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Ford F-550 emergency vehicles: brake lights come on falsely

NHTSA campaign 19V226000 · Reported 2019-03-22 · Watts Manufacturing, LLC

This is a lower-level problem that mainly confuses drivers behind you, and the notice does not tell owners to stop driving, so the vehicle can stay in service until the free repair is done.

What's wrong, in plain English

Some 2019 first responder vehicles built on the Ford F-550 chassis were fitted with Whelen brake lights. Depending on how the vehicle was wired, the brake lights can come on when nobody is pressing the brake pedal. Drivers behind you may think you are slowing down or stopping when you are not, which can confuse them and lead to a crash. Whelen dealers will replace the brake lights free of charge.

What you should do

1. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the vehicle is part of this recall.
2. Contact Watts Manufacturing at 1-785-404-6003 to arrange the repair through a Whelen dealer.
3. Have the brake lights replaced at no cost, and mention the problem to anyone else who drives the vehicle.

Affected vehicles (1)

2019 Ford F-550

Who to contact

Ford — official Ford recall lookup

Customer service: 1-866-436-7332

Any franchised dealer for the brand can do the repair. Phone numbers are taken from manufacturer sites and recent NHTSA notices; if one has changed, the number in your own recall letter is the one to use.

The bigger picture

Ford exterior lighting recalls: headlights, tail lights and brake lights · all 26 Ford recalls in this area

Official notice

Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
Summary: Watts Manufacturing, LLC (Watts Manufacturing) is recalling certain 2019 First responder vehicles built on Ford F-550 chassis and 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."
Safety risk: If the brake lights incorrectly illuminate, it can confuse other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Watts Manufacturing will notify owners and Whelen dealers will replace the brake lights, free of charge. The recall began March 19, 2019. Owners may contact Watts Manufacturing customer service at 1-785-404-6003.

Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov. Recall repairs are free of charge by law.