MCI Recalls Electric Buses Due to Battery Overheating and Fire Risk
Motor Coach Industries is recalling specific 2020-2025 electric buses because an inadequate weld and software error may cause battery overheating and fire.
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 (inadequate weld) that creates a significant risk of fire, meeting the criteria for a Severe rating.
Plain-English summary
Motor Coach Industries (MCI) is recalling certain 2020-2021 J4500E, 2021 D45CRTELE, 2023 J4500E, 2023-2024 D45CRTELE, 2024 D45CRTE, and 2025 J4500E buses. The recall involves 59 vehicles affected by an inadequate weld on the high voltage battery busbar and incorrect software.
These defects may cause the battery module to overheat, which increases the risk of a fire. No specific injuries or fatalities are reported in the source text.
MCI will inspect and replace the battery module as necessary and update the BMS software. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 6, 2025. Owners may contact MCI customer service at 1-800-241-2947.
The recalled product
- Product
- MCI D45CRTELE, J4500E, D45CRTE
- Brand
- MCI
- Manufacturer
- Motor Coach Industries
- Category
- Vehicle — Electric Bus
- Hazard
- Affected units
- 59
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)
- D45CRTELE
- J4500E
- D45CRTE
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
Related recalls
Same brand · MCI
- HighMCI Recalls 2018-2026 Buses for Hazard Light Indicator Defect
NHTSA · 2026-10-05
- HighMCI Transit Buses Recalled for Incorrect Front Door Glazing Material
NHTSA · 2025-12-10
- SevereMCI Recalls 2024-2025 Electric Coaches Due to Battery Fire Risk
NHTSA · 2025-09-19
- High
- SevereMCI Recalls 2021 D45CRTeLE Buses Due to Battery Fire Risk
NHTSA · 2024-08-20
Same manufacturer · Motor Coach Industries
See all →- High
- HighMCI Recalls 2019-2021 Coaches Due to Obstructed Rear Lighting
NHTSA · 2023-04-05
- SevereMCI Recalls Diesel Buses Due to Fuel Tube Fire Risk
NHTSA · 2021-12-15
- SevereMCI Motorcoaches Recalled for Main Distribution Panel Fire Risk
NHTSA · 2021-09-24
Same hazard · fire
See all →- SevereVQQQ Gas Patio Heaters Recalled for Fire and Burn Hazards
CPSC · 2026-10-22
- HighAutocar Recalls Xpeditor Trucks for Fuel Hose Separation Risk
NHTSA · 2026-10-21
- SevereAudi Recalls 2024-2025 Q4 E-Tron Models Due to Battery Fire Risk
NHTSA · 2026-10-21
- HighForest River Recalls 2023-2026 Pause Travel Trailers for Wiring Defect
NHTSA · 2026-10-20
- SevereForest River Recalls 2026-2027 Cedar Creek Trailers for Fire Risk
NHTSA · 2026-10-16
Similar recalls
- SevereMCI Recalls 2024-2025 Electric Coaches Due to Battery Fire Risk
NHTSA · 2025-09-19
- SevereMCI Recalls 2021 D45CRTeLE Buses Due to Battery Fire Risk
NHTSA · 2024-08-20
- SevereMCI Recalls 2018-2021 J4500 and D45 CRT LE Buses for Fire Risk
NHTSA · 2021-02-10
- HighMCI Recalls 2018-2020 Buses Due to Alternator Voltage Issue
NHTSA · 2020-06-12
- SevereMCI Recalls Diesel Buses Due to Fuel Tube Fire Risk
NHTSA · 2021-12-15
- HighMCI Recalls Diesel Buses Due to Fuel Rail Leak Fire Risk
NHTSA · 2021-05-18