NHTSA Recall 03V380000: Tie rod assembly (steering)
PIERCE MANUFACTURING reported this safety recall to NHTSA on , covering an estimated 202 vehicles. It affects 1996–2003 Pierce Custom Chassis.
| NHTSA campaign | 03V380000 |
|---|---|
| Component | STEERING › LINKAGES › TIE ROD ASSEMBLY |
| Report received | October 8, 2003 |
| Owner notification | November 7, 2003 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Defect
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 risk
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.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the tie rod. Notification to owners began november 7, 2003. Owners should contact pierce at 1-888-974-3723.
Notes
Customers can also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Vehicles covered by recall 03V380000
Being listed here means the campaign covers the model year, not that every car was built with the defect or is still unrepaired. Enter your VIN above to check your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are free at authorised dealers. Source: NHTSA, October 2026.