Recall 18V895 affects 5 2017-2018 Dennis Eagle Elite trucks for mute switches that silence backing alerts. Repair is free at any franchised Dennis Eagle dealer.
Dennis Eagle is recalling 5 2017-2018 Elite refuse trucks because the reverse alarm mute switch can stop the truck from beeping in reverse. That makes it harder for pedestrians to know the truck is backing up, increasing injury risk, and Dennis Eagle dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The reverse alarm on a 2017-2018 Dennis Eagle Elite refuse truck is the exterior beeper that sounds when the truck is shifted into reverse. It gives people around the truck a clear warning that the vehicle is backing up, which matters because refuse trucks work close to workers, pedestrians, and other vehicles.
The problem is the mute switch fitted in the cab. When pressed, that switch disables the reverse warning alarm, so the truck can back up without the audible beeping that people outside the cab expect. Dennis Eagle traced the issue to vehicles built for the USA with that switch installed, then chose to remove the switch and fit a blanking plate in its place.
There is no warning sign before failure. The truck can still shift into reverse, and the driver can still operate it, but the outside warning sound is gone after the switch is used.
Who's affected?
Both model years list the same electrical-system component.
| 2017 Dennis Eagle Elite | electrical system |
|---|---|
| 2018 Dennis Eagle Elite | electrical system |
| Units affected | 5 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 1 field incident to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific truck.
What's the safety risk?
A muted reverse alarm removes an important warning for people near the vehicle. Pedestrians can miss that the 2017-2018 Elite is backing up, increasing the risk of injury. Use extra care when reversing and schedule the recall repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Dennis Eagle dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017-2018 Dennis Eagle Elite is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Dennis Eagle dealer to schedule the free reverse-alarm mute-switch removal and blanking-plate installation, which keeps the reverse alarm from being silenced.
- Bring the recall notice if Dennis Eagle has mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V895 and Dennis Eagle recall FSI 1240 when you call.
- Keep the reverse alarm active until the repair is complete so pedestrians can hear the truck reversing.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Dennis Eagle technician removes the reverse alarm mute switch so the reverse alarm cannot be silenced, then installs a blanking plate in its place. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered by Dennis Eagle. If you already paid out of pocket for the same reverse alarm mute switch repair before the recall work was done, Dennis Eagle has a general reimbursement plan on file for documented expenses. Bring the repair invoice and proof of payment to the service desk or contact Dennis Eagle customer service for claim handling.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| December 19, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| January 7, 2019 | Dealer notification began |
| January 7, 2019 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| January 21, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
| February 18, 2019 | Dealer notification ended |
| February 18, 2019 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V895?
Recall 18V895 covers 5 2017-2018 Dennis Eagle Elite refuse trucks equipped with reverse alarm mute switches. When the switch is used, the truck stops beeping in reverse, so pedestrians do not receive the normal backing warning. Dennis Eagle dealers remove the switch and install a blanking plate for free.
What should I do if my 2017-2018 Dennis Eagle Elite is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 18V895. If it is, contact a franchised Dennis Eagle dealer to schedule removal of the reverse alarm mute switch and installation of a blanking plate. Reference recall number 18V895 or Dennis Eagle recall FSI 1240 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Dennis Eagle dealers remove the reverse alarm mute switch and install a blanking plate free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for included vehicles.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is that pedestrians lose the normal audible warning when the truck backs up. If the reverse alarm is muted, people near the truck do not hear the beeping that signals reverse movement, increasing the risk of injury.
When did Dennis Eagle notify owners?
Dennis Eagle began the recall on January 21, 2019. Owners with questions can contact Dennis Eagle customer service at 1-813-440-8136 and reference recall FSI 1240. A VIN check confirms whether a specific 2017-2018 Elite truck is included.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V895000 |
|---|---|
| Dennis Eagle customer service | 1-813-440-8136 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V895 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V895000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
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 →