Recall 19V128 covers 28 2017-2018 Foundation Ambulance Type I Ambulance and Type Iii Ambulance vehicles for incorrect brake-light illumination. The repair is free.
Foundation Ambulance is recalling 28 2017-2018 Type I Ambulance and Type Iii Ambulance vehicles because Whelen brake lights can illuminate when the brake pedal has not been pressed. Incorrect brake-light illumination can confuse other drivers and increase crash risk, and Foundation Ambulance dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The brake lights on the 2017-2018 Foundation Ambulance Type I Ambulance and Type Iii Ambulance are exterior lamps that tell traffic behind the ambulance when the driver is braking. On these vehicles, the affected lamps are Whelen brake lights tied into the ambulance's wiring and other installed equipment. Their normal job is simple: stay off until the brake pedal is pressed, then light clearly.
The problem is an electrical signal issue, not a burned-out bulb. Whelen traced the condition to transient voltage on the input line, which means a short burst of voltage reaches the brake-light circuit. With certain vehicle wiring setups, the affected firmware reads that voltage as a brake signal, so the brake lights illuminate even though the brake pedal has not been pressed.
There is no warning sign before failure. The light behavior depends on the vehicle's wiring and installed equipment, so an owner or operator is not given a dashboard warning before the false brake-light signal appears.
Who's affected?
Covers two ambulance body types across the 2017 and 2018 model years, both tied to the brake-light system.
| 2018 Foundation Ambulance Type I Ambulance | Brake lights |
|---|---|
| 2017 Foundation Ambulance Type Iii Ambulance | Brake lights |
| 2017 Foundation Ambulance Type I Ambulance | Brake lights |
| 2018 Foundation Ambulance Type Iii Ambulance | Brake lights |
| Units affected | 28 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The year and ambulance type narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
Brake lights that illuminate at the wrong time can confuse drivers behind the ambulance and increase the risk of a crash. There is no warning sign before the lighting fault, so have the vehicle inspected and repaired promptly if your VIN is included. Repair is free at any franchised Foundation Ambulance dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017-2018 Foundation Ambulance Type I Ambulance or Type Iii Ambulance is included in this recall.
- Contact Foundation Ambulance customer service at 1-678-826-2219 to schedule the free Whelen brake-light replacement that fixes brake lights that illuminate when the pedal is not pressed.
- Reference recall number 19V128 when you call, and have your ambulance VIN and current location ready.
- Bring the recall notice to the appointment if Foundation Ambulance mailed one.
- Drive with extra space until the repair is complete, and avoid conditions where confusing brake-light signals create added risk.
What happens at the repair
At the service appointment, a Foundation Ambulance technician replaces the Whelen brake lights covered by the recall. The replacement parts and labor are free. Foundation Ambulance has already notified owners, and its customer service team can help route the repair. If you've already paid out of pocket for a related brake light repair before the recall notice, Foundation Ambulance's standard reimbursement plan covers documented eligible expenses. Bring repair paperwork and proof of payment when you ask about reimbursement.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| February 26, 2019 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 1, 2019 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| March 21, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 19V128?
Recall 19V128 covers 28 2017-2018 Foundation Ambulance Type I Ambulance and Type Iii Ambulance modular-body ambulances with Whelen brake lights that can illuminate when the brake pedal is not pressed. Foundation Ambulance will replace the Whelen lights for free.
What should I do if my 2017-2018 Foundation Ambulance Type I Ambulance or Type Iii Ambulance is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific ambulance is included in recall 19V128. If it is, contact Foundation Ambulance or a franchised service location to schedule the Whelen brake-light replacement. Reference recall number 19V128000 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Foundation Ambulance will replace the affected Whelen brake lights free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for included ambulances.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is driver confusion behind the ambulance. If the brake lights illuminate when the brake pedal is not pressed, other drivers can misread whether the ambulance is slowing or stopping, increasing crash risk. The free repair replaces the affected Whelen lights.
When did this recall begin?
Foundation Ambulance began this recall on March 21, 2019. If your ambulance changed owners or never received a notice, check your VIN before assuming it is clear. Recall eligibility follows the vehicle, not the first owner.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/19V128000 |
|---|---|
| Foundation Ambulance customer service | 1-678-826-2219 |
| NHTSA recall # | 19V128 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 19V128000 |
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 →