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Campaign 20V284 Posted May 20, 2020 59 units

2018-2020 Frontline Type I Recall 20V284: Brake Line

Recall 20V284 covers 59 2018-2020 Frontline Type I ambulances for rear brake line wear and brake fluid leakage. Free repair at a franchised Frontline dealer.

Frontline is recalling 59 2018-2020 Type I ambulances under recall 20V284 because the rear brake caliper flexible line can contact a suspension component and wear through. A worn line can leak brake fluid and lead to partial or complete loss of rear braking, which increases crash risk; Frontline dealers will complete the free repair.

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What's wrong?

The rear brake caliper flexible line on affected 2018-2020 Frontline Type I ambulances is the short flexible hose that carries brake fluid to the rear brake caliper. It lets the brake system move with the rear suspension while keeping hydraulic pressure sealed inside the line. When the driver presses the brake pedal, that pressure helps clamp the rear brake pads onto the rotor.

On ambulances equipped with the Liquid Springs C.L.A.S.S. rear suspension, the flexible line was routed close enough to contact a suspension component. Repeated contact wears through the outside of the line. Once the line is worn, brake fluid pressure escapes at the rear caliper, and the ambulance can lose rear braking.

The listed Liquid Springs suspension systems are DS135RS3A, DS135RS3AF, and DS135RS3-DM. There is no warning sign before failure. If the line wears through, the first clear sign can be reduced rear brake performance when the ambulance is being stopped.

Who's affected?

Covers Type I ambulances across the 2018, 2019, and 2020 model years, along with DS135RS3-DM, DS135RS3A, and DS135RS3AF suspension models with the same rear brake caliper flexible line.

2018 Frontline Type I brake system
2020 Wheeled Coach Type I rear suspension
2018 Frontline Type I hydraulic brake hose
2018 Frontline Type I rear suspension
2020 Road Rescue Type I brake system
Units affected59
Field incidentsNHTSA has logged no field incidents to date.

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?

A worn rear brake caliper flexible line can leak brake fluid, reducing or eliminating rear braking and increasing the risk of a crash. Schedule the inspection and repair soon, and treat any brake-fluid leak or reduced braking as a reason to stop and call the dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Frontline dealer.

What should I do?

  1. Check your VIN to confirm your 2018-2020 Frontline Type I, DS135RS3-DM, DS135RS3A, or DS135RS3AF is included in this recall.
  2. Contact your nearest franchised Frontline dealer to schedule the free rear brake line inspection and repair.
  3. Ask the dealer to inspect the rear brake caliper flexible lines and install the mounting kit that keeps the line from rubbing against the suspension component.
  4. Bring the recall notice if Frontline has mailed one. If not, reference recall number 20V284 when you call.
  5. Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Avoid hard braking and leave extra following distance.

What happens at the repair

At the dealer, a Frontline technician inspects the rear brake caliper flexible lines for wear where the lines pass near the suspension. The technician installs a mounting modification kit to change how the rear brake caliper flexible lines are secured. If any brake line is worn, the dealer replaces it with the specified brake line kit. The recall repair is available now, and the inspection, parts, and labor are free of charge.

Timeline

May 20, 2020 NHTSA published the recall
July 1, 2020 Dealer notification began
July 1, 2020 VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.
July 1, 2020 Interim owner notification (was planned for this date)
July 15, 2020 Owner notification mailed
July 15, 2020 Dealer notification ended

Frequently asked questions

What is recall 20V284?

Recall 20V284 covers 59 2018-2020 Frontline Type I ambulances built on Ram 4500 and 5500 chassis with C.L.A.S.S. rear suspension systems. The rear brake caliper flexible line can contact a suspension component, wear through, leak brake fluid, and reduce or remove rear braking.

What should I do if my 2018-2020 Frontline Type I is on this recall?

Check your VIN to confirm your specific ambulance is included in recall 20V284. If it is, contact a franchised Frontline dealer or REV customer service at 1-855-661-9232 to schedule inspection and repair. Reference recall 20V284 when you call.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes. Federal recall law requires the recall repair at no cost, and Frontline dealers will inspect the rear brake caliper flexible lines for wear, modify the brake-line mounting, and replace worn brake lines if needed free of charge.

What is the safety risk?

The safety risk is loss of rear braking from a worn rear brake caliper flexible line. If the line leaks brake fluid, the ambulance can lose part or all rear brake function, increasing crash risk. Have the recall repair completed before regular service use.

What if I bought this Frontline ambulance used?

The free recall repair still applies. Recalls follow the vehicle, not the first owner, so the VIN decides whether this ambulance is included. Check your VIN, then give recall 20V284 to the Frontline dealer or REV customer service when arranging service.

More information

NHTSA campaign pagenhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V284000
Frontline customer service1-855-661-9232
NHTSA recall #20V284
NHTSA recall # (full)20V284000

Source documents

This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 24, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →