Complaints over time
Complaints about the 2008 Pierce Impel peaked in 2009, with 1 filed
Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Model year
2008 Pierce Impel
diesel, built in United States. Owner complaints on file from Sep 1, 2009 to Sep 1, 2009.
Recall campaigns covering this model year158,523 vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints1Close to the median 2008 vehicle
Severity index0.0Crash, fire, injury or death per 100
First 24 months0Complaints in its first two years
Components
100% of complaints about the 2008 Pierce Impel name stability and traction control
Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls
15 recall campaigns cover the 2008 Pierce Impel
Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.
| Campaign | Filed | Subject | Component | Vehicles | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19V-022 | Jan 2, 2019 | Aerial device may unexpectedly rotate to the right when the ladder is being extended | Electrical system | 994 | Software update |
| 18V-463 | Jul 11, 2018 | Bracket on the aerial device may detach from the aerial and fall to the ground | Structure | 17 | Repair or modification |
| 13V-214 | May 17, 2013 | Springs in the outer door handles are not of sufficient stiffness to prevent inadvertent door opening in certain impacts | Structure | 2,006 | Part replacement |
| 13V-062 | Feb 25, 2013 | Springs inside the inner door handles may allow the door to open inadvertently | Latches and locks | 1,275 | Part replacement |
| 11V-527 | Nov 1, 2011 | Under certain road and driving conditions, vehicle body roll and road inclination characteristics may adversely affect the slip angle calculation… | Stability and traction control | 724 | Part replacement |
| 10V-423 | Sep 21, 2010 | Steering gear bracket may fracture and break | Steering | 2,652 | Repair or modification |
| 10V-317 | Jul 8, 2010 | Meritor wabco ex225 rear disc brake caliper may interfere with the onspot automatic tire chain brackets | Brakes | 45 | Repair or modification |
| 10V-300 | Jun 28, 2010 | These trucks may be equipped with drop-down fire hose trays mounted under the front bumper | Structure | 25 | Repair or modification |
| 09V-389 | Oct 6, 2009 | Vehicles may be designed with a hard wired, dash-mounted switch that enables the vehicle operator to inhibit aftertreatment diesel particulate… | Engine and cooling | 131 | Repair or modification |
| 09V-341 | Aug 31, 2009 | Sensor designed to detect vehicle roll can malfunction resulting in an inadvertent deployment of the protection system | Airbags | 28 | Repair or modification |
| 09V-203 | Jun 8, 2009 | Internal friction can develop between the sensor gears and the sensor housing as a result of external forces experienced on the vehicle including… | Steering | 185 | Repair or modification |
| 09V-137 | Apr 28, 2009 | These latches fail to comply with the transverse pull static load requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no 206, "door locks and… | Latches and locks | 257 | Repair or modification |
| 09V-105 | Apr 1, 2009 | Battery box is positioned on both sides of the chassis frame directly under the cab | Electrical system | 167 | Part replacement |
| 08V-598 | Nov 18, 2008 | Interference with the brake caliper adjuster bolt sleeve and the suspension beam may occur | Brakes | 15 | Repair or modification |
| 08V-555 | Oct 20, 2008 | Pierce recalled 2 my 2008 impel fire trucks equipped with c7 or c9 caterpillar diesel engines | Engine and cooling | 2 | Repair or modification |
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints
What owners reported about the 2008 Pierce Impel
The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.
1 complaint on file, page 1 of 1.
- Filed Sep 1, 2009Failure Apr 1, 20093,000 milesSilverdale, WAElectronic stability control (esc)
IN REGARDS TO RECALL 09V-023. IT APPEARS TO ME THAT THERE IS A LARGER PROBLEM. THAT IS THAT THE ESC SYSTEM DOES NOT INDICATE THAT THERE IS A DEFECT OR FAULT EVEN AFTER THESE SENSORS FAIL. ALSO THAT THE SOFTWARE TO DIAGNOSE THESE SYSTEMS CAN NOT READ WHAT THE SENSORS ARE ACTUALLY DOING OR RECORD ANY PROBLEMS. TWO OF OUR VEHICLE WERE INVOLVED WITH THE COMPANY RECALLING THE SENSORS AFTER THEY BOTH HAD UNEXPECTED BRAKE APPLICATIONS WHEN MAKING A TURN, FORCING THEM INTO THE ONCOMING LANE. AFTER THESE EVENTS WE DROVE THE FIRST TRUCK FOR SEVERAL HOURS WHILE THE SENSOR WAS BROKEN AND COULD NOT TELL THERE WAS A PROBLEM EVEN WITH THE COMPANIES SOFTWARE HOOKED TO THE VEHICLE WHILE TRYING TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. IN THE EVENT THAT THESE COMPONENTS FAILED AGAIN THE VEHICLE WOULD OPERATE WITH NO INDICATION OF A PROBLEM, THIS COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT SHOULD THE ESC SYSTEM BE NEEDED IN A ACTUAL ESC EVENT. HOWEVER ONCE AN ACCIDENT OCCURS THE SOFTWARE HAS NO ABILITY TO DETERMINE IF AN ESC EVENT ACTIVATED OR IF IT WAS EVEN WORKING AT THE TIME. THIS APPEARS TO BE A HUGE FLAW IN THE PROPER OPERATION OF THE SYSTEM. HOW COULD A SYSTEM DESIGNED TO HELP YOU CONTROL A VEHICLE INDICATE THAT IT WAS WORKING NORMAL WHEN IN REALITY IT COULD NOT RECORD THE POSITION OF THE STEERING WHEEL OR THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS NOT BEING MOVED EVEN THOUGH TIRE SPEEDS WERE SHOWING THAT THE VEHICLE WAS IN A TURN. *TR
NHTSA complaint 10282532
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations
NHTSA has not opened an investigation on this model year
Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins
37 manufacturer communications cover this model year
Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall.
- WB_706.1 Aug 18, 2026 · Warranty Program/Extension
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 Equipm… - SB_792 Jun 30, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Husky XP pressure transducer troubleshooting procedure for transducer-related performance concerns. - SB_790 Jun 2, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
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. - PB_774 Jun 2, 2026 · Other
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. - SB_787 May 19, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
This bulletin provides dealer guidance for MCC filter assemblies when the moisture indicator sight glass appears to show a “wet” condition before installation, after installation, or on replacement filter assemblies. - SB_768 May 5, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
This bulletin covers the proper procedure for the replacement/installation of grip tape on hose bed grating. - PB_752 May 12, 2026 · 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. - PB_738 Feb 11, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Pierce has implemented two updates to the MCC HVAC system to improve cab air flow and defrost functionality: • Improved windshield defrost vents for MCC HVAC system as a product enhancement • Implemented improved side recirculatory fans for MCC HVAC system … - SB_498.6 Jan 21, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
TCU Module software patch was created to prevent and resolve the following failure modes: • Prognostics Not Resetting or not Staying Reset after a battery cycle. • Cannot Access PierceCZ.com (HTTP ERROR 500) The procedure below outlines what part/s are nee… - PB_572.4 Sep 24, 2025 · Other
Introduction of tri-crimp, Spiralock™ chassis/aerial hardware. - PB_750 Aug 5, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
To improve the fitment and operational reliability of manual window cranks by installing a fabricated collar over the regulator splines, eliminating looseness and reducing effort when raising or lowering the window. - SB_747 Jun 18, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
IMMI, the creator and supplier for Rolltek and other Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) products, is implementing design changes due to obsolescence of select parts. Most recently, the AB8 Front Impact Protection (FIP) sensors are no longer available and… - SB_746 Jun 18, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Single axle tillers can be retrofitted to have a 91° jackknife angle, an improvement from the previous jackknife angle of 88°. New tillers are configured with this change as per Sales Bulletin PSB1063. - SB_736 Apr 30, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
This bulletin provides additional information regarding the Command Zone Telematics Control Unit (TCU), its functions, device locations in custom chassis apparatus, how ClearSky Intelligence subscribers can request the latest available TCU software version … - SB_735 Apr 30, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
This bulletin provides a procedure by which to apply an Over-The-Air Programming (OTAP) software update to applicable Command Zone devices installed in Pierce custom chassis apparatus with a CL-714 series Display and with Telematics Control Unit version 7.0… - SB_734 Apr 30, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
This bulletin provides a procedure by which to apply a software update to applicable Command Zone devices installed in Pierce custom chassis apparatus using a Single Packet Update (SPU) file loaded onto a USB stick. This procedure is applicable only to appa… - SB_733 Apr 30, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
This bulletin provides a procedure by which to apply a software update to applicable Command Zone devices installed in Pierce custom chassis apparatus using a Single Packet Update (SPU) file loaded via the CZ Webpages application. This procedure is applicab… - SB_732 Apr 30, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
This bulletin provides a procedure by which to validate Command Zone device software versions in Pierce custom chassis apparatus. - PB_572.3 Feb 6, 2025 · Other
Introduction of tri-crimp, Spiralock™ chassis/aerial hardware. - PB_725 Jan 15, 2025 · Other
As a product improvement, Pierce is now offering an exclusive HosemateTM Safety Swivel. These flanges will be bolt-on and retrofitted to any Akron/Elkhart four-bolt flanged valves using the same bolts and gaskets found on the standard swivel and plug. We al… - SB_714 Jan 29, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Secondary lock-tab washers are commonly used in applications where parts are subjected to rotational forces. It is crucial for safe operation of the apparatus that these retainers remain in place. - SB_446_4 Feb 5, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The GEN 1 Husky 3 foam pump from FSC is being discontinued. To keep supporting our customers, a conversion kit is available to install the GEN 2.1 Husky 3 foam pump in place of the GEN 1. - SB_709.1 Jan 15, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
This bulletin will provide proper installation instructions and torque ratings for constant torque clamps that are used to secure coolant hoses on Pierce Fire Apparatus. - SB_446.3 Dec 18, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The GEN 1 Husky 3 foam pump from FSC is being discontinued. To keep supporting our customers, a conversion kit is available to install the GEN 2.1 Husky 3 foam pump in place of the GEN 1. - SB_651_1 Nov 15, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
This bulletin is to support the dealer network when replacing a ASL 360 ECU that requires programming on the truck. - SB_474_1 Oct 30, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Software update for fault codes on Command Zone display: This software update may help remove ambiguity between active and inactive engine error codes shown on the Command Zone display. - WB_706 Sep 4, 2024 · Warranty Program/Extension
All Roto Rays are warranted to the purchaser for twenty-four months from the date of service against defects in material or workmanship. During the warranty period products found to be defective will be repaired or replaced (at Roto Rays option) without cha… - SB_468.2 Oct 1, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Provide alternate solution if door linkage rods (between inner door handle) and the door latch release from the rod lock. This alternate solution is a cable operated system and may require higher than normal pull force to unlatch the door from the inside. - PB_560.2 Feb 11, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Replacement step options for discontinued power steps on Impel/Velocity™ chassis. - SB_588.4 Jul 25, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Addressing fault codes and upgrades to the Midwest Climate Control (MCC) HVAC system. - PB_560 Apr 13, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Replacement step options for discontinued power steps on Impel/Velocity™ chassis. - PB_560 Apr 13, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Replacement step options for discontinued power steps on Impel/Velocity™ chassis. - SB_588 Jan 5, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Addressing fault codes and upgrades to the MCC HVAC system. - PB_560 Dec 2, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Replacement step options for discontinued power steps on Impel/Velocity™ chassis. - PB_560 Nov 23, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Replacement step options for discontinued power steps on Impel/Velocity™ chassis. - TSB-74B175 Feb 10, 2009 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
PIERCE MFG: MULTIPLE UNITS HAVE EXPERIENCED MOISTURE COLLECTING WITHIN THE ROTO MOLDED EVAPORATOR HOUSING. MODEL YEARS UNKNOWN. PROPER CYCLING OF AIR CONDITION SYSTEM. UPDATED ELECTRIC HARNESS. LOWER BATTERY BOX DUE TO POSITIVE POST. *PE - SB-74B178 Feb 1, 2008 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
PIERCE MFGR: A CHANGE IN THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS OF CERTAIN CAB DOOR LATCHES MAY HAVE AFFECTED PROPER PERFORMANCE OF THE LATCHING MECHANISM. MODEL YEARS UNKNOWN. *PE
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.