Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

2003 Gillig LOW FLOOR: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

1 owner complaints analyzed

9 distinct recall campaigns

1 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2003 model year. Data updated: . 1 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Exterior Lighting:Turn Signal is the most frequently named component, appearing in 1 of 1 complaints (100.0%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Electrical and battery issues1100.0%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Exterior Lighting:Turn Signal
1
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Exterior Lighting:Turn Signal1

Exterior Lighting:Turn Signal: 1

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
1
25,000 to 49,999
0
50,000 to 74,999
0
75,000 to 99,999
0
100,000 to 149,999
0
150,000 and above
0
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0001
25,000 to 49,9990
50,000 to 74,9990
75,000 to 99,9990
100,000 to 149,9990
150,000 and above0

Under 25,000: 1; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0

Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (1). 0 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2004
1
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
20041

2004: 1

Pattern summary

Exterior Lighting:Turn Signal leads the component reports. Electrical and battery issues appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Examples from the source records

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10100505 · 2004-11-24 (November 24, 2004)

ANN ARBOR TRANSIT PURCHASED 19 NEW 2003 GILLIG [phone removed]) LOW FLOOR 40'&35' TRANSIT BUSES, DELIVERED OCTOBER 2003. IMMEDIATELY, ANN ARBOR TRANSIT EXPERIENCED BOTH FRONT EXTERIOR TURN SIGNAL FAILURES AFFECTING ALL 19 NEW BUSES. THE FAILURES INCLUDE BURNT OUT BULBS, LOOSE BULB SOCKET METAL CONTACTS, LAMP SOCKET WIRING HARNESS FALLING OFF. ANN ARBOR TRANSIT HAS FILED OVER FORTY WARRANTY CLAIMS WITHIN THE ONE YEAR PERIOD ONLY TO BE REJECTED. ANN ARBOR TRANSIT HAS SPOKEN TO GILLIG'S SERVICE MANAGER ONLY TO BE TOLD THAT WE ARE THE ONLY CUSTOMER…

Owner-reported narrative. 1 miles reported. Look up ODI 10100505 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

9 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

04V308000 · Fuel System, Other

Reported: 2004-06-23 (June 23, 2004)

CERTAIN LOW FLOOR BUSES POWERED BY A GASEOUS HYDROGEN FUEL SYSTEM. THESE TRANSDUCERS WERE MADE OF 17-4 PH STAINLESS STEEL MATERIAL WHICH MAY BE SUSCEPTIBLE TO EMBRITTLEMENT IN A HIGH-PRESSURE HYDROGEN APPLICATION ENVIRONMENT.

Consequence: EMBRITTLEMENT COULD POTENTIALLY LEAD TO A TRANSDUCER DIAPHRAGM FAILURE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TRANSDUCER. THE RECALL BEGAN JULY 12, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT GILLIG AT 1-510-785-1500.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
04V485000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Diesel

Reported: 2004-10-07 (October 7, 2004)

ON CERTAIN PHANTOM AND LOW FLOOR TRANSIT BUSES EQUIPPED WITH CUMMINS 8.3L AND 8.9L ISC AND ISL DIESEL ENGINES, OIL CAN LEAK INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FROM A CRACK IN THE CUP PLUG.

Consequence: OIL LEAKAGE ON A HOT ENGINE CAN RESULT IN AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN INJURIES.

Remedy: CUMMINS WILL CONDUCT THE OWNER NOTIFICATION AND REMEDY FOR THIS CAMPAIGN. CUMMINS WILL ISNTALL A STEEL CUP PLUG BOSS CAP ON THE AFFECTED ENGINES. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CUMMINS CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-343-7357 OR GILLIG AT 510-785-1500.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
04V486000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Other Fuel Types:Turbo/Supercharger

Reported: 2004-10-07 (October 7, 2004)

ON CERTAIN TRANSIT BUSES EQUIPPED WITH DETROIT DIESEL SERIES 40 ENGINES, THE TURBOCHARGER CAN FAIL ALLOWING LUBRICATING OIL TO SPILL ONTO THE ENGINE.

Consequence: THIS CAN RESULT IN A FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE TURBOCHARGER TO PREVENT THE POSSIBILITY OF AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE. DETROIT DIESEL IS CONDUCTING OWNER NOTIFICATION AND REMEDY FOR THIS CAMPAIGN. GILLIG ISSUED A RENOTIFICATION LETTER TO OWNERS ON FEBRUARY 27, 2007. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DETROIT DETROIT DIESEL AT 313-5923708 OR GILLIG AT 510-785-1500.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
04V500000 · Equipment Adaptive/Mobility

Reported: 2004-10-14 (October 14, 2004)

CERTAIN GILLIG BUSES EQUIPPED WITH SURE-LOK WHEELCHAIR TIE-DOWN SECUREMENT ASSEMBLIES. THE SPROCKET TEETH OF THE RETRACTOR ASSEMBLY MAY BE OUT OF ALIGNMENT CAUSING THE LOAD PAWL NOT TO FULLY SEAT IN THE SPROCKET TEETH.

Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE WHEELCHAIR MAY NOT BE ADEQUATELY SECURED POSSIBLY RESULTING IN INJURIES.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE WHEELCHAIR SECUREMENT RETRACTORS AS NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN OCTOBER 8, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT GILLIG AT 1-800-735-1500..

NHTSA campaign record ↗
05V473000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Diesel

Reported: 2005-10-12 (October 12, 2005)

ON CERTAIN TRANSIT BUSES MANUFACTURED WITH DETROIT DIESEL SERIES 50 ENGINES, THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (ECM) WILL NEED TO BE REPROGRAMMED TO ACTIVATE THE EXHAUST TEMPERATURE SENSOR.

Consequence: ENGINE MALFUNCTION COULD POSSIBLE LEAD TO ENGINE AND VEHICLE DAMAGE AND POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE FIRE.

Remedy: GILLIG IS WORKING WITH DETROIT DIESEL TO REPROGRAM THE ENGINES. GILLIG ISSUED A RENOTIFICATION LETTER TO OWNERS ON FEBRUARY 27, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DETROIT DIESEL AT 1-313-592-5791 OR GILLIG AT 1-510-785-1500.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
06V427000 · Fuel System, Diesel

Reported: 2006-11-09 (November 9, 2006)

ON CERTAIN TRANSIT BUSES BUILT WITH CUMMINS ISL AND ISC DIESEL ENGINES EQUIPPED WITH THE CM850 FUEL SYSTEM, THE ENGINE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL LINES, FROM THE ENGINE HIGH PRESSURE PUMP TO THE ENGINE FUEL RAIL, ARE PRONE TO FAILURE.

Consequence: FAILURE OF THE LINE INTRODUCES HIGH PRESSURE FUEL SPRAY INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WHICH CAN IGNITE WHEN IT COMES IN CONTACT WITH A HOT SURFACE.

Remedy: CUMMINS WILL INSTALL A FUEL LINE BRACKET TO REDUCE FUEL LINE STRESS. A NEW FUEL LINE WILL BE INSTALLED WHEN ADDING THE BRACKET (PLEASE SEE 06E037). GILLIG NOTIFIED CUSTOMERS ON NOVEMBER 22, 2006. CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT CUMMINS AT 1-800-343-7357 OR GILLIG AT 510-264-5031.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
09V368000 · Interior Lighting

Reported: 2009-09-28 (September 28, 2009)

GILLIG CORPORATION IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2001 THROUGH 2009 TRANSIT BUSES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JANUARY 2001 AND SEPTEMBER 2009 EQUIPPED WITH LUMINATOR HORIZON LED SIDE DESTINATION SIGNS. THE CONNECTOR BOARD CAN CORRODE DUE TO AN ACCUMULATION OF MOISTURE UNDER THE CONNECTOR.

Consequence: A SHORT COULD OCCUR, POSSIBLY CAUSING SMOKE AND FIRE.

Remedy: GILLIG WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND LUMINATOR WILL REPAIR THE BUSES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SPETEMBER 29, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT LUMINATOR AT 1-972-516-3033 OR GILLIG FIELD SERVICES AT 1-800-735-1500.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
17V119000 · Exterior Lighting:Turn Signal

Reported: 2017-02-24 (February 24, 2017)

Gillig LLC (Gillig) is recalling certain model year 1997-2017 Low Floor transit buses. The front turn signals installed on standard profile (non-BRT) buses may not be sufficiently visible to other drivers or pedestrians. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Consequence: The reduced visibility of the turn signals may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Gillig will notify owners, and dealers will install turn signals that have increased visibility. The recall began June 7, 2019. Owners may contact Gillig customer service at 1-510-264-5073 or 1-800-735-1500.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
18V418000 · Exterior Lighting:Turn Signal:Flasher Unit | Exterior Lighting:Turn Signal

Reported: 2018-06-20 (June 20, 2018)

Gillig LLC (Gillig) is recalling certain 2001-2018 Gillig Low Floor transit buses. The turn signals may flash slowly, reducing their visibility to other drivers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Consequence: The reduced visibility of the turn signals can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Gillig will notify owners, and dealers will update the software that controls the turn flash rate, free of charge. The recall began on August 2, 2018. Owners may contact Gillig customer service at 1-510-264-5073 or 1-800-735-1500.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

1 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.

100.0%Usable mileage1 / 1 records
100.0%Valid incident date1 / 1 records
100.0%Valid filing date1 / 1 records
100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates1 / 1 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

Component complaint heatmap
Component201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023202420252026
Electrical System
0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

1100.0%
ODI 11418027

We have approximately 495 buses that we found out can be started even though the battery disconnect switch is in the "disconnected" position. It will start and run for several minutes until the super capacitor is drained. This is hazardous to maintenance personnel who disconnect the batteries to work on the vehicle, then someone else may start it while that other person is in a dangerous position in the engine compartment.

Look up ODI 11418027 at NHTSA ↗

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Tires
0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

1100.0%
ODI 10970574

MICHELIN 305/85R22.5 XZU3 (J) SAME FAILURES THAT CAUSED THE VOLUNTARY RECALL OF 2012. ALL REMAINING PRODUCTION DATES AFTER THE RECALL (2011-WEEK 45 AND FORWARD). BEAD PLY SEPARATION AFTER 100,000 MILES. TIRES ARE BLOWING OUT FROM THE BEAD ON BUSES. MICHELIN REPRESENTATIVES HAVE ACKNOWLEDGED THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM AND INSTRUCTED US TO REMOVE ALL 2011 (POST RECALL) /2012 / 2013 TIRES FROM FLEET. THIS IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY ISSUE.

Look up ODI 10970574 at NHTSA ↗

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Engine
0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

1100.0%
ODI 11418027

We have approximately 495 buses that we found out can be started even though the battery disconnect switch is in the "disconnected" position. It will start and run for several minutes until the super capacitor is drained. This is hazardous to maintenance personnel who disconnect the batteries to work on the vehicle, then someone else may start it while that other person is in a dangerous position in the engine compartment.

Look up ODI 11418027 at NHTSA ↗

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Exterior Lighting:Turn Signal
0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Seat Belts
0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

1100.0%
ODI 11254141 · 3,100 mi

I DRIVE BUSES FOR DISNEY WORLD AND THEY HAVE JUST GOT SOME NEW BUSES WITH NEW SEATS AND TWO PART SEAT BELTS. THE WAY THE LAP BELT AND SHOULDER BELT HOOK TOGETHER CAUSE THEM TO TWIST WHICH ALLOWS THE SHOULDER BELT TO JAM IN THE RETURN GUIDE NOT ALLOWING THE BELT TO FULLY RETRACT AND HOLD PROPERLY.I HAVE BEEN WRITTEN UP FOR NOT WEARING MY BELT PROPERLY BUT THIS IS A BELT ISSUE AND A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN IF THE BELT WILL NOT FULLY RETRACT IT WILL NOT FULLY OPERATE IN A COLLISION. I HAVE SHOWED THIS TO A MANAGER AND ANOTHER WROTE ME UP FOR NOT WEAR…

Look up ODI 11254141 at NHTSA ↗

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Service Brakes
0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

1100.0%
ODI 11759345

This complaint involves Gillig all-electric transit buses, model years 2024–2026, and a recurring failure of the electric air compressor supplying the air brake system. When the compressor fails, system air pressure drops, resulting in automatic application of the brakes. Unlike a conventional combustion-engine drivetrain, the all-electric drivetrain can continue producing sufficient torque to allow the driver to power through the automatically applied brakes, particularly when the low-air condition occurs while the bus is in motion. This con…

Look up ODI 11759345 at NHTSA ↗

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
Exterior Lighting:Turn SignalToo few reports for a range1 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10100505 · 1 mi

ANN ARBOR TRANSIT PURCHASED 19 NEW 2003 GILLIG [phone removed]) LOW FLOOR 40'&35' TRANSIT BUSES, DELIVERED OCTOBER 2003. IMMEDIATELY, ANN ARBOR TRANSIT EXPERIENCED BOTH FRONT EXTERIOR TURN SIGNAL FAILURES AFFECTING ALL 19 NEW BUSES. THE FAILURES INCLUDE BURNT OUT BULBS, LOOSE BULB SOCKET METAL CONTACTS, LAMP SOCKET WIRING HARNESS FALLING OFF. ANN ARBOR TRANSIT HAS FILED OVER FORTY WARRANTY CLAIMS WITHIN THE ONE YEAR PERIOD ONLY TO BE REJECTED. ANN ARBOR TRANSIT HAS SPOKEN TO GILLIG'S SERVICE MANAGER ONLY TO BE TOLD THAT WE ARE THE ONLY CUSTOMER…

Look up ODI 10100505 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

1 reports2024-112026-10

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
Monthly complaint and recall timeline
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-10 (partial)0None

No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Age 0Age 1Age 21 reports

2022: 0 complaints · 2023: 0 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
2022000
2023000
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
2022000
2023000

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
ComponentExterior Lighting:Turn Signal
Exterior Lighting:Turn Signal—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

0 patterns with matching reports.

No narratives match the published patterns.