Recall 19V305 affects 12 2017-2019 Spencer Fire Truck vehicles for brake lights that illuminate without braking. Free repair at any franchised Spencer dealer.
Spencer is recalling 12 2017-2019 Fire Truck vehicles equipped with Whelen accessory brake lights because the lights can illuminate when the brake pedal is not pressed. False brake-light signals can confuse other drivers and increase crash risk; Spencer dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The affected Spencer 2017-2019 Fire Truck models use Whelen accessory brake lights to tell drivers behind the truck when the brake pedal is being pressed. Those lights are part of the exterior lighting system, and their normal job is simple: stay off until the brake circuit calls for braking, then illuminate clearly.
On these fire trucks, the problem is electrical. Transient voltage on the input line, combined with the vehicle's wiring and other installed equipment, can make the accessory brake lights illuminate even when no one has pressed the brake pedal. That sends a false braking signal to traffic behind the truck and reduces the usefulness of the brake lights as a clear warning.
There is no warning sign before failure. The operator does not get a dashboard message or a change in brake pedal feel that points to this brake-light condition.
Who's affected?
Spans the 2017, 2018, and 2019 model years, all tied to the same brake light component.
| 2018 Spencer Fire Truck | Brake lights |
|---|---|
| 2017 Spencer Fire Truck | Brake lights |
| 2019 Spencer Fire Truck | Brake lights |
| Units affected | 12 |
| 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 make following drivers misread when the fire truck is slowing or stopping, increasing crash risk. There is no warning sign before the lights act incorrectly, so confirm the recall by VIN and schedule the repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Spencer dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017-2019 Spencer Fire Truck is included in this recall.
- Contact Spencer to schedule the free Whelen brake-light replacement that fixes brake lights illuminating when the pedal is not pressed.
- Call Whelen customer service at 1-860-718-2331 if Spencer directs you to the lighting supplier for the replacement.
- Bring the recall notice if Spencer has mailed one. If not, reference recall number 19V305 when you call.
- Watch for brake lights that stay illuminated without pedal pressure until the repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Spencer technician checks the affected Whelen accessory brake lights and replaces the brake light assemblies covered by recall 19V305. The replacement parts and labor are free under the recall. Spencer notified owners, and Whelen provides the replacement parts and service support for affected trucks. Because the remedy is available, ask the Spencer service desk to confirm that the brake light replacement has been completed before the truck returns to service.
Timeline
| April 17, 2019 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 3, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 19V305?
Recall 19V305 covers 12 2017-2019 Spencer Fire Truck vehicles equipped with Whelen accessory brake lights. The brake lights can illuminate when the brake pedal has not been pressed, confusing other drivers and increasing crash risk. Whelen will replace the affected brake lights for free.
What should I do if my 2017-2019 Spencer Fire Truck is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific fire truck is included in recall 19V305. If it is, contact Spencer or Whelen to arrange the free brake-light replacement. Reference recall 19V305 when you call, and use Whelen customer service at 1-860-718-2331 if needed.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Spencer's recall remedy says Whelen will replace the affected brake lights free of charge. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to provide the recall repair at no cost, including parts and labor tied to the defect.
Is it safe to drive with this brake-light recall?
The campaign does not list a do-not-drive instruction. The safety issue is signal confusion: the accessory brake lights can illuminate when the brake pedal is not pressed, increasing crash risk. Confirm your VIN and arrange the free replacement before the vehicle returns to regular service.
When did the Spencer brake-light recall repair start?
The recall repair began June 3, 2019. If your VIN is included, Spencer or Whelen can help arrange the free replacement of the affected Whelen accessory brake lights. Reference recall 19V305 when you contact the service desk.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/19V305000 |
|---|---|
| Spencer customer service | 1-860-718-2331 |
| NHTSA recall # | 19V305 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 19V305000 |
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 →