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Frontline C-25 Recall 19V280: Brake lights may light up without pedal pressed

NHTSA campaign 19V280, reported April 9, 2019, 4 vehicles potentially affected.

What this recall means for you

Some 2018-2019 Frontline C-25, C-35X, C-45X-3 and Encore Rescue vehicles fitted with Whelen brake lights may have brake lights that illuminate even when the brake pedal has not been pressed. Depending on how the vehicle is wired, the lights can turn on incorrectly, and these vehicles do not meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108 for lamps and reflective devices.

False brake light activation can confuse other drivers into thinking you are slowing or stopping, which may increase the risk of a crash. If you own one of these vehicles, Pierce Manufacturing has notified owners, and an authorized dealer will inspect the brake lights and replace them if needed, at no cost to you. Contact Pierce at 1-888-974-3723 (Pierce recall number FLCWBL0419) or Whelen customer service at 1-860-718-2331 to arrange service. You can also 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 19V280Pierce Manufacturing
Component
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
Problem
Pierce Manufacturing (Pierce) is 2018-2019 Frontline C-35X, C-25, C-45X-3 and Encore Rescue vehicles 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
Pierce has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace brake lights, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 23, 2019. Owners may contact Whelen customer service at 1-860-718-2331 or Pierce at 1-888-974-3723. Pierce's number for this recall is FLCWBL0419.
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.

Affected vehicles

Frontline C-2520182019
Frontline C-35X20182019
Frontline C-45X-320182019
Frontline Encore Rescue20182019