Recall 19V221 affects 173 2015-2019 Osage Brave, Warrior and Super Warrior ambulances for faulty brake lights. Repair is free at Osage.
Osage is recalling 173 2015-2019 Brave, Warrior, and Super Warrior ambulances equipped with Whelen brake lights because the lights can illuminate when the brake pedal is not being pressed. Incorrect brake-light illumination can confuse other drivers and increase crash risk, and Osage dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The brake lights on the 2015-2019 Osage Super Warrior, Warrior, and Brave ambulances are part of the exterior lighting system. Their normal job is simple: they illuminate only when the brake pedal is pressed, so drivers behind the ambulance know it is slowing or stopping.
On these ambulances, certain Whelen brake lights can turn on when the brake pedal is not being pressed. The issue comes from transient voltage, a brief electrical surge or fluctuation in the vehicle wiring. Whelen found that the condition depends on the ambulance's specific wiring and other installed equipment, rather than the brake pedal itself.
There is no warning sign before failure. Once the condition appears, the brake lamps can look like the ambulance is braking even when it is not, which gives following drivers the wrong signal.
Who's affected?
Covers the Super Warrior, Warrior, and Brave model lines across the 2015-2019 model years, all tied to brake lights.
| 2015 Osage Super Warrior | Brake lights |
|---|---|
| 2016 Osage Warrior | Brake lights |
| 2016 Osage Brave | Brake lights |
| 2018 Osage Super Warrior | Brake lights |
| 2019 Osage Super Warrior | Brake lights |
| 2017 Osage Brave | Brake lights |
| 2016 Osage Super Warrior | Brake lights |
| 2015 Osage Warrior | Brake lights |
| 2017 Osage Warrior | Brake lights |
| 2017 Osage Super Warrior | Brake lights |
| 2019 Osage Brave | Brake lights |
| 2019 Osage Warrior | Brake lights |
| 2018 Osage Brave | Brake lights |
| 2015 Osage Brave | Brake lights |
| 2018 Osage Warrior | Brake lights |
| Units affected | 173 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The year and model 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 when they should not can confuse drivers behind the vehicle and increase the risk of a crash. Drive cautiously, avoid abrupt maneuvers when traffic is close, and schedule the light replacement soon. Repair is free at any franchised Osage dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015-2019 Osage Super Warrior, Warrior, or Brave ambulance is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Osage dealer to schedule the free Whelen brake-light replacement that fixes brake lights that illuminate when the brake pedal is not pressed.
- Bring the recall notice if Osage mailed one. If not, reference recall number 19V221 when you call.
- Drive with extra space until the replacement is complete, since incorrect brake-light illumination can confuse drivers behind you.
- Call Osage customer service at 1-573-897-3113 with questions about parts or scheduling.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Osage technician replaces the Whelen brake lights that can illuminate when the brake pedal is not pressed. The replacement lights, parts, and labor are free under the recall. Osage has a general reimbursement plan on file, so bring documentation for any prior brake light repair tied to this condition and ask the service desk or Osage customer service how to submit it.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| January 22, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
|---|---|
| March 20, 2019 | NHTSA published the recall |
| August 28, 2023 | Dealer notification began |
| August 28, 2023 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| September 19, 2023 | Dealer notification ended |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 19V221?
Recall 19V221 covers 173 2015-2019 Osage Super Warrior, Warrior, and Brave ambulances equipped with Whelen brake lights that can illuminate when the brake pedal is not pressed. Osage and Whelen will provide replacement brake lights free of charge.
What should I do if my 2015-2019 Osage Super Warrior, Warrior, or Brave is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific ambulance is included in recall 19V221. If it is, contact Osage customer service at 1-573-897-3113 and reference the recall number. The repair uses replacement Whelen brake lights and is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and the remedy for recall 19V221 provides replacement brake lights free of charge through Osage and Whelen.
What is the safety risk in recall 19V221?
The risk is driver confusion behind the ambulance. In recall 19V221, the brake lights can illuminate when the brake pedal is not pressed, which can make other drivers react incorrectly and increase crash risk. The free repair replaces the affected brake lights.
What if I bought the Osage ambulance used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2015-2019 Osage Super Warrior, Warrior, or Brave ambulance is included, then contact Osage customer service with recall number 19V221.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/19V221000 |
|---|---|
| Osage customer service | 1-573-897-3113 |
| NHTSA recall # | 19V221 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 19V221000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Report (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (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 →