Recall 19V255 affects 1 2018 Ram 5500 vehicle because brake lights can illuminate without pedal input. Repair is free at any franchised Ram dealer.
Ram is recalling 1 2018 5500 vehicle because Whelen brake lights can illuminate even when the brake pedal has not been pressed. That false brake signal can confuse other drivers and increase the risk of a crash, and Ram dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The brake lights on the 2018 Ram 5500 tell drivers behind the vehicle when the driver is slowing or stopping. They are supposed to turn on only when the brake pedal is pressed, through a circuit that sends power to the rear lamps at the right time.
On the affected vehicle, the Whelen brake lights can react to transient voltage on the input line. That means a short electrical spike reaches the brake light circuit and makes the lights illuminate even though the brake pedal has not been pressed. The result is a false brake signal to traffic behind the vehicle.
There is no warning sign before failure. From the driver's seat, the pedal can feel normal while the rear brake lights turn on at the wrong time.
Who's affected?
| 2018 Ram 5500 | Brake lights |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 1 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2018 Ram 5500 truck is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
Brake lights that illuminate at the wrong time give drivers behind you the wrong signal. That confusion increases the risk of a crash because nearby drivers cannot reliably tell when the vehicle is braking. Schedule the repair soon and use extra space in traffic until it is complete. Repair is free at any franchised Ram dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018 Ram 5500 is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Ram dealer to schedule the free brake-light replacement that fixes brake lights that illuminate when the brake pedal has not been pressed.
- Bring the recall notice if Ram has mailed one. If not, reference recall number 19V255 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair. Leave extra following distance and watch traffic behind you when braking.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ram technician replaces the recalled Whelen brake lights on the 2018 Ram 5500. The issue is in the brake light assembly: depending on wiring, the lights can illuminate even when the brake pedal is not pressed. The recall repair is free, and parts and labor are covered. Blanchat has already notified the owner, so the service desk can confirm the campaign and order the replacement brake lights before the appointment.
Timeline
| March 27, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
|---|---|
| March 28, 2019 | NHTSA published the recall |
| March 28, 2019 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| March 28, 2019 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| April 5, 2019 | Dealer notification ended |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 19V255?
Recall 19V255 covers 1 2018 Ram 5500 vehicle equipped with Whelen brake lights recalled under 18E-063. The brake lights can illuminate when the brake pedal has not been pressed, which can confuse other drivers. The listed remedy replaces the brake lights for free.
What should I do if my 2018 Ram 5500 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 19V255. If it is, arrange the free brake-light replacement and reference recall number 19V255 when you call. The listed customer service number is 1-620-896-7145.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and the listed remedy says the brake lights will be replaced free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for the recall repair.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is confusing brake-light behavior. If the brake lights illuminate when the brake pedal has not been pressed, drivers behind the vehicle can misread whether the vehicle is slowing, which increases crash risk. The fix is brake-light replacement.
When did this recall begin?
The recall began March 27, 2019. The owner notification and remedy process started then, and the listed remedy is available. Check your VIN and use recall number 19V255 when arranging the free brake-light replacement.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/19V255000 |
|---|---|
| Ram customer service | 1-620-896-7145 |
| NHTSA recall # | 19V255 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 19V255000 |
Source documents
-
Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF) - Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly 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 →