Recall 19V239 covers 7 2017-2018 Kenworth emergency vehicles with Whelen brake lights that illuminate without braking. Replacement lights are free through Whelen.
Kenworth is recalling 7 2017-2018 emergency vehicles, including T370, F-650 Sd, Workstar, Durastar, and M2 models, because Whelen brake lights can illuminate when the driver has not pressed the brake pedal. False brake-light signals can confuse other drivers and increase crash risk; the dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The brake lights on these 2017-2018 emergency vehicles, including T370, F-650 Sd, Workstar, Durastar, and M2 models, are supposed to tell traffic behind you when the brake pedal is pressed. The Whelen lighting equipment receives a brake input signal, then illuminates the rear brake lights so other drivers know the vehicle is slowing or stopped.
On affected vehicles, the brake light circuit can read a false brake input. A transient voltage on the brake input line can create a steady brake-light activation even when the pedal has not been pressed. The condition depends on the vehicle's wiring and other installed equipment, so the same lighting equipment works normally until it is exposed to that electrical condition.
There is no warning sign before failure. The visible problem is the brake lights staying on when the driver is not braking, which gives following drivers the wrong signal about what the emergency vehicle is doing.
Who's affected?
Covers 5 medium-duty truck models across the 2017 and 2018 model years, all involving brake lights.
| 2018 Kenworth T370 | Brake lights |
|---|---|
| 2018 Ford F-650 Sd | Brake lights |
| 2017 International Workstar | Brake lights |
| 2018 International Durastar | Brake lights |
| 2018 International Workstar | Brake lights |
| 2018 Freightliner M2 | Brake lights |
| Units affected | 7 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
Brake lights that illuminate at the wrong time can make nearby drivers misread when the truck is slowing or stopping. That confusion increases crash risk, especially in traffic. Drive cautiously, leave extra following space, and arrange the recall repair soon. Repair will be free at any franchised Kenworth dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017-2018 T370, F-650 Sd, Workstar, Durastar, or M2 emergency vehicle is included in this recall.
- Contact Whelen customer service at 1-860-526-9504 to ask for the free replacement brake lights.
- Reference recall number 19V239 when you call, and tell Whelen the brake lights illuminate when the brake pedal has not been pressed.
- Contact a franchised Kenworth dealer if you need help confirming the brake-light repair path for your vehicle.
- Use extra following distance and signal early until the replacement brake lights are installed.
What happens at the repair
Custom Fab & Body notified owners to contact Whelen for replacement brake lights at no charge. The recall began April 11, 2019. A Kenworth service desk can help confirm the campaign for your vehicle, but the repair path in the source remedy runs through Whelen customer service for the replacement lights. The replacement parts are free under the recall. The reimbursement file points to the manufacturer's standard reimbursement plan, so keep documentation for any already paid light-related repair and ask Custom Fab & Body how to submit it.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| March 26, 2019 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 11, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 19V239?
Recall 19V239 covers 7 2017-2018 Kenworth emergency vehicles equipped with Whelen brake lights that can illuminate when the brake pedal has not been pressed. The condition can confuse other drivers and increase crash risk. Replacement lights are provided free of charge.
What should I do if my 2017-2018 Kenworth T370, F-650 Sd, Workstar, Durastar, or M2 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific emergency vehicle is included in recall 19V239. If it is, contact the service desk and ask for the Whelen brake light replacement. Reference recall 19V239 when you call. The replacement lights are free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. The recall remedy states that the replacement Whelen brake lights are free of charge. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to fix the defect at no cost when your VIN is included in the campaign.
What is the safety risk with the brake lights?
The brake lights can illuminate even when the brake pedal has not been pressed. That false brake signal can confuse drivers behind the vehicle and increase crash risk. If your VIN is included, arrange the free replacement lights before returning the vehicle to regular service.
When did owners get notified about recall 19V239?
Owner notification for recall 19V239 began April 11, 2019. If you bought the vehicle after that date or never received a notice, check your VIN and reference recall 19V239 when you contact the service desk.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/19V239000 |
|---|---|
| Kenworth customer service | 1-860-526-9504 |
| NHTSA recall # | 19V239 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 19V239000 |
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 →