Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1997 Prevost H3-45 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 8 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
0
NHTSA complaints
8
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
8 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TRANSIT COACHES. THE REINFORCEMENT BRACKETS WERE NOT WELDED ON THE TAG AXLE.
Consequence
THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL WELD THE BRACKETS ON THE TAB AXLE.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TRANSIT COACHES. THE ALTERNATOR AND BATTERY CABLES WERE NOT PROPERLY INSTALLED.
Consequence
THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE NUTS TO LOOSEN OVER A PERIOD OF TIME CAUSING A SHORT CIRCUIT AND POSSIBLE FIRE HAZARD.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT, REMOVE AND RE-INSTALL THE ALTERNATOR AND BATTERY CABLES.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TRANSIT BUSES WITH DRIVE AXLE EQUIPPED WITH DRUM BRAKES ONLY. THE DESIGN OF THE DIFFERENTIAL CROSS-MEMBER REINFORCEMENT CAN CRACK UNDER CERTAIN APPLICATIONS.
Consequence
THIS CONDITION COULD REDUCE THE STEERING CAPABILITY MAKING IT DIFFICULT FOR THE DRIVER TO DO ACCURATE TURNS.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSTALL TWO OTHER REINFORCEMENTS TO SOLIDIFY THE CROSS-MEMBER ASSEMBLY.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TRANSIT BUSES. THE EMERGENCY EXIT WINDOWS HAVE BEEN BUILT WITHOUT THE LOCKING MECHANISM OF THE UPPER HINGE.
Consequence
THE WINDOWS CAN SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE WHEN OPENED TO AN APPROXIMATELY 90 DEGREE ANGLE INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH OR PERSONAL INJURY.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSTALL STOPPER BLOCKS SO THE WINDOWS CAN NOT BE OPENED TO A 90 DEGREE ANGLE.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TRANSIT BUSES. THE REAR SUSPENSION FORWARD RADIUS ROD SUPPORT NEEDS REINFORCEMENT AND THE RADIUS ROD RETAINING BOLTS COULD BECOME LOOSE.
Consequence
IF THE ROD SUPPORTS FRACTURED, SEPARATION COULD OCCUR INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL ADD ADDITIONAL REINFORCEMENT PLATES AND CHECK THE BOLTS FOR TIGHTNESS, AND, IF NECESSARY, RETIGHTEN THESE BOLTS.
Defect
THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (VIN) IS NOT IN COMPLIANCE WITH PART 565, "VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER - CONTENT REQUIREMENTS."
Consequence
AN INCORRECT VIN CAN CAUSE PROBLEMS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS BEING REGISTERED.
Remedy
PREVOST WILL SUPPLY A "CORRECTED" CERTIFICATION OF ORIGIN FOR THESE VEHICLES.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: BUSES EQUIPPED WITH ISRINGHAUSEN SEATS IN THE DRIVER POSITION. TWO WELDS LOCATED ON THE BACK REST ADJUSTMENT SIDE OF THE SEAT FRAME DID NOT MEET THE MANUFACTURER'S SPECIFICATIONS.
Consequence
IF THESE WELDS WERE NOT TO SPECIFICATION, BACK REST LOADS COULD CAUSE THE WELDS TO FAIL. THE BACK REST WOULD DISENGAGE FROM THE SEAT FRAME ALLOWING LOSS OF SUPPORT TO THE DRIVER'S TORSO AND POSSIBLY CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.
Remedy
ISRINGHAUSEN IS CONDUCTING THE OWNER NOTIFICATION AND REMEDY CAMPAIGN FOR THIS RECALL. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE SEATS AND REPLACE THE SEAT FRAME ASSEMBLY.
Defect
THE GROUND STUDS IN THE ENGINE AND BATTERY COMPARTMENTS DO NOT OFFER ADEQUATE ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY.
Consequence
AN ELECTRICAL SHORT COULD CAUSE A FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE GROUND STUDS AND REPLACE THEM TO ENSURE THAT THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM OPERATES WITHIN THE REQUIRED SPECIFICATIONS.
The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 8 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns affecting the 1997 Prevost H3-45. 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.