systems: POWER TRAIN.

Defect: Pierce Manufacturing (Pierce) is recalling certain model year 2016 Arrow-XT, Dash, Enforcer, Impel, Quantum, Saber, and Velocity fire and emergency vehicles manufactured October 13, 2015, to February 9, 2016. The fastener cap over the bearing on the universal joint of the drive shaft may have been improperly tightened.

Consequence: If the cap was not properly tightened, the cap may detach from the vehicle and become a road hazard. Additionally, the universal joint may separate and the vehicle may not be able to be driven, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Pierce will notify owners, and dealers will check and correct the tightness of all bolts for the universal joint caps, as needed, free of charge. The recall began on March 25, 2016. Owners may contact Pierce customer service at 1-888-974-3723. Pierce's number for this recall is 74B270.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

15V706000

Date: 2015-10-26. Systems: POWER TRAIN.

Defect: Pierce Manufacturing (Pierce) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Arrow XT, Velocity, Enforcer, and Saber vehicles manufactured November 20, 2014, to September 29, 2015. The affected vehicles are equipped with front drive axles whose hex nuts on the flange yoke may not have been properly tightened.

Consequence: If the hex nuts are not tightened to specification, the driveshaft may disconnect from the drive axle, resulting in a loss of propulsion and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Pierce will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the hex nuts, tightening them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on November 12, 2015. Owners may contact Pierce customer service at 1-888-974-3723. Pierce's number for this recall is 74B266.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

Investigations

0 investigations; 0 open.

Manufacturer communications

32 manufacturer communications.

Communications by system
SystemCount
UNKNOWN OR OTHER24
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM3
EXTERIOR LIGHTING3
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING1
EQUIPMENT1
STRUCTURE1
SUSPENSION1

11037322

Date: 2026-08-18. Type: Warranty Program/Extension. Systems: UNKNOWN OR OTHER.

All Roto Rays, Division of Eastern Fire Equipment Services, are warranted to the purchaser for 3 years against defects in material or workmanship. During the warranty period products found to be defective will be repaired or replaced (at Eastern Fire Equipment Services option) without charge.

11036069

Date: 2026-06-30. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: UNKNOWN OR OTHER.

Husky XP pressure transducer troubleshooting procedure for transducer-related performance concerns.

11034150

Date: 2026-06-02. Type: Other. Systems: SUSPENSION.

The TAK-4 design was updated and older styles of TAK-4 can be upgraded. These updates to the torsion bar and torsion bar mounting are recommended but not required.

11034152

Date: 2026-06-02. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: UNKNOWN OR OTHER.

To notify dealers and customers that the engine oil specification listed on certain Federal (FED) Tags for units equipped with PACCAR MX-13 engines may be incorrect, and to ensure proper maintenance practices are followed.

11033184

Date: 2026-05-19. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: UNKNOWN OR OTHER.

This bulletin provides dealer guidance for MCC filter assemblies when the moisture indicator sight glass appears to show a a weta condition before installation, after installation, or on replacement filter assemblies.

11033182

Date: 2026-05-12. Type: Other. Systems: UNKNOWN OR OTHER.

Pierce has created a new style bracket that is more tolerant of stress and vibrations created from driving. This new design will allow for a longer in-service life over the old and reduce maintenance of the condenser and condenser components.

11033183

Date: 2026-05-05. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: UNKNOWN OR OTHER.

This bulletin covers the proper procedure for the replacement/installation of grip tape on hose bed grating.

11029798

Date: 2026-02-11. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: UNKNOWN OR OTHER.

Pierce has implemented two updates to the MCC HVAC system to improve cab air flow and defrost functionality: a ? Improved windshield defrost vents for MCC HVAC system as a product enhancement a ? Implemented improved side recirculatory fans for MCC HVAC system as an optional upgrade

11028651

Date: 2026-01-21. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: UNKNOWN OR OTHER.

TCU Module software patch was created to prevent and resolve the following failure modes: a ? Prognostics Not Resetting or not Staying Reset after a battery cycle. a ? Cannot Access PierceCZ.com (HTTP ERROR 500) The procedure below outlines what part/s are needed to resolve the issue.

11023496

Date: 2025-09-24. Type: Other. Systems: UNKNOWN OR OTHER.

Introduction of tri-crimp, Spiralocka ? chassis/aerial hardware.

Notes on this record

  • Complaints from the API and bulk file are merged and deduplicated by ODI number; the API alone misses records.
  • System and subsystem counts are numbers of distinct complaints, recalls or communications that name them. One record can name several systems, so shares across systems can add to more than 100 percent; a single share never exceeds 100 percent.
  • Recalls are counted once per campaign, investigations once per action and manufacturer communications once per NHTSA id, even when NHTSA lists several model names for the same record.
  • A sales denominator is a calendar-year proxy, not the population of vehicles still in use. Rates are copied from verified pipeline output.

Other names NHTSA uses

None listed.

Matched NHTSA models

Matched labels and complaints
NHTSA model labelComplaints
SABER1

Same model, other years

All model years | All Pierce models

Other Pierce models, 2016

Sources

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