repaired · 2026 Q3
Electrical system: software
NewRisk. A false firm-on-ground indicator light may lead to using the aerial device when the vehicle may shift during aerial operation, increasing the risk of injury.
2016 Pierce VelocityProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 1 owner complaint about the 2016 Pierce Velocity, most often about the wheels. It is covered by 15 safety recalls, and for recall 16V-186 the manufacturer reports only 3% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through April 6, 2026. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2016 Pierce Velocity has problems
1 complaint grouped by the system owners reported.
1Wheels
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Wheels | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
15 recalls
2016 Pierce Velocity recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2024 Q2
Equipment: mechanical
Risk. The left and/or right brackets can fail, allowing the stokes basket to fall and increasing the risk of injury.
repaired · 2023 Q4
Fuel injection system: fuel rail
Risk. A high pressure fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
repaired · 2022 Q3
Electrical system: software
Risk. If the aerial device moves in an unexpected direction, the ladder may contact an object, such as a building or an electrical wire, increasing the risk of…
Show 11 more recalls
repaired · 2020 Q3
Structure
Risk. If the bracket falls, it could strike a person below.
repaired · 2019 Q4
Equipment
Risk. A reduction in water pressure may hinder fire fighting efforts, increasing the risk of injury.
repaired · 2019 Q4
Steering
Risk. 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.
repaired · 2018 Q4
Equipment
Risk. If the fire truck cannot pump water during a fire emergency, there would be an increased risk of injury.
repaired · 2019 Q4
Suspension
Risk. If the sway bar detaches, the vehicle may sway more during steering maneuvers, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2017 Q3
Power train: manual transmission
Risk. 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…
repaired · 2016 Q4
Equipment
Risk. The inoperable aerial device can increase the risk of injury if the operator needs to move away from a hazardous situation or it may impede the safety mission.
repaired · 2016 Q4
Equipment
Risk. 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…
repaired · 2017 Q3
Equipment
Risk. If the flashlight battery pack overheats, it can increase the risk of a fire.
repaired · 2017 Q3
Driveline: driveshaft
Risk. If the cap was not properly tightened, the cap may detach from the vehicle and become a road hazard.
repaired · 2017 Q2
Power train: axle assembly
Risk. 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…
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Pierce.
Best & worst years
2016 vs. every other Velocity year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Velocity median. How we score
'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
In owners' words
What Velocity owners report
Recent wheels complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
2016 PIERCE VELOCITY LADDER TRUCK WITH TAK-4 ALL STEER. VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH STEEL WHEELS. ALL FOUR WHEELS ON BOTH REAR AXLES ARE RUSTING. RUST APPEARS TO BE IN PORTION OF WHEEL WHERE WATER IS ALLOWED TO POOL WHEN VEHICLE IS PARKED. LADDER TRUCK HAS BEEN IN SERVICE APPROXIMATELY 18 MONTHS.
Own a 2016 Velocity?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.