Pintle Hook Blocks Backup Light/FMVSS 108

Affected vehicles (3)

Component / system

Defect

Orange EV is recalling certain 2024 HUSK-e, 2023-2025 e-TRIEVER, and 2017-2024 T-Series trucks. The pintle hook partially blocks the center of the backup lights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Risk / consequence

Obstructed backup lights can reduce the vehicle's visibility to pedestrians or other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Orange EV service will replace the rear passenger taillight, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 15, 2025. Owners may contact Orange EV customer service at 1-866-688-5223.

Chronology of events

1. Jul 9, 2024

   July 9, 2024 During the design review of a potential future truck, Orange EV (OEV) Regulatory Compliance was requested to confirm that the FMVSS 108 lighting requirements for on road use were going to be met. July 10 - August 15, 2024 Regulatory Compliance conducted a review of FMVSS 108 to verify all items that are applicable to OEV trucks. October 9 – November 7, 2024

2. Oct 9, 2024

   October 9, 2024 - The OEV Engineering Test team began conducting the required testing per FMVSS 108 to certify compliance with standards.

3. Oct 16, 2024

   October 16, 2024 - During the visibility testing of Backup Lamps of the affected trucks with an optionally installed Pintle hook, it was identified that the optical center of the backup lamp is blocked by the pintle hook. October 17 – November 7, 2024 – OEV finished testing for all other lighting requirements, finalized their report, and provided a comprehensive test report analysis to Regulatory Compliance. November 8 – December 12, 2024 OEV Compliance conducted a review and verification of test findings against any potential historically documented guidance/exceptions/exemptions.

4. Dec 12, 2024

   December 12, 2024 OEV determined that affected trucks with an optional pintle hook installed do not conform to FMVSS 108. Orange EV halted delivery of new trucks with optional pintle hooks until a remedy could be determined.

5. Jan 22, 2025

   January 22, 2025 Pursuant to 49 CFR 556, Orange EV filed a petition for an exemption from recall requirements on the basis that this noncompliance is inconsequential as it relates to motor vehicle safety. The original NHTSA ID was 24V961

6. May 12, 2025

   May 12, 2025 Orange EV received notice from NHTSA rejecting the petition submitted on January 22, 2025 and as directed, is submitting a new Noncompliance Information Report.

Notification schedule

Dealer notification

No Dealers

Owner notification

Jun 30, 2025 - Jul 11, 2025 Phased Recall