The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereNHTSA·13V498000·Announced 2013-10-17

MCI Recalls Coaches with Defective Battery Equalizers

Motor Coach Industries is recalling specific model year 2000-2012 coaches equipped with Sure Power battery equalizers that may conduct electricity after heat exposure.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).

The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural vehicle defect (electrical system) that explicitly increases the risk of fire, meeting the criteria for a Severe rating.

Plain-English summary

Motor Coach Industries (MCI) is recalling certain model year 2000-2012 D, E, G, and J series coaches manufactured between January 2000 and June 2011. The recall affects vehicles equipped with Sure Power battery equalizers that contain a specific epoxy sealing, or 'potting', compound used for insulation.

The defect involves the potting compound, which was found to be capable of conducting electricity after being exposed to heat. Once the material becomes electrically conductive, it is capable of melting and burning, which increases the risk of a fire.

MCI will notify owners, and Sure Power will replace the equalizers free of charge. Owners may contact MCI at 1-847-285-2000. This campaign is identified as MCI service bulletin 401. Owners may also contact the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or visit www.safercar.gov.

The recalled product

Product
MCI D4000, 102EL3, J4500C, 102ELS3
Brand
MCI
Manufacturer
Motor Coach Industries
Category
Vehicle — Motor Coach
Hazard
Affected units
10,016

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Model numbers (13)

  • D4000
  • 102EL3
  • J4500C
  • 102ELS3
  • G4500
  • E4500C
  • 102D3
  • 102DL3
  • D4500
  • J4500
  • D4005
  • D4505
  • E4500

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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