Complaints over time
Complaints about the 2016 Pierce Saber peaked in 2019, 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
2016 Pierce Saber
Other, built in United States. Owner complaints on file from Mar 28, 2019 to Mar 28, 2019.
Recall campaigns covering this model year81,278 vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints1Close to the median 2016 other
Severity index100.02016 others average 9.6
First 24 months0Complaints in its first two years
Components
100% of complaints about the 2016 Pierce Saber name electrical system
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
8 recall campaigns cover the 2016 Pierce Saber
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21V-222 | Mar 30, 2021 | Rear LED lights may be too bright | Lighting | 4 | Repair or modification |
| 18V-050 | Jan 11, 2018 | 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… | Equipment | 123 | Repair or modification |
| 17V-570 | Sep 14, 2017 | Castellated nut on the steer axles may not be properly torqued, allowing the tie rod to loosen | Steering | 56 | Part replacement |
| 16V-585 | Aug 5, 2016 | Affected vehicles may be equipped with certain C20 and C21 split-shaft transmissions from Waterous | Powertrain | 470 | Part replacement |
| 16V-390 | Jun 1, 2016 | These pumps have 6" intake strainers that may have been improperly soldered during production and, as a result, the strainers may come apart… | Equipment | 114 | Part replacement |
| 16V-148 | Mar 10, 2016 | Clamps on the heater hose may have been improperly installed allowing engine coolant to leak into the passenger compartment | Electrical system | 267 | Repair or modification |
| 16V-123 | Mar 2, 2016 | Fastener cap over the bearing on the universal joint of the drive shaft may have been improperly tightened | Powertrain | 239 | Not stated |
| 15V-706 | Oct 26, 2015 | Affected vehicles are equipped with front drive axles whose hex nuts on the flange yoke may not have been properly tightened | Powertrain | 5 | Repair or modification |
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints
What owners reported about the 2016 Pierce Saber
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 Mar 28, 2019Failure Feb 24, 201915,030 milesDayton, TNElectrical system, Service brakes, Unknown or otherFire2 injured
CITY OF DAYTON FIRE-RESCUE FIREFIGHTERS WERE RETURNING FROM A FIRE ALARM WHEN THEY NOTICED A "BURNING WIRES" SMELL IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT OF THE 2016 PIERCE SABER THEY WERE DRIVING. AS FIREFIGHTERS WERE ATTEMPTING TO FIND A SAFE LOCATION TO STOP THE TRUCK, ALL OF THE CAB AND DASH LIGHTS BEGAN TO FLICKER ON AND OFF REPEATEDLY. THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT OF THE TRUCK RAPIDLY FILLED WITH SMOKE AND THE DRIVER/OPERATOR HAD TO MAKE AN EMERGENCY STOP WITH HIS VISION IMPAIRED BY SMOKE. AS FIREFIGHTERS WERE EXITING THE APPARATUS, THE DRIVER/OPERATOR WAS ABLE TO SHUT THE ENGINE DOWN AND TURN OFF THE ELECTRICAL POWER. FIREFIGHTERS HAD TO REMOVE TWO PANELS IN THE PASSENGER SIDE DASH/FLOORBOARD TO EXPOSE THE FLAMES. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED WITH AN ABC DRY CHEMICAL EXTINGUISHER. TWO FIREFIGHTERS WERE EXPOSED TO SMOKE AND TOXIC GASES PRODUCED BY FLAMING COMBUSTION. BOTH WERE EVALUATED ON SCENE AND REFUSED FURTHER MEDICAL TREATMENT AT THAT TIME. THE FLAMES WERE SEEN BEHIND THE CIRCUIT BOARD/FUSE PANEL, BUT THE HEAT WAS CONDUCTED THROUGH THE PANEL CAUSING DAMAGE AND DISCOLORATION TO THE FRONT OF THE BOARD. SUBSEQUENT INSPECTION BY A PIERCE CERTIFIED MECHANIC (EVS FIRE APPARATUS) INDICATED THAT THE FIRE WAS CAUSED BY ELECTRICAL ARCING CAUSED BY A COOLANT LEAK IN THE TRUCK'S HEATER CORE. HE REPORTED THAT THE FLUID HAD PENETRATED THE RELAY CONNECTED TO THE BACK OF THE BOARD THAT CONTROLLED THE ABS BRAKING SYSTEM. THIS CASE APPEARS TO BE CONNECTED TO THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRANSPORTATION SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S CASE #16V148000 AS THE TRUCK WAS MANUFACTURED IN JANUARY OF 2016, BUT WAS NEVER RECALLED.
NHTSA complaint 11192153
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations
NHTSA has not opened an investigation on this model year
Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins
32 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. - SB_654 Dec 19, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Detroit recently released an ACM software update v7.61.2.0 to address high occurrences of Selective Catalyst Reduction Closed Loop Control at Maximum Limit faults on Pierce apparatus with MY2016 – 2022 Detroit engines. The updated software includes improve… - Service Bulletin Jan 16, 2015 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
LED Headlight Part Numbers and Install Instructions - Service Bulletin Dec 11, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Saber FR and Enforcer Door Switch and DNMT Service Manual - WB 19 Dec 12, 2016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Warranty bulletin discussing condensation in LED headlamps produced by JW Speaker. Per supplier, condensation in headlamp with not impact performance or operation of the headlamp.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.