Exterior lighting: brake lights (Frontline)
Vehicle recall 19V-280. NHTSA received Pierce Manufacturing’s report on Apr 9, 2019.
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The short answer
NHTSA received Pierce Manufacturing’s report on Apr 9, 2019. Copied from NHTSA on Oct 27, 2026.
Every line below is in NHTSA’s own words, with its source beside it.
What’s wrong with it?
If the brake lights incorrectly illuminate, it can confuse other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.
Pierce Manufacturing (Pierce) is 2018-2019 Frontline C-35X, C-25, C-45X-3 and Encore Rescue vehicles 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.”
NHTSA, Recalls flat file. Released Oct 27, 2026. Updated daily.
- NHTSA’s part: Exterior lighting: brake lights.
What should you do?
Pierce has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace brake lights, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 23, 2019. Owners may contact Whelen customer service at 1-860-718-2331 or Pierce at 1-888-974-3723. Pierce’s number for this recall is FLCWBL0419.
NHTSA, Recalls flat file. Released Oct 27, 2026. Updated daily.
- How to reach the firm: 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.
- Check a vehicle by its VIN at NHTSA: the recalls still open on it are listed there.
Which ones are recalled?
NHTSA counts 4 vehicles potentially involved, across everything this recall names.
Each model year opens its own page: every recall naming it, its owner complaints and its crash ratings.
NHTSA, Recalls flat file. Released Oct 27, 2026. Updated daily.
Who is recalling it?
- Made by Pierce Manufacturing.
NHTSA, Recalls flat file. Released Oct 27, 2026. Updated daily.
What the record doesn’t say
- NHTSA’s recall file doesn’t say whether anyone was hurt. Owners’ complaints are counted on each vehicle’s page.
- Whether one vehicle or seat has been fixed: only its maker, or NHTSA’s lookup with a VIN, can say.
- How many have been returned or fixed isn’t in the notice.
Hearth Record wrote these lines.
Sources
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National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Recalls flat file (FLAT_RCL_POST_2010).
Released Oct 27, 2026 and checked Oct 27, 2026. Updated daily. Public domain (U.S. Government work).
Vehicle, car seat, tire and vehicle equipment recalls, owner complaints and crash ratings are from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Copied on Oct 27, 2026.