1997 Novabus Rts problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1997 Novabus Rts — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1997 compare to other Rts years?

Rts NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Rts years to avoid →

Does the 1997 Novabus Rts have recalls?

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

07V029000EngineFebruary 1, 2007 · 900 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN TRANSIT BUSES EQUIPPED WITH DETROIT DIESEL SERIES 50 ENGINES, THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (ECM) WILL NEED TO BE REPROGRAMMED TO ACTIVATE THE EXHAUST TEMPERATURE SENSOR.

Consequence

ENGINE MALFUNCTION COULD POSSIBLY LEAD TO ENGINE AND VEHICLE DAMAGE AND POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE FIRE.

Remedy

NOVABUS IS WORKING WITH DETROIT DIESEL TO REPROGRAM THE ENGINES (PLEASE SEE 05E050). THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 26, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DETROIT DIESEL AT 1-313-592-3708 OR NOVABUS AT 1-450-472-6410.

02V148000LightingMay 30, 2002 · 2,561 units

Defect

CERTAIN TRANSIT BUSES WITH AN OPTION FOR DECELERATION LIGHTS DO NOT MEET ALL THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THE DECELERATION LIGHTS ARE LOCATED ON THE REAR CENTER OF THE BUS, ABOVE THE REAR ENGINE DOOR. THEY ARE PROVIDED AS A MEANS OF ALERTING VEHICLES TRAVELING BEHIND THE BUS THAT IT IS SLOWING DOWN AND MAY BE PREPARING TO STOP. ALSO, THE DRIVER ACTIVATED, FLASHING HOODLUM LIGHTS, IS TO ALERT THE PUBLIC/POLICE TO A DANGEROUS SITUATION OCCURRING IN THE BUS FOR WHICH THE DRIVER REQUIRES ASSISTANCE. TWO OF THESE LIGHTS ARE LOCATED ON THE FRONT OF THE BUS AT EACH END OF THE DESTINATION SIGN AND TWO AT THE REAR OF THE BUS BELOW THE LEVEL OF THE ROOF MARKER LIGHTS. THEY FLASH IN AN ALTERNATING PATTERN FROM SIDE TO SIDE. THE STANDARD REQUIRES THAT THESE LAMPS SHALL BE WIRED TO BE STEADY BURNING.

Consequence

THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL RETROFIT THESE BUSES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 19, 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 NOVABUS AT 1-505-347-2011.

01V321001Body & StructureOctober 9, 2001 · 43 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: BUSES EQUIPPED WITH ADHESIVELY BONDED ALUMINUM BUS DOOR PANELS USED IN PASSENGER DOORWAYS ON TRANSIT AND LIGHT AND MEDIUM DUTY BUSES SUPPLIED BY VAPOR CORPORATION. DUE TO AN IMPERFECT BONDING OF THE DOOR PANEL SKIN TO THE PANEL FRAME, ENVIRONMENTAL MOISTURE MAY INFILTRATE REGIONS OF IMPERFECT BONDING AND CAUSE SEPARATION OF THE FRAME AND DOOR PANEL.

Consequence

THE DOOR SEPARATES AND FALLS OFF, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.

Remedy

VAPOR CORPORATION WILL NOTIFY CUSTOMERS TO HAVE THEIR BUSES INSPECTED AND WILL INSTALL MECHANICAL FASTENERS TO ATTACH THE SKINS TO THE FRAME ELEMENTS. 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 VAPOR CORPORATION AT 847-967-8300 OR NOVABUS AT 1-505-347-7349.

1997 Novabus Rts — common questions

Is the 1997 Novabus Rts reliable?

The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 1997 Novabus Rts have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1997 Novabus Rts. 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.

How does 1997 compare to other Rts years?

Does the 1997 Novabus Rts have recalls?

1997 Novabus Rts — common questions

Is the 1997 Novabus Rts reliable?

Does the 1997 Novabus Rts have recalls?

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