The Recall Desk
Our severity:HighNHTSA·19V331000·Announced 2019-04-30

Southeast Apparatus Recalls 2017-2018 Fire Trucks Due to Brake Light Defect

Southeast Apparatus is recalling 39 fire trucks from 2017-2018 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 increases the risk of a crash, but no injuries or fatalities have been reported in the source text.

Plain-English summary

Southeast Apparatus is recalling certain 2017-2018 Tankers, Pumpers, and Rescue vehicles equipped with Whelen brake lights. The recall covers 39 units in total.

The defect involves the brake lights potentially illuminating when the brake pedal has not been pressed, depending on the specific wiring of the vehicle. If the brake lights incorrectly illuminate, it can confuse other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.

Southeast Apparatus will notify owners, and Whelen will replace the brake lights free of charge. The recall began on May 1, 2019. Owners may contact Southeast Apparatus customer service at 1-888-996-6277 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

The recalled product

Product
SOUTHEAST APPARATUS PUMPER, RESCUE TRUCK, TANKER
Brand
SOUTHEAST APPARATUS
Manufacturer
Southeast Apparatus
Category
Vehicle — Fire Apparatus
Hazard
Affected units
39

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 (3)

  • PUMPER
  • RESCUE TRUCK
  • TANKER

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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