CarRecallWatch
Home / Latest recalls / 19V028

HME 1871 Recall 19V028: Brake Lights May Light Up Without Pedal Pressed

NHTSA campaign 19V028, reported January 11, 2019, 46 vehicles potentially affected.

What this recall means for you

Certain accessory brake lights may illuminate on their own, even when the brake pedal is not pressed. Depending on how the vehicle is wired, the lights can come on falsely. This means the vehicle does not meet federal lighting safety requirements.

If the brake lights come on when you are not braking, other drivers may be confused about what you are doing, which could increase the risk of a crash. Do not rely on the lights to show your intentions, and keep a safe following distance.

The replacement of the affected brake lights is free of charge at an authorized dealer. HME, Inc. will notify owners. You can also contact HME customer service at 1-616-534-1463, and check your vehicle identification number (VIN) for any open recalls.

Check whether this recall is open on your vehicle

The repair is normally free at an authorized dealer.

Official recall notice

Safety recall 19V028HME, Inc.
Component
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Problem
HME, Inc (HME) is recalling certain 2017-2018 1871 vehicles, equipped with Whelen accessory brake lights. Depending on the specific wiring of the vehicle, the brake lights may falsely illuminate even without the brake pedal being pressed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk
If the brake lights falsely illuminate, other drivers could become confused, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
HME will notify owners, and dealers will replace the Whelen brake lights, free of charge. The recall began March 6, 2019. Owners may contact HME's customer service at 1-616-534-1463.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.NHTSA is missing critical, required information for this safety recall. This information must be supplied through the NHTSA Recalls Portal within 5 working days of confirming its accuracy:- A statement that the defect or noncompliance can cause a vehicle crash without prior warning; or a description of whatever prior warning may occur, and a statement that if this warning is not heeded, a vehicle crash can occur (49 CFR 577.5 (f)(1)).

Affected vehicles

HME 187120172018