Recall 20V291 covers 17 2018-2020 Liquid Spring-equipped Horton ambulances for rear brake line wear. Free repair at Liquid Spring dealers.
Liquid Spring is recalling 17 2018-2020 Horton Type I and Type Iii ambulances equipped with DS135RS3-DM, DS135RS3A, or DS135RS3AF suspension systems because the rear brake caliper flexible line can contact a suspension component and wear. A worn line can leak brake fluid, causing partial or complete loss of the rear brakes, and Liquid Spring dealers will complete the free repair.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The rear brake caliper flexible line on affected 2018-2020 Liquid Spring DS135RS3-DM, DS135RS3A, DS135RS3AF, Type I, and Type Iii ambulances is the brake fluid line that moves pressurized fluid to the rear brake caliper. The caliper uses that pressure to squeeze the brake pads against the rotor, so the line has to stay clear of moving suspension parts and hold pressure when the driver brakes.
The problem comes from how the line was routed during installation of the Liquid Spring suspension kit. On affected ambulances, the line can contact a rear suspension component. That contact can rub through the flexible line over time. If the line wears enough, rear brake fluid pressure is lost and the ambulance can lose rear braking.
There is no warning sign before failure. A normal pedal feel or normal braking on one stop does not prove the rear brake line is routed safely for the next stop.
Who's affected?
Spans 5 model lines across 3 model years, with brake-system, hydraulic brake hose, and rear-suspension scope listed for each.
| Liquid Spring DS135RS3-DM | brake system |
|---|---|
| Liquid Spring DS135RS3-DM | hydraulic brake hose |
| Liquid Spring DS135RS3-DM | rear suspension |
| Liquid Spring DS135RS3A | brake system |
| Liquid Spring DS135RS3A | hydraulic brake hose |
| Liquid Spring DS135RS3A | rear suspension |
| Liquid Spring DS135RS3AF | brake system |
| Liquid Spring DS135RS3AF | hydraulic brake hose |
| Liquid Spring DS135RS3AF | rear suspension |
| 2018 Horton Type Iii | brake system |
| 2018 Horton Type Iii | hydraulic brake hose |
| 2018 Horton Type Iii | rear suspension |
| 2020 Horton Type Iii | brake system |
| 2020 Horton Type Iii | hydraulic brake hose |
| 2020 Horton Type Iii | rear suspension |
| 2019 Horton Type I | brake system |
| 2019 Horton Type I | hydraulic brake hose |
| 2019 Horton Type I | rear suspension |
| 2020 Horton Type I | brake system |
| 2020 Horton Type I | hydraulic brake hose |
| 2020 Horton Type I | rear suspension |
| 2019 Horton Type Iii | brake system |
| 2019 Horton Type Iii | hydraulic brake hose |
| 2019 Horton Type Iii | rear suspension |
| 2018 Horton Type I | brake system |
| 2018 Horton Type I | hydraulic brake hose |
| 2018 Horton Type I | rear suspension |
| Units affected | 17 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
A worn rear brake caliper flexible line can leak brake fluid, causing a partial or complete loss of the rear brakes and increasing crash risk. Schedule the inspection soon, and stop driving if brake fluid is visible or braking changes. Repair is free at any franchised Liquid Spring dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018-2020 Liquid Spring-equipped Horton Type I or Type Iii ambulance is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Liquid Spring dealer to schedule the free rear brake line inspection.
- Schedule the mounting-kit repair that keeps the rear brake caliper flexible line from rubbing against suspension parts, with brake-line replacement if wear is found.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 20V291 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the inspection and repair are complete. Leave extra stopping distance because rear brake loss is the reported risk.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Liquid Spring technician inspects the rear brake caliper flexible lines for wear where the line contacts the suspension. The technician installs a kit that changes the rear brake caliper flexible line mounting. If a line is worn, the dealer also installs the brake line replacement kit. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. Halcore has a general reimbursement plan on file for owners who already paid for related brake line work. Contact Halcore customer service at 1-800-447-0343 and keep any repair documents tied to the rear brake caliper flexible lines.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| May 20, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 25, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| May 25, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| June 5, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
| June 25, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V291?
Recall 20V291 covers 17 2018-2020 Liquid Spring DS135RS3-DM, DS135RS3A, DS135RS3AF, Type Iii, and Type I vehicles or systems with rear brake caliper flexible lines that can contact suspension parts, wear through, leak brake fluid, and reduce rear braking.
What should I do if my 2018-2020 Liquid Spring DS135RS3-DM, DS135RS3A, DS135RS3AF, Type Iii, or Type I is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle or system is included in recall 20V291. If it is, contact a franchised Liquid Spring dealer and ask for the rear brake caliper flexible line inspection, mounting kit installation, and brake line replacement if wear is found.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to provide the recall remedy at no cost. The dealer will inspect the rear brake caliper flexible lines, install the mounting modification kit, and replace worn brake lines if needed free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced rear braking from a worn rear brake caliper flexible line. If the line leaks brake fluid, the vehicle can have a partial or complete loss of rear brakes, increasing crash risk. The dealer repair addresses the line routing and worn parts.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V291000 |
|---|---|
| Liquid Spring customer service | 1-800-447-0343 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V291 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V291000 |
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 →