Electrical systemRecall 13V-457 · Blue Bird and Nabi vehicles
North American Bus Industries, Inc. recall 13V-457 covers 4,061 Blue Bird and Nabi vehicles for a electrical system problem, reported to NHTSA on September 19, 2013. The manufacturer's latest report (2015 Q1) shows 77% of affected vehicles repaired.
Source: NHTSA recall 13V457000 and manufacturer quarterly reports. Started by the manufacturer.
The problem
North American Bus Industries (NABI) is recalling certain model year 2000-2011 LFW, CLFW, BRT, 2007-2009 Blue Bird L4RE, and 2000-2009 Optima Opus transit buses equipped with Sure Power battery equalizers containing a particular epoxy sealing, aka 'potting', compound. The specific potting compound used in the subject products for insulation was found to be capable of conducting electricity after being exposed to heat.
The risk
Once electrically conductive, the material is capable of melting and burning, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix
NABI will notify owners, and dealers will replace the equalizers, free of charge. An interim letter was mailed to owners on January 27, 2014. Owners may contact NABI at 1-256-831-4296. NABI's recall number is 20136.
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Recall repairs are free. Confirm whether this recall is open on your vehicle by entering its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Vehicles in this recall
Built from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2011. Not every vehicle in these model years is included; check by VIN.