The Recall Desk
Our severity:HighNHTSA·19V236000·Announced 2019-03-26

Excellance Recalls 2018 Ambulances and Emergency Vehicles with Whelen Brake Lights

Excellance is recalling 2018 ambulances and 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 injuries or fatalities have been reported in the source text.

Plain-English summary

Excellance, Inc. is recalling certain 2018 ambulances and emergency vehicles built on Ford, Chevrolet, Freightliner, International, and Dodge chassis. These vehicles are equipped with Whelen brake lights that may illuminate when the brake pedal has not been pressed. This defect causes the vehicles to fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

The affected vehicles include 2018 models based 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. The specific wiring of the vehicle determines if the brake lights are affected.

If the brake lights incorrectly illuminate, it can confuse other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash. Owners have been notified and instructed 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 Excellance at 1-256-772-9321.

The recalled product

Product
RAM, CHEVROLET, FORD 4500, G4500, C3500, E-450
Brand
RAM
Manufacturer
Excellance, Inc
Category
Vehicle — Ambulance / Emergency Vehicle
Hazard
Affected units
36

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 (9)

  • 4500
  • G4500
  • C3500
  • E-450
  • F-650 SD
  • E-350
  • F-550
  • M2
  • 4300

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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