2005–2010 Pierce Arrow XT, 2010–2011 Pierce Custom Contender, 2005 Pierce Dash and 5 other models Recall: Structure

The defect

PIERCE MANUFACTURING (PIERCE) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005, 2008-2011 ARROW XT, CUSTOM CONTENDER, DASH, ENFORCER, IMPEL, QUANTUM, SABER, AND VELOCITY 75 FOOT HAL (HEAVY ALUMINUM LADDER) FIRE APPARATUS BODIES VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 17,2005, THROUGH OCTOBER 13, 2011, THAT MAY BE EQUIPPED WITH DUAL SCBA CYLINDER STORAGE COMPARTMENTS. THESE COMPARTMENTS EXTEND INBOARD HORIZONTALLY FROM THE SIDE OF THE REAR BODY. THE SCBA COMPARTMENT DOOR LATCH ORIENTATION MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED INCORRECTLY, ALLOWING THE DOOR TO ACCIDENTALLY OPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. THE DOOR MAY OPEN WITHOUT WARNING AND WITHOUT KNOWLEDGE TO THE DRIVER.

The risk

IF THE DOOR OPENS, THE SCBA CYLINDERS MAY FALL OUT OF THE COMPARTMENT AND ONTO THE ROADWAY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH OR INJURY TO PEDESTRIANS.

The fix — what to do

PIERCE DEALERS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND WILL INSTALL A FLAT REINFORCEMENT PLATE THAT SPANS THE LENGTH OF THE SCBA DOOR. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 5, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PIERCE AT 1-920-832-3000.

PIERCE SAFETY RECALL NUMBER IS 74B186.OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .