The defect
SVI Trucks (SVI) is recalling certain 2018 Light Rescue, Heavy Rescue, Fire Engine, Haz-Mat and Wildland emergency 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."
The risk
If the brake lights incorrectly illuminate, it can confuse other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy
SVI Trucks has notified owners and Whelen will replace the brake lights, free of charge. The recall began March 22, 2019. Owners may contact Whelen customer service at 1-860-718-2331.
NHTSA's own wording · initiated by MFR
Vehicles covered
| Model | Model years |
|---|---|
| SVI Trucks Fire Engine | 2018 |
| SVI Trucks HAZ-MAT | 2018 |
| SVI Trucks Heavy Rescue | 2018 |
| SVI Trucks Light Rescue | 2018 |
| SVI Trucks | 2018 |
| SVI Trucks Wildland | 2018 |
Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
Model years in this recall
NHTSA complaints and the number of recall campaigns for each model year this recall covers.
| Model | Year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| SVI Trucks Fire Engine | 2018 | 0 | 1 |
| SVI Trucks HAZ-MAT | 2018 | 0 | 1 |
| SVI Trucks Heavy Rescue | 2018 | 0 | 1 |
| SVI Trucks Light Rescue | 2018 | 0 | 1 |
| SVI Trucks | 2018 | 0 | 1 |
| SVI Trucks Wildland | 2018 | 0 | 1 |
Other exterior lighting recalls in 2019
74 of the 880 recall campaigns reported to NHTSA in 2019 concerned the exterior lighting; SVI Trucks filed 5 campaigns in all.
| 19V895000 16 Dec 2019 | Mack Trucks, Inc. |
| 19V878000 11 Dec 2019 | Porsche Cars North America, Inc. |
| 19V850000 27 Nov 2019 | BMW of North America, LLC |
| 19V839000 21 Nov 2019 | Ford Motor Company |
| 19V816000 15 Nov 2019 | Newmar Corporation |
| 19V808000 12 Nov 2019 | Ford Motor Company |
| 19V799000 7 Nov 2019 | Thor Motor Coach |
| 19V795000 6 Nov 2019 | Blue Bird Body Company |
NHTSA recalls (public domain) · all recalls of 2019