Recall 18V594 covers 588 2017-2018 Aev Traumahawk ambulances with brake lights that illuminate without braking. Whelen brake-light replacement is free through the recall.
Aev is recalling 588 2017-2018 Traumahawk Type I and Type III ambulances because accessory brake lights can illuminate when the brake pedal has not been pressed. The false brake-light signal can confuse other drivers, and Aev dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The accessory brake lights on 2017-2018 Aev Traumahawk ambulances are extra rear lamps tied into the vehicle's brake light circuit. They are supposed to turn on only when the brake pedal is pressed, giving traffic behind the ambulance a clear signal that the vehicle is slowing or stopped.
On affected ambulances, a brief electrical spike on the input line can reach the Whelen accessory brake light circuit. Because of the specific wiring on these vehicles, that spike can make the brake lights illuminate even when the driver has not touched the brake pedal. The lights are then sending the wrong signal to nearby drivers.
Owners and fleet operators are not given a dashboard warning for this electrical problem. There is no warning sign before failure. The visible clue is outside the vehicle: the accessory brake lights turn on when the brake pedal has not been pressed.
Who's affected?
Covers two Traumahawk model years with the same brake-light component.
| 2018 Aev Traumahawk | Brake lights |
|---|---|
| 2017 Aev Traumahawk | Brake lights |
| Units affected | 588 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
Incorrectly illuminated brake lights can make following drivers think the Aev is braking when it is not. That confusion can increase crash risk, so schedule the recall repair soon and drive cautiously until it is complete. Repair is free at any franchised Aev dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017-2018 Aev Traumahawk is included in this recall.
- Contact Aev customer service at 1-800-447-0343 to schedule the free brake-light replacement that stops the accessory brake lights from illuminating when the brake pedal has not been pressed.
- Bring the recall notice if Aev sent one. If not, reference recall number 18V594 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the brake lights are replaced, and leave extra following distance so other drivers have more time to react.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Aev technician replaces the Whelen accessory brake lights covered by recall 18V594. The repair addresses brake lights that illuminate when the brake pedal has not been pressed. The replacement brake lights, support services, and labor are free under the recall. Ask the service desk to confirm that the ambulance's VIN is included and that the replacement parts are ready before the appointment.
Timeline
| September 7, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 26, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
| October 29, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| October 29, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| October 30, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V594?
Recall 18V594 covers 588 2017-2018 Aev Traumahawk Type I and Type III ambulances equipped with Whelen accessory brake lights. The lights can illuminate without brake-pedal input, which can confuse other drivers and increase crash risk. The brake lights are replaced free of charge.
What should I do if my 2017-2018 Aev Traumahawk is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific ambulance is included in recall 18V594. If it is, contact an authorized Aev service location or customer service at 1-800-447-0343 and reference recall 18V594. The repair replaces the affected Whelen brake lights for free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 18V594, the affected Whelen accessory brake lights are replaced free of charge, including parts and labor tied to the recall remedy.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is driver confusion behind the ambulance. If the accessory brake lights illuminate when the brake pedal has not been pressed, following drivers can misread the ambulance's movement and braking, increasing crash risk. The remedy is replacement of the affected brake lights.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V594000 |
|---|---|
| Aev customer service | 1-800-447-0343 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V594 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V594000 |
Source documents
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →