2021 Motiv E-450 Bev Chassis School Bus problems

Defect

Motiv Power Systems, Inc. (Motiv) is recalling certain 2017-2020 E-450 and F-59 school buses with Gen 4 EPIC powertrain, and 2020-2023 E-450, F-59, and F-53 school buses with a Gen 5 EPIC powertrain. A throttle position sensor (TPS) power wire connector pin may loosen, causing a loss of signal to the powertrain control module and a loss of drive power.

Consequence

Loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Motiv field support technicians will inspect and repair, or replace the PCM connector, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 23, 2025. Owners may contact Motiv customer service at 1-650-458-4804.

Defect

Motiv Power Systems, Inc. (Motiv) is recalling certain 2021-2024 E-450 school buses equipped with a Motiv Gen 4 EPIC powertrain. A wire connection point could loosen, causing a loss of 12-volt control power to the high voltage (HV) batteries.

Consequence

Interruption of the 12-volt control power can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Motiv field support technicians will inspect and replace the 12-volt control cable as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 23, 2024. Owners may contact Motiv customer service at 1-650-458-4804.

Defect

Motiv Power Systems, Inc. (Motiv) is recalling certain 2021-2023 F-450 and 2020 F-59 school buses equipped with a Motiv Gen 5 EPIC powertrain. The vehicle control software could misclassify a loss of isolation between the chassis and high voltage system, shutting down the high voltage (HV) batteries.

Consequence

The shutdown of the HV batteries can cause a loss of steering and brake power assist, and drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Motiv will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 5, 2024. Owners may contact Motiv customer service at 1-650-458-4804.

Defect

Motiv Power Systems, Inc. (Motiv) is recalling certain 2021-2023 E-450 school buses equipped with a Motiv Gen 5 EPIC powertrain. The Controller Area Network (CAN) signal wires could contact the frame rail and become damaged, causing a loss of drive power.

Consequence

A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Motiv field support technicians will inspect and repair any loose wiring and replace damaged CAN wiring as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 5, 2024. Owners may contact Motiv customer service at 1-650-458-4804.