The Recall Desk
Our severity:HighNHTSA·19V285000·Announced 2019-04-10

North Central Emergency Recalls Ambulances Due to Brake Light Wiring Defect

North Central Emergency is recalling 2016-2018 ambulances because brake lights may illuminate without the 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 (increased crash risk due to driver confusion) where no specific injuries or fatalities have been reported in the source text, fitting the High severity criteria.

Plain-English summary

North Central Emergency Vehicles is recalling certain 2016-2018 ambulances remounted on Ford E-350, Ford E-450, and Chevrolet G4500 chassis. The recall affects vehicles equipped with Whelen brake lights.

The defect involves the wiring of the brake lights, which may illuminate when the brake pedal has not been pressed. If the brake lights incorrectly illuminate, it can confuse other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.

North Central will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake lights free of charge. The recall began on May 20, 2019. Owners may contact North Central Emergency Vehicles customer service at 1-320-395-2529 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

The recalled product

Product
NORTH CENTRAL EMERGENCY, CHEVROLET FORD E-350, FORD E-450, G4500, CHEVY G4500
Brand
NORTH CENTRAL EMERGENCY
Manufacturer
North Central Emergency Vehicles
Category
Vehicle — Ambulance
Hazard
Affected units
5

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 (4)

  • FORD E-350
  • FORD E-450
  • G4500
  • CHEVY G4500

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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