VT Hackney Recalls 2017-2018 Emergency Vehicles Due to Brake Light Defect
VT Hackney is recalling 2017-2018 emergency vehicles because Whelen brake lights may illuminate without the brake pedal being pressed, potentially confusing other drivers.
What this means for you
Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 3/5 (High).
Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.
Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a risk-of-harm product where the defect (incorrect brake light illumination) could increase the risk of a crash, but no specific injuries or fatalities are reported in the source text.
Plain-English summary
VT Hackney, Inc. is recalling certain 2017-2018 emergency vehicles equipped with Whelen brake lights. The recall addresses a defect where the brake lights may illuminate when the brake pedal has not been pressed. This issue causes the vehicles to fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
If the brake lights incorrectly illuminate, it can confuse other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash. The recall began on April 25, 2019.
VT Hackney will notify owners, and dealers will replace the lights. Owners may contact VT Hackney customer service at 1-800-763-0700, extension 2016. 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.
The recalled product
- Product
- HACKNEY EMERGENCY VEHICLE
- Brand
- HACKNEY
- Manufacturer
- VT Hackney, Inc.
- Category
- Vehicle — Emergency Vehicle
- Affected units
- 4
Is your product affected?
Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.
Model numbers (1)
- EMERGENCY VEHICLE
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
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