Recall 19V280 covers 4 2018-2019 Frontline C-35X, C-25, Encore Rescue, and C-45X-3 vehicles for faulty brake lights. Repair is free at any franchised Frontline dealer.
Frontline is recalling 4 2018-2019 C-35X, C-25, Encore Rescue, and C-45X-3 rescue vehicles equipped with Whelen brake lights because the lights can illuminate when the brake pedal has not been pressed. The false brake signal can confuse drivers behind the vehicle and increase crash risk; Frontline dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The rear brake lights on 2018-2019 Frontline C-35X, C-25, Encore Rescue, and C-45X-3 vehicles are Whelen lamps mounted at the back of the vehicle. Their job is simple: when the brake pedal is pressed, the lights turn on so drivers behind the vehicle know it is slowing or stopping. That signal has to match the driver's braking.
On these Frontline vehicles, transient voltage on the input line can make the brake lights illuminate even when the brake pedal has not been pressed. The problem depends on the vehicle's specific wiring. A false brake-light signal tells following traffic that the vehicle is braking when it is not, which makes the lighting system unreliable.
There is no warning sign before failure. The driver sees no change at the pedal because the issue is in the brake-light circuit, not the service brake pedal itself.
Who's affected?
Spans the C-35X, C-25, Encore Rescue, and C-45X-3 across the 2018 and 2019 model years, all with the same brake light component.
| 2018 Frontline C-35X | Brake lights |
|---|---|
| 2019 Frontline C-35X | Brake lights |
| 2018 Frontline C-25 | Brake lights |
| 2019 Frontline Encore Rescue | Brake lights |
| 2018 Frontline Encore Rescue | Brake lights |
| 2019 Frontline C-25 | Brake lights |
| 2018 Frontline C-45X-3 | Brake lights |
| 2019 Frontline C-45X-3 | Brake lights |
| Units affected | 4 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.
What's the safety risk?
Brake lights that illuminate at the wrong time can make other drivers misread what the vehicle is doing, increasing the risk of a crash. There is no warning sign before this lighting fault. If your VIN is included, schedule the dealer inspection soon. Repair is free at any franchised Frontline dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018-2019 Frontline C-35X, C-25, Encore Rescue, or C-45X-3 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Frontline dealer to schedule the free brake-light inspection and any needed replacement that fixes brake lights that turn on without pedal input.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it, and reference recall number 19V280 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Leave extra following distance and avoid sudden stops when traffic is close behind you.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Frontline technician inspects the Whelen brake lights and replaces the brake lights that need replacement. The recall repair is free, including parts and labor. Pierce has a general reimbursement plan on file for this recall. If you already paid for a related brake light repair before the recall notice, ask the service desk or Pierce customer service how to submit documentation for reimbursement.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| April 9, 2019 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 22, 2019 | Dealer notification began |
| April 23, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
| May 3, 2019 | Dealer notification ended |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 19V280?
Recall 19V280 covers 4 2018-2019 Frontline C-35X, C-25, Encore Rescue, and C-45X-3 rescue 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.
What should I do if my 2018-2019 Frontline C-35X, C-25, Encore Rescue, or C-45X-3 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific rescue vehicle is included in recall 19V280. If it is, contact a Frontline service dealer to schedule the brake-light inspection. Dealers will replace the brake lights if needed, free of charge.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost to owners. For recall 19V280, dealers will inspect the Whelen brake lights and replace them if needed, free of charge.
Is it safe to drive with this brake-light recall?
Use extra caution until the inspection is complete. This recall does not carry a do-not-drive order, but incorrect brake-light illumination can confuse nearby drivers because the lights signal braking when the pedal has not been pressed. Schedule the free dealer inspection promptly.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/19V280000 |
|---|---|
| Frontline customer service | 1-860-718-2331 |
| NHTSA recall # | 19V280 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 19V280000 |
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 →