The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereNHTSA·19V027000·Announced 2019-01-07

MCI Coaches Recalled for Hydraulic Steering System Locking Risk

Motor Coach Industries is recalling specific 1997-2015 coaches because a steering defect may cause loss of control at highway speeds.

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 (steering system lock) that causes a loss of steering control at highway speeds, meeting the criteria for a Severe rating.

Plain-English summary

Motor Coach Industries (MCI) is recalling certain 1997-2013 102EL3 and E4500 coaches, as well as 2001-2015 J4500 coaches. These vehicles are equipped with a hydraulic rear axle (tag axle) steering system. The recall affects 2,089 units.

The axle's alignment and low hydraulic pressure in the steering system may cause the steering system to lock. This defect can result in a loss of steering control at highway speeds, which increases the risk of a crash.

MCI will inspect and repair the axle alignment, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 14, 2021, following an interim notification issued on March 26, 2019. Owners may contact MCI customer service at 1-800-241-2947. MCI's number for this recall is SB 469. Owners may also contact the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

The recalled product

Product
MCI 102EL3, E4500, J4500
Brand
MCI
Manufacturer
Motor Coach Industries
Category
Vehicle — Motor Coach
Hazard
Affected units
2,089

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 (3)

  • 102EL3
  • E4500
  • J4500

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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