Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 1997 New Flyer C40lf — 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.
1
NHTSA complaints
4
Recalls
0
Investigations
1
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
1
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seat Belts | 1 | 100% | new |
4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
ON CERTAIN TRANSIT BUSES, THE U-JOINT ASSEMBLIES HAVE INADEQUATE SPLINE ENGAGEMENT ON ONE OF THE TWO END YOKES.
Consequence
EXCESSIVE PLAY IN THE STEERING SYSTEM COULD DEVELOP AND, IF NOT CORRECTED, CAUSE A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy
THE U-JOINT ASSEMBLY WILL BE INSPECTED AND REPLACED IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 10, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NEW FLYER AT 1-204-934-4874.
Defect
CERTAIN TRANSIT BUSES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THE FLASHING DECELERATION LAMPS WERE AN OPTIONAL ITEM FOR SOME OF THESE BUSES.
Consequence
THE STANDARD REQUIRES THAT THE DECELERATION LAMP IS A SOLID LIGHT RATHER THAN A FLASHING LIGHT.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REWIRE THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM TO REMOVE THE FLASHING FUNCTION OR INSTALL A NEW PROGRAMMABLE LOGIC CONTROLLER (PLC) WHICH WILL MAKE THE LAMPS BURN STEADY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 5, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NEW FLYER AT 204-934-4874.
Defect
ON CERTAIN LOW FLOOR BUSES, THE POWER STEERING HOSE WAS INCORRECTLY INSTALLED.
Consequence
THE HOSE CAN LEAK, CREATING THE RISK OF AN ENGINE FIRE.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HOSE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 1, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT NEW FLYER AT 1-204-228-8984.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TRANSIT BUSES. THERE COULD BE A CASTING DEFECT IN THE LEFT SIDE SPRING TOWER. THE SPRING TOWERS SUPPORT THE VEHICLE STRUCTURE, AND FAILURE OF A TOWER COULD CAUSE A SUDDEN SHIFT IN THE FRONT AXLE.
Consequence
THIS CONDITION COULD LEAD TO LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SPRING TOWER. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MAY 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT NEW FLYER AT 1-204-982-8181.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“THIS IS IN REGARDS TO THE SHOULDER HARNESSES IN PIERCE TRANSIT BUSES, LAKEWOOD, WASHINGTON 98499. THE SHOULDER HARNESS IS A 2 PART SEAT BELT. DURING DRIVING CONDITIONS, THE SHOULDER HARNESS LOCKS UP RANDOMLY, AND PREVENTS THE SAFE OPERATION OF THE BUS. MANY BUS DRIVERS IN WASHINGTON STATE DO NOT…”
The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 4 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 1997 New Flyer C40lf. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.