Paler shade of white? Navistar recalls trucks for wrong backup light color

Navistar Inc. is recalling more than 4,000 truck models from 2019 because the backup lights illuminate with the wrong shade of white light, which federal safety officials say could lead to a crash.

Navistar decided to recall 3,981 LT and 296 RH Series models after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration denied a petition for inconsequential noncompliance by the supplier, Weldon Distributors. A division of Akron Brass, Weldon submitted a recall for the equipment in October 2018. The next month, it petitioned the NHTSA to overlook the issue.

The NHTSA ruled Feb. 1 that the recall should proceed. On Feb. 14 Weldon filed another recall, listing 6,315 total headlamp assemblies manufactured in June 2018. The Weldon recall said 90% of the parts were suspected as being out of compliance.

When the vehicle is in reverse, the backup lamps will illuminate. However, the white light is outside the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) covering lamps and reflective devices. The different color may affect visibility and potentially increase the risk of a crash, the agency said.