The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereNHTSA·25V138000·Announced 2025-03-03

Motiv Recalls School Buses Due to Throttle Position Sensor Defect

Motiv Power Systems is recalling certain 2017-2023 school buses because a loose throttle position sensor wire may cause a loss of drive power.

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 (throttle position sensor) that causes a loss of drive power, which the source text explicitly states increases the risk of a crash.

Plain-English summary

Motiv Power Systems, Inc. is recalling certain 2017-2020 E-450 and F-59 school buses equipped with a Gen 4 EPIC powertrain, as well as 2020-2023 E-450, F-59, and F-53 school buses with a Gen 5 EPIC powertrain. The recall involves a defect where a throttle position sensor (TPS) power wire connector pin may loosen. This issue can cause a loss of signal to the powertrain control module, resulting in a loss of drive power.

The loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash. Motiv field support technicians will inspect and repair or replace the PCM connector free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 23, 2025.

Owners may contact Motiv customer service at 1-650-458-4804. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-888-275-9171) or visit www.safercar.gov.

The recalled product

Product
MOTIV F-59 BEV CHASSIS SCHOOL BUS, E-450 BEV CHASSIS SCHOOL BUS, F-53 SCHOOL BUS, EPIC4 E450 BEV SCHOOL BUS
Brand
MOTIV
Manufacturer
Motiv Power Systems
Category
Vehicle — School Bus
Hazard
Affected units
40

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 (6)

  • F-59 BEV CHASSIS SCHOOL BUS
  • E-450 BEV CHASSIS SCHOOL BUS
  • F-53 SCHOOL BUS
  • EPIC4 E450 BEV SCHOOL BUS
  • F-59 SCHOOL BUS
  • F-53 BEV CHASSIS SCHOOL BUS

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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