Recall 19V251 covers 2 2018 Ford F-550 and M2 emergency vehicles for brake lights that illuminate incorrectly. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
Ford is recalling 2 2018 F-550 and M2 emergency vehicles equipped with Whelen brake lights because the lights can turn on when the brake pedal has not been pressed. False brake-light illumination can confuse other drivers and increase crash risk; Ford dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The brake lights on the 2018 Ford F-550 and M2 emergency vehicles tell drivers behind the truck when the brake pedal is being pressed. On these vehicles, the affected Whelen lights are part of the exterior lighting system, so their normal job is simple: stay off during steady driving and light only when braking.
The defect is inside the brake light's response to electrical input. Whelen traced the issue to transient voltage on the input line, which can make the light turn on and stay on even though the brake pedal has not been pressed. The problem depends on the vehicle wiring and other installed equipment, but the recalled lights are vulnerable to that false activation.
What an owner or department would notice is the brake lights glowing at the wrong time, with no brake pedal input. The filing says the lights return to normal after a brake input is applied and removed, but the wrong signal still confuses traffic behind the vehicle.
Who's affected?
Covers two 2018 truck models tied to the same brake-light component.
| 2018 Ford F-550 | Brake lights |
|---|---|
| 2018 Freightliner M2 | Brake lights |
| Units affected | 2 |
| 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 truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
Incorrect brake light illumination can confuse drivers behind you and increase the risk of a crash. If the brake lights turn on when the pedal is not pressed, treat it as a recall symptom and arrange service promptly. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018 Ford F-550 or M2 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ford dealer to confirm the free brake-light replacement is complete.
- Ask the dealer to verify recall number 19V251 if the repair is not shown in your service history.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it, and describe the brake lights illuminating when the brake pedal is not pressed.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ford technician replaces the affected Whelen brake lights so they do not illuminate when the brake pedal is not being pressed. FES has already notified owners and completed the brake light replacement free of charge. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. If you already paid for this brake light repair before recall service was completed, FES has a general reimbursement plan on file. Contact FES customer service or Whelen customer service with your repair paperwork and ask how to submit documentation for review.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| March 28, 2019 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 28, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 19V251?
Recall 19V251 covers 2 2018 Ford F-550 and M2 emergency vehicles equipped with Whelen brake lights. The brake lights can illuminate when the brake pedal is not pressed, which can confuse other drivers and increase crash risk. The brake lights were replaced free of charge.
What should I do if my 2018 Ford F-550 or M2 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific emergency vehicle is included in recall 19V251. If it is, confirm that the Whelen brake lights were replaced. Reference recall number 19V251 when you contact the service provider or call customer service at 1-803-494-6000.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the defect repair to be performed at no cost, and the remedy for recall 19V251 says the brake lights were replaced free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for the recall repair.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is brake lights that illuminate without brake pedal input. That false signal can confuse drivers behind the emergency vehicle and increase crash risk. This recall does not carry a do-not-drive instruction, but the brake-light replacement should be confirmed before the vehicle returns to regular service.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/19V251000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-803-494-6000 |
| NHTSA recall # | 19V251 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 19V251000 |
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 →