Nova Bus (US) Inc. has issued a recall for certain 2021-2024 LFS and 2021-2023 LFS Artic buses due to a critical defect in the parking brake valve. This defect may cause an air leak, leading to the unintentional engagement of the parking brake without the brake lights being activated, significantly increasing the risk of crashes.
Key Highlights:
- Recall affects 901 units of 2021-2024 LFS and 2021-2023 LFS Artic buses.
- Potential air leak in the parking brake valve.
- Parking brake may engage without activating brake lights.
- Owners will be notified by September 6, 2024.
- Free inspection and repair by Nova Bus.
Recall Details:
- NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V518000
- Potential Number of Units Affected: 901
- Affected Models: 2021-2024 Nova Bus LFS, 2021-2023 Nova Bus LFS Artic
- Production Dates: November 17, 2021 – March 15, 2024
- VIN Range: Specific ranges for LFS and LFS Artic models (details not sequential)
Defect Description: The defect arises from a loose connection in the parking brake valve’s air lines. This can lead to a sudden air leak, automatically engaging the parking brake without any warning and without activating the brake lights. Such an event could cause a bus to stop suddenly, raising the risk of a crash, especially if the brake lights are not illuminated.
Remedy Plan: Nova Bus will inspect and tighten the parking brake air line connections at no cost to the owners. Owner notification letters will be mailed by September 6, 2024. Owners can contact Nova Bus customer service at 1-800-350-6682 for more information. The recall reference number for Nova Bus is CR5615.
Contact Information: For further details, owners can also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or visit www.nhtsa.gov.
Chronology of Events:
- March 14, 2024: Issue discovered during pre-delivery road test.
- March 15, 2024: Internal campaign launched to validate and correct all buses.
- March 18, 2024: Internal investigation initiated.
- March 21, 2024: Formal safety issue investigation started.
- March 28, 2024: Survey to identify affected population launched.
- May 29, 2024: Survey completed.
- July 02, 2024: Product Safety Evaluation Committee reviews findings.
- July 03, 2024: Product Safety Committee confirms defect.
- July 08, 2024: Voluntary recall filed with NHTSA.
There have been no reported accidents or injuries related to this defect. The recall remedy involves reapplying the correct torque to the air line connections, with all associated costs covered by Nova Bus. Notification to owners is scheduled to begin on or before September 6, 2024.
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