Recall 20V316 covers 10 2019 Braun Ambulances Chief Xl Type I and Liberty Type I ambulances for rear brake-line wear. Free repair at a franchised dealer.
Braun Ambulances is recalling 10 2019 Chief Xl Type I and Liberty Type I ambulances because the rear brake caliper flexible line can rub against a suspension component and wear. Brake fluid leakage can reduce or remove rear braking, increasing crash risk, and the dealer repair will be free once Braun Ambulances makes it available.
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 the 2019 Braun Ambulances Chief Xl Type I and Liberty Type I ambulances is the hose that carries brake fluid to the rear brake caliper. These ambulances were built on Ram 4500 or 5500 chassis with a LiquidSpring C.L.A.S.S. rear suspension system. The line has to move with the axle and suspension while staying clear of nearby parts.
On affected ambulances, the rear brake line was routed close enough to a suspension component that the two parts contact each other. Each time the suspension moves, that contact can rub the outer surface of the hose. If the hose wears through, brake fluid pressure to the rear caliper drops, and rear braking is reduced or lost.
There is no warning sign before failure. The first sign can be a change in brake feel or reduced rear brake performance after the line has already worn enough to leak.
Who's affected?
Both Type I ambulance models are listed, with the rear brake caliper flexible line tied to brake-hose, brake-system, and rear-suspension components.
| 2019 Braun Ambulances Chief Xl Type I | hydraulic brake hose |
|---|---|
| 2019 Braun Ambulances Chief Xl Type I | hydraulic brake system |
| 2019 Braun Ambulances Chief Xl Type I | rear suspension |
| 2019 Braun Ambulances Liberty Type I | hydraulic brake hose |
| 2019 Braun Ambulances Liberty Type I | hydraulic brake system |
| 2019 Braun Ambulances Liberty Type I | rear suspension |
| Units affected | 10 |
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?
A worn rear brake caliper flexible line can leak brake fluid, leading to partial or complete loss of the rear brakes and increasing the risk of a crash. There is no warning sign before failure, so schedule the repair soon and take any brake-fluid loss seriously. Repair will be free at any franchised Braun Ambulances dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019 Braun Ambulances Chief Xl Type I or Liberty Type I is included in this recall.
- Contact Braun Ambulances at 1-877-344-9990 for current repair instructions before the ambulance returns to regular service.
- Ask whether an authorized Braun Ambulances service location can replace the rear brake caliper flexible lines and hardware that stop suspension contact from wearing the brake line.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 20V316 when you call.
- Avoid unnecessary driving until the rear brake line routing is inspected and repaired.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Braun Ambulances technician replaces the rear brake caliper flexible lines and related hardware covered by recall 20V316. The repair addresses brake lines that were routed close enough to suspension parts to wear against them. The technician installs replacement hardware and checks the routing so the new lines do not rub against suspension components. The final dealer repair will be free once available, with parts and labor covered under the recall.
Timeline
| May 29, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 21, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V316?
Recall 20V316 covers 10 2019 Braun Ambulances Chief Xl Type I and Liberty Type I ambulances built on Ram 4500 or 5500 chassis with C.L.A.S.S. rear suspension. The rear brake caliper flexible line can rub a suspension part, wear through, leak brake fluid, and reduce rear braking.
What should I do if my 2019 Braun Ambulances Chief Xl Type I or Liberty Type I is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific ambulance is included in recall 20V316. If it is, call a Braun Ambulances dealer or Braun at 1-877-344-9990 and reference recall 20V316. Dealers replace the rear brake caliper flexible lines and hardware for free.
Does the recall repair cost anything?
No. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Braun Ambulances dealers replace the rear brake caliper flexible lines and hardware free of charge under recall 20V316.
What is the safety risk in recall 20V316?
The safety risk is loss of rear braking. A worn rear brake caliper flexible line can leak brake fluid, which can cause partial or complete loss of the rear brakes and increase crash risk. The repair path is to have the affected lines and hardware replaced for free.
When did Braun Ambulances start the recall repair?
Braun Ambulances began the recall on July 21, 2020. Owners can call Braun at 1-877-344-9990 or work through a Braun Ambulances dealer to schedule the free replacement of the rear brake caliper flexible lines and hardware.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V316000 |
|---|---|
| Braun Ambulances customer service | 1-877-344-9990 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V316 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V316000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
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 →