2023 Novabus LFS Artic problems

Defect

Nova Bus (US) Inc. (Nova Bus) is recalling certain 1997-2002, 2005-2024 LFS and 2009-2024 LFS Artic transit buses. The low brake air pressure warning light may fail to illuminate when the engine is off. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 121, "Air Brake Systems."

Consequence

A low brake air pressure warning light that fails to illuminate when the engine is off will not alert the driver to a low brake pressure condition, increasing the risk of a crash if the parking brake is disengaged before starting the engine.

Remedy

Nova Bus will update the firmware, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 1, 2026. Owners may contact Nova Bus customer service at 1-450-472-6410. Nova Bus' number for this recall is CR5918.

Defect

Nova Bus (US) Inc. (Nova Bus) is recalling certain 2023 LFS Artic and 2022-2024 LFS buses. The coolant sensor could send a false signal, causing the engine to shut down.

Consequence

An unexpected engine shut down can increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, transferring passengers from the disabled bus can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

Nova Bus will inspect and replace the coolant sensor as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 20, 2025. Owners may contact Nova Bus customer service at 1-800-350-6682. Nova Bus's number for this recall is CR5668.

Defect

Nova Bus (US) Inc. (Nova Bus) is recalling certain 2019-2024 LFS and 2019-2023 LFS Artic buses. The auxiliary heater module may allow contaminants to enter the electronic controller, which can cause an electrical short. Additionally, the auxiliary heater may fail, causing the defrosting system to not function properly.

Consequence

An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire. Additionally, a windshield defrosting system that does not function properly can decrease the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Nova Bus will the auxiliary heater air intake, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 28, 2025. Owners may contact Nova Bus customer service at 1-800-350-6682. Nova Bus's number for this recall is CR5637.

Defect

Nova Bus (US) Inc. (Nova) is recalling certain 2023 LFS Artic and 2023-2024 LFS vehicles. The instrument panel may fail to display the speedometer or incorrectly display warning lights, due to defective firmware. In addition, the firmware may result in a loss of drive power.  As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 101, "Control and Displays."

Consequence

An instrument panel that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, can increase the risk of a crash. A loss of drive power also increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Novas Bus will update the instrument panel firmware, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 18, 2024. Owners may contact Nova customer service at 1-800-350-6682. Nova's number for this recall is CR5636.

Defect

Nova Bus (US) Inc. (Nova Bus) is recalling certain 2021-2024 LFS and 2021-2023 LFS Artic buses. An air leak may occur in the parking brake valve and unintentionally engage the parking brake without activating the brake lights.

Consequence

A bus that stops suddenly without activating brake lights increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Nova Bus will inspect and tighten the parking brake air line connections, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 24, 2024. Owners may contact Nova Bus customer service at 1-800-350-6682. Nova Bus's number for this recall is CR5615.

Defect

Nova Bus (US) Inc. (Nova Bus) is recalling certain 2023 LFS and LFS Artic transit buses. The sun visor may detach and fall from the bracket.

Consequence

A detached sun visor can distract the driver or obstruct the view through the windshield, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Nova Bus will inspect and repair the sun visor fasteners, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 11, 2024. Owners may contact Nova Bus customer service at 1-800-350-6682. Nova Bus number for this recall is CR5512.

Defect

Nova Bus (US) Inc. (Nova Bus) is recalling certain 2020-2023 LFS and LFS Artic transit buses. The brackets retaining the Mobile Climate Control HVAC Unit could fail and allow the unit to detach from the bus.

Consequence

An HVAC unit that detaches from a bus can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Nova Bus will inspect the existing brackets and install additional brackets, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 20, 2023. Owners may contact Nova Bus customer service at 1-800-350-6882. Nova Bus's number for this recall is CR5508.

Defect

Nova Bus (US) Inc. (Nova) is recalling certain 2019-2023 LFS and LFS Artic transit buses. The transmission yoke may separate, resulting in driveshaft separation and a sudden loss of drive power.

Consequence

A sudden loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, a disabled bus may require an evacuation procedure in an uncontrolled traffic situation, increasing the risk of injury to passengers.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect the output yoke bolts, and if necessary, tighten loose output yoke bolts, free of charge. Phase 1 will include 2019-2023 LFS vehicles. Nova notified dealers on 10/03/2024 and notified Phase 1 owners on 10/27/2024. Phase 2 will include 2019-2020 LFS Artic vehicles. Interim letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on October 27, 2023. A second notice will be mailed to Phase 2 owners once the remedy is available, expected in January 2025. Owners may contact Nova customer service at 1-800-350-6682. Nova's number for this recall is CR5442.