The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereNHTSA·13V642000·Announced 2013-12-19

Nova Bus Recalls 2009-2012 LFS Buses for Fire Risk

Nova Bus is recalling 2009-2012 LFS transit buses because a specific potting compound in DC-DC converters can conduct electricity and cause fires.

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 creates a risk of fire, which aligns with the rubric criteria for a Severe (4) rating involving significant injury or property-damage reports/risks.

Plain-English summary

Nova Bus is recalling certain 2009-2012 model year LFS and LFS HEV transit buses. The recall involves vehicles equipped with Sure Power DC-DC converters that contain a specific epoxy sealing, or 'potting', compound used for insulation.

The specific potting compound used in these converters was found to be capable of conducting electricity after being exposed to heat. Once electrically conductive, the material is capable of melting and burning, which increases the risk of a fire.

Nova Bus will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the converters as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in January 2014. Owners may contact Nova Bus at 1-450-472-6410 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

The recalled product

Product
NOVA BUS NOVA LFS
Brand
NOVA BUS
Manufacturer
Nova Bus
Category
Vehicle — Transit Bus
Hazard
Affected units
264

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 (1)

  • NOVA LFS

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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