Recall 19V268 affects 3 2017-2018 Spartan Metrostar emergency vehicles for brake lights that illuminate without braking. Repair is free at any franchised Spartan dealer.
Recall 19V268 covers 3 2017-2018 Spartan Metrostar emergency vehicles with Whelen brake lights that can illuminate even when the brake pedal is not pressed. 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 2017-2018 Spartan Metrostar emergency vehicles are rear lamps that tell drivers behind the vehicle when the driver is braking. They are supposed to illuminate only when the brake pedal is pressed, then turn off when the pedal is released. That signal helps following traffic judge whether the vehicle is slowing or stopped.
On these Metrostar vehicles, the recalled Whelen brake lights are wired in a way that lets the lamps illuminate even when the brake pedal has not been pressed. The brake light itself is the part involved, but the problem depends on the vehicle wiring connected to it. When the lamp gives a braking signal at the wrong time, drivers behind the vehicle receive a false cue.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner, driver, or crew member would notice the issue only if someone outside the vehicle sees the brake lights stay on or turn on without pedal input.
Who's affected?
The listed vehicles are from two Metrostar model years and share the same brake-light component.
| 2017 Spartan Metrostar | Brake lights |
|---|---|
| 2018 Spartan Metrostar | Brake lights |
| Units affected | 3 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
Brake lights that illuminate at the wrong time can confuse drivers behind the vehicle and increase the risk of a crash. Until the repair is complete, leave more following room, signal early, and schedule service soon. Repair will be free at any franchised Spartan dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017-2018 Spartan Metrostar is included in this recall.
- Watch for the owner letter mailed for this recall before scheduling service.
- Contact a franchised Spartan dealer to replace the Whelen brake lights that can illuminate when the brake pedal has not been pressed.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 19V268 when you call.
- Drive with extra following distance until the brake-light replacement is complete, since incorrect brake-light illumination can confuse other drivers.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Spartan technician will replace the affected Whelen brake lights once the dealer remedy is available for this recall. The work addresses brake lights that illuminate even when the brake pedal has not been pressed. The final dealer repair will be free, with parts and labor covered under the recall. Ask the service desk to confirm that the replacement lights match campaign 19V268 before the vehicle is returned to service.
Timeline
| April 2, 2019 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 12, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 19V268?
Recall 19V268 covers 3 2017-2018 Spartan Metrostar emergency vehicles equipped with Whelen brake lights. The brake lights can illuminate when the brake pedal has not been pressed, which can confuse other drivers and increase crash risk. Dealers will replace the lights for free.
What should I do if my 2017-2018 Spartan Metrostar is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 19V268. If it is, contact a franchised Spartan dealer to schedule the brake-light replacement. Reference recall number 19V268 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the recall repair at no cost, and the remedy for recall 19V268 says dealers will replace the affected brake lights free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for included vehicles.
Is it safe to drive my Spartan Metrostar before the repair?
The recall does not include a do-not-drive order. The safety issue is that the brake lights can turn on without brake-pedal input, confusing other drivers and increasing crash risk. If your VIN is included, schedule the free light replacement promptly.
When did recall 19V268 begin?
The recall began June 12, 2019. If you own a 2017-2018 Spartan Metrostar and never received a notice, check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included, then call the dealer with recall number 19V268.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/19V268000 |
|---|---|
| Spartan customer service | 1-573-346-8387 |
| NHTSA recall # | 19V268 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 19V268000 |
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 →