2004 Optima Opus 29 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 2004 Optima Opus 29 — 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.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2004 compare to other Opus 29 years?

Opus 29 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Opus 29 years to avoid →

Does the 2004 Optima Opus 29 have recalls?

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

05V405000Fuel SystemSeptember 13, 2005 · 167 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN TRANSIT VEHICLES AND TROLLEYS EQUIPPED WITH CUMMINS ISB-02 DIESEL ENGINES BUILT WITH EMC CONTROLLED FUEL LIFT PUMPS. ERRATIC VOLTAGE SUPPLY TO THE FUEL LIFT PUMP CAUSES PREMATURE ELECTRIC BRUSH WEAR INTERNAL TO THE FUEL LIFT PUMP. THIS PREMATURE WEAR COULD RESULT IN FUEL LIFT PUMP FAILURE AND IN SOME CASES MAY CAUSE AN ENGINE STALL CONDITION.

Consequence

SHOULD THE ENGINE STALL, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR.

Remedy

CUMMINS, IN CONJUNCTION WITH OPTIMA BUS, WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPAIR THE ENGINES BY EMC RECALIBRATION AND REPLACEMENT OF THE FUEL LIFT PUMP AT NO CHARGE TO THE CUSTOMER. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CUMMINS ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-DIESELS OR OPTIMA BUS AT 1-316-779-7700.

05V358000EngineAugust 15, 2005 · 49 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN TRANSIT BUSES, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE HYDRAULIC LINE COMING FROM THE RADIATOR FAN MOTOR TO THE CAC MOTOR IS RUBBING ON THE CHASSIS.

Consequence

THIS RUBBING MAY CAUSE THE HYDRAULIC LINE TO BE RUBBED THROUGH RESULTING IN A LEAK AND A LOSS OF HYDRAULIC FLUID. THIS FLUID COULD IGNITE IF IT COMES IN CONTACT WITH A HOT SOURCE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A P-CLAMP ON THE RADIATOR MOTOR SUPPORT BRACKET THAT HOLDS AND SECURES THE HOSE AWAY FROM THE CHASSIS ELIMINATING THE POSSIBILITY OF CHAFFING. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 24, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT OPTIMA AT 1-888-391-1777.

05V167000SteeringApril 25, 2005 · 201 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN TRANSIT BUSES WITH CUMMINS ISB02 ENGINES, THE HYDRAULIC LINE COMING OFF OF THE POWER STEERING PUMP IS RUBBING ON TOP OF THE AIR GOVERNOR.

Consequence

THIS RUBBING MAY CAUSE THE HYDRAULIC LINE TO BE RUBBED THROUGH RESULTING IN A LEAK AND A LOSS OF HYDRAULIC FLUID. THIS FLUID COULD IGNITE IF IT COMES IN CONTACT WITH A HOT SOURCE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL MAIL A MODIFICATION KIT WITH INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO INSTALL A BRACKET AND CLAMP THAT WILL LIFT AND SECURE THE LINES AWAY FROM THE AIR GOVERNOR ELIMINATING THE POSSIBILITY OF CHAFFING. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 20, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT OPTIMA AT 1-888-391-1777.

04V431000OtherSeptember 3, 2004 · 10 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN BUSES EQUIPPED WITH SURE-LOK WHEELCHAIR SECUREMENT SYSTEMS, THE SPROCKET TEETH OF THE RETRACTOR ASSEMBLY IS OUT OF ALIGNMENT.

Consequence

IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE WHEELCHAIR MAY NOT BE ADEQUATELY SECURED POSSIBLY RESULTING IN INJURIES TO A WHEELCHAIR OCCUPANT.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE WHEELCHAIR SECUREMENT RETRACTORS AS NECESSARY. SURE-LOK IS CONDUCTING THE OWNER NOTIFICATION AND REMEDY FOR THIS CAMPAIGN. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SURE-LOCK AT 1-908-231-1804 OR OPTIMA AT 1-888-391-1777.

2004 Optima Opus 29 — common questions

Is the 2004 Optima Opus 29 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 2004 Optima Opus 29 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2004 Optima Opus 29. 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 2004 compare to other Opus 29 years?

Does the 2004 Optima Opus 29 have recalls?

2004 Optima Opus 29 — common questions

Is the 2004 Optima Opus 29 reliable?

Does the 2004 Optima Opus 29 have recalls?

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