Recall 19V163 covers 17 2017-2018 Ldv, Inc. Command Center and Emergency Response support vehicles with brake lights that illuminate without braking. Free Whelen dealer repair.
Ldv, Inc. is recalling 17 2017-2018 Command Center and Emergency Response support vehicles because the brake lights can illuminate when the brake pedal has not been pressed. That false signal can confuse nearby drivers and increase crash risk; the dealer repair will be free once Ldv, Inc. makes it available.
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What's wrong?
The brake lights on affected 2017-2018 Ldv, Inc. Command Center and Emergency Response vehicles are the rear lamps that tell traffic behind the vehicle that the driver is braking. They should turn on only when the brake pedal is pressed, so following drivers get a clear signal that the vehicle is slowing or stopping.
In this recall, transient voltage on the brake-light input line can send the wrong electrical signal through the lighting circuit. Depending on how the vehicle is wired, that signal can make the brake lights illuminate even when the brake pedal has not been pressed. The lamps still light, but they no longer give other drivers a reliable brake signal.
There is no warning sign before failure. From the driver's seat, the vehicle can feel normal because the problem is in the exterior brake-light signal, not the brake pedal itself.
Who's affected?
Spans Command Center and Emergency Response vehicles across the 2017 and 2018 model years, with brake lights listed for each.
| 2018 Ldv, Inc. Command Center | Brake lights |
|---|---|
| 2018 Ldv, Inc. Emergency Response | Brake lights |
| 2017 Ldv, Inc. Emergency Response | Brake lights |
| 2017 Ldv, Inc. Command Center | Brake lights |
| Units affected | 17 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
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?
Incorrect brake-light illumination can confuse drivers behind the vehicle and increase the risk of a crash. There is no warning sign listed before the brake-light problem. Schedule the recall repair and tell the dealer this is NHTSA campaign 19V163. Repair is free at any franchised Ldv, Inc. dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017-2018 Ldv, Inc. Command Center or Emergency Response is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ldv, Inc. dealer to confirm repair availability for recall number 19V163.
- Schedule the free brake-light replacement that stops the lights from illuminating when the brake pedal has not been pressed.
- Bring the recall notice if LDV mailed one, and reference recall number 19V163 when you call.
- Drive with extra space until the repair is complete because incorrect brake-light illumination can confuse drivers behind you.
What happens at the repair
LDV has notified owners about this recall. The dealer process is straightforward: a technician replaces the brake lights that are wired so they can illuminate when the brake pedal has not been pressed. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. Because the source names Whelen dealers for the brake light replacement, ask the service desk to confirm that the repair is being handled through the correct dealer or service channel for your Command Center or Emergency Response vehicle.
Timeline
| March 4, 2019 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 9, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 19V163?
Recall 19V163 covers 17 2017-2018 Ldv, Inc. Command Center and Emergency Response support vehicles with brake lights that can illuminate without brake pedal input. That can confuse other drivers and increase crash risk. Whelen dealers will replace the brake lights for free.
What should I do if my 2017-2018 Ldv, Inc. Command Center or Emergency Response is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific support vehicle is included in recall 19V163. If it is, contact a Whelen dealer or Whelen customer service at 1-860-718-2331 to arrange the brake-light replacement. Reference recall 19V163 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and the recall remedy says Whelen dealers will replace the brake lights free of charge. The recall began on April 9, 2019.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is that the brake lights can illuminate when the driver has not pressed the brake pedal. That false brake signal can confuse drivers behind the vehicle and increase crash risk, especially when surrounding traffic reacts to braking that is not happening.
What if I bought this support vehicle used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your Command Center or Emergency Response vehicle is included, then give recall 19V163 to the dealer when you arrange service.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/19V163000 |
|---|---|
| Ldv, Inc. customer service | 1-860-718-2331 |
| NHTSA recall # | 19V163 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 19V163000 |
Source documents
-
Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF) - Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (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 →