CarRecallWatch- Component
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
- Problem
- Excellance, Inc. (Excellance) is recalling certain 2018 Ambulances and Emergency Vehicles built on Ford E-350, E-450, F-650, F-550 4x4, Chevrolet G4500, G4500 Diesel, C3500, G3500, Freightliner M2, International 4300, and Dodge 4500 chassis and equipped with Whelen brake lights. Depending on the specific wiring of the vehicle, these brake lights may illuminate when the brake pedal has not been 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 incorrectly illuminate, it can confuse other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Excellance has notified owners, instructing them to contact Whelen to have the brake lights replaced, free of charge. The recall began on March 21, 2019. Owners may contact Whelen customer service at 1-860-718-2331 or Execellance at 1-256-772-9321.
- 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.
What this recall means for you
Certain 2018 ambulances and emergency vehicles built on specific Ford, Chevrolet, Freightliner and International chassis are equipped with Whelen brake lights that may illuminate even when the brake pedal has not been pressed. Depending on how the vehicle is wired, the lights can come on by mistake, and the vehicle no longer meets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108 for lighting.
False brake light signals can confuse other drivers about what your vehicle is doing, which may increase the risk of a crash. If you own an affected vehicle, contact Whelen customer service at 1-860-718-2331 or Excellance at 1-256-772-9321 to have the brake lights replaced. The replacement is free of charge.
Check your vehicle identification number (VIN) for open recalls to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still outstanding.
Check whether this recall is open on your vehicle
Official recall notice
Affected vehicles
| Chevrolet C3500 | 2018 |
|---|---|
| Chevrolet G4500 | 2018 |
| Ford E-350 | 2018 |
| Ford E-450 | 2018 |
| Ford F-550 | 2018 |
| Ford F-650 SD | 2018 |
| Freightliner M2 | 2018 |
| International 4300 | 2018 |
| RAM 4500 | 2018 |