VehicleVerdict

2020 Motiv F-59 Bev Chassis School Bus problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 2020 Motiv F-59 Bev Chassis School Bus — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 4 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

0

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2020 compare to other F-59 Bev Chassis School Bus years?

F-59 Bev Chassis School Bus NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 highlighted1 complaints2019: 0 complaints2020: 0 complaints2022: 0 complaints2023: 0 complaints
F-59 Bev Chassis School Bus NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all F-59 Bev Chassis School Bus years to avoid →

Does the 2020 Motiv F-59 Bev Chassis School Bus have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

25V262000Electrical SystemApril 21, 2025 · 3 units

Defect

Motiv Power Systems, Inc. (Motiv) is recalling certain 2020 F-59 school buses equipped with a Motiv Gen 5 EPIC powertrain. A support bracket may fatigue and break, allowing the main power disconnect to contact other structures and short.

Consequence

An electrical short can shut down the high voltage system, resulting in a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Motiv field support technicians will replace the bracket, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 9, 2025. Owners may contact Motiv customer service at 1-650-458-4804.

25V138000Speed ControlMarch 3, 2025 · 40 units

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.

24V699000Electrical SystemSeptember 19, 2024 · 13 units

Defect

Motiv Power Systems, Inc. (Motiv) is recalling certain 2017-2020 F-59 school buses equipped with a Motiv Gen 4 EPIC and 2020-2023 F-59 school buses equipped with a Motiv Gen 5 EPIC powertrain. The wiring harness may be missing a heat shrink insulator and retention clip. The 12-volt control wires may deteriorate and loosen, causing a loss of connection to the high voltage (HV) batteries and drive power.

Consequence

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

Remedy

Motiv field support technicians will inspect and correct or replace any 12-volt control wires showing signs of fatigue, cracking, or improper retention or protection as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 21, 2024. Owners may contact Motiv customer service at 1-650-458-4804.

24V602000Electrical SystemAugust 12, 2024 · 28 units

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.

2020 Motiv F-59 Bev Chassis School Bus — common questions

Is the 2020 Motiv F-59 Bev Chassis School Bus reliable?

The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 4 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2020 Motiv F-59 Bev Chassis School Bus have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2020 Motiv F-59 Bev Chassis School Bus. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.