Braun Industries Recalls Nearly 600 Emergency Vehicles Over Cruise Control Malfunction Risk

Braun Industries, Inc., based in Van Wert, Ohio, has initiated a recall affecting approximately 591 of its emergency vehicles due to a defect that could prevent the cruise control from disengaging when the brake pedal is applied. This issue, stemming from a potential damage to the brake switch during the production process, raises concerns about unexpected acceleration after releasing the brake, thereby increasing the risk of a crash. The affected vehicles, primarily ambulances across several model lines, were manufactured between July 1, 2023, and September 30, 2025, with a small number of models produced as early as January 1, 2023.

The identified defect is linked to a production process that may have inadvertently damaged the brake pedal switch responsible for disengaging the cruise control system. In some instances, this damage could lead to a reduced sensitivity of the switch, requiring the brake pedal to be depressed further to deactivate the cruise control, or in more severe cases, a complete failure of the switch’s function. The potential consequences include unintended acceleration when the brake pedal is released, creating a hazardous situation for drivers and potentially leading to accidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has assigned recall number 25V677 to this safety campaign.

The recall encompasses a range of Braun ambulance models, including the Select Chief XL I (both gasoline and diesel variants), RMT US I (gasoline and diesel), Liberty I (gasoline and diesel), Express Plus I (gasoline and diesel), and Chief XL I (gasoline and diesel). The specific production dates for most models fall within the July 1, 2023, to September 30, 2025, window. However, a subset of the Chief XL I gasoline models were produced from January 1, 2023, to September 30, 2025. The total number of potentially involved vehicles is 591, with an estimated 10% of these units likely exhibiting the defect.

Braun Industries has outlined a remedy program to address the issue at no cost to the vehicle owners. The repair involves replacing the faulty brake switch at an authorized Ford Dealer or service provider. Braun will reimburse up to $300 for the cost of the replacement switch and the labor required for its installation. The company estimates that the replacement and functional verification of the switch will take approximately one hour. Vehicle owners are advised to present their recall letter, along with the NHTSA recall number, their Braun ambulance number (found on an interior placard), and their contact information, to the authorized service center.

The production process affecting the brake switch was identified and corrected internally on September 19, 2025. All vehicles produced after this date are expected to have the corrected brake switch installed prior to delivery. Braun is also in the process of replacing the brake switches in units already in production. For vehicles that were produced before the production process was corrected and have not yet been delivered, the brake switch will be remedied before delivery. Units scheduled for delivery from the Braun facility on or after October 8, 2025, will have the remedied brake switch.

Owners are instructed to park affected vehicles outside and away from structures as a precautionary measure due to the potential for unexpected acceleration. Braun Industries will be sending out owner notification letters beginning October 31, 2025, and concluding by November 17, 2025. Reimbursement claims for the repair costs can be submitted via email to braun_ap@braunambulances.com or by mail to Braun Ambulances, Attn: Accounts Payable, 1170 Production Drive, Van Wert, Ohio 45891. The reimbursement program is valid from October 10, 2025, through October 10, 2027. For any inquiries regarding the recall, customers can contact Braun Customer Care at 877-344-9990 or via email at braunservice@braunambulances.com.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from Braun Industries, Inc.

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