If your VIN is in recall 19V212, Alexis Fire Equipment dealers will replace brake lights that illuminate without braking for free.
Alexis Fire Equipment is recalling 11 2018 Fire Apparatus vehicles equipped with Whelen brake lights because the lights can illuminate when the brake pedal is not pressed. That false brake signal can confuse drivers behind the vehicle and increase crash risk; the Alexis Fire Equipment dealer repair is free.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The brake tail turn light on a 2018 Alexis Fire Equipment Fire Apparatus is the rear lamp that tells traffic behind the apparatus when the driver is braking, turning, or using rear lighting. In normal operation, the brake light stays off until the brake pedal is pressed, then illuminates steadily so other drivers know the apparatus is slowing or stopping.
On affected vehicles, certain Whelen brake lights installed by Alexis Fire Equipment react to transient voltage on the input line. That stray electrical signal creates a false steady brake-light signal even though the brake pedal is not pressed. The issue depends on the vehicle wiring and other installed equipment. Whelen changed the light design so the affected models are no longer tied to that transient voltage condition.
Owners or fleet staff can check the light with the vehicle safely parked: press the brake pedal and confirm the light turns on, then release the pedal and confirm it turns off. A brake light that stays on after the pedal is released is the warning sign.
Who's affected?
| 2018 Alexis Fire Equipment Fire Apparatus | Brake lights |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 11 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 10 field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.
What's the safety risk?
A brake light that illuminates incorrectly can confuse drivers behind the apparatus and increase the risk of a crash. Until the replacement is installed, check that the light turns on when the brake pedal is pressed and turns off when released. Repair is free at any franchised Alexis Fire Equipment dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018 Alexis Fire Equipment Fire Apparatus is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Alexis Fire Equipment dealer to schedule the free replacement brake-light service that keeps the brake lights from coming on when the brake pedal is not pressed.
- Bring the recall notice if Alexis Fire Equipment mailed one. If not, reference recall number 19V212 when you call.
- Drive with extra care until the repair is complete, since incorrect brake-light operation can confuse other drivers.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Alexis Fire Equipment technician installs replacement Whelen brake lights on the affected 2018 Fire Apparatus. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. Whelen also pays return shipping for defective lights and reimburses the listed labor time for each replacement light. If you already paid for this light repair or handled return shipping, contact Alexis Fire Equipment customer service at 1-800-322-2284 and ask how to submit the repair documentation for campaign 19V212.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| March 19, 2019 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 20, 2019 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| March 19, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 19V212?
Recall 19V212 covers 11 2018 Alexis Fire Equipment Fire Apparatus vehicles equipped with Whelen brake lights that can illuminate when the brake pedal has not been pressed. The vehicles do not meet FMVSS 108, and Alexis Fire Equipment dealers will install replacement lights for free.
What should I do if my 2018 Alexis Fire Equipment Fire Apparatus is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific fire apparatus is included in recall 19V212. If it is, contact an Alexis Fire Equipment dealer or Alexis customer service at 1-800-322-2284 to arrange replacement brake lights. Reference recall 19V212 or Alexis recall 18E-063 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Alexis Fire Equipment will install replacement brake lights free of charge through its dealer repair process.
What is the safety risk?
The brake lights can illuminate even when the brake pedal has not been pressed. That signal can confuse drivers behind the fire apparatus and increase crash risk. The recall repair replaces the affected lights, and the dealer repair is free.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/19V212000 |
|---|---|
| Alexis Fire Equipment customer service | 1-800-322-2284 |
| NHTSA recall # | 19V212 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 19V212000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall 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 →