2020 Nova Bus LFS: complaints, problems and recalls

Reported: 2020-09-21 (September 21, 2020)

Nova Bus (Nova) is recalling certain 2020 Nova Bus LFS transit buses. Certain power steering pipes from the rear engine bay to the front gear box may separate at the connection joint. This may cause a power steering assist lost and power steering fluid may leak from the ceiling into the passenger compartment.

Consequence: A loss of power steering assist may increase the risk of a crash. A power steering fluid leak into the passenger cabin may increase the risk of a passenger injury.

Remedy: Nova Bus will notify owners, provide instructions for inspecting and replacing the power steering pipes, free of charge. The recall began October 7, 2020. Owners may contact Nova customer service at 1-800-350-6682. Nova's number for this recall is CR4963.

Reported: 2021-03-09 (March 9, 2021)

Nova Bus (Nova) is recalling certain 2008-2021 LFS Buses. The center-line height of the brake lights and tail lights is too high, exceeding the maximum height standard. 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: Reduced visibility of the brake and tail lights can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Nova will notify owners, and provide instructions for interchanging the positions of the brake light and tail light components with the turn signal light components, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 2021. Owners may contact Nova customer service at 1-800-350-6682.

Reported: 2021-05-14 (May 14, 2021)

Nova Bus is recalling certain 2016-2020 LFS and LFS Artic vehicles. The sealing washer may not seat correctly in the pilot bore holes, allowing the high pressure fuel rail assembly to leak.

Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rail threads, and replace the rail as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 9, 2021. Owners may contact Nova Bus customer service at 1-800-350-6682.

Reported: 2022-05-11 (May 11, 2022)

Nova Bus (US) Inc. (Nova) is recalling certain 2016-2020 LFS and 2013-2022 LFS Artic buses. The momentary STOP and YIELD text message board is duplicating the stop light and turn signal light signals. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Consequence: The momentary text message board duplicating light signals may cause confusion, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Nova will coordinate with Prevost Service Centers to remove the momentary text message board duplicating light signals and associated equipment, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 27, 2022. Owners may contact Nova's customer service at 1-800-350-6682. Nova's number for this recall is CR5267/68/69.

Reported: 2022-06-13 (June 13, 2022)

Nova Bus (US) Inc. (Nova Bus) is recalling certain 2019-2021 LFS and 2019-2022 LFS Artic buses. The radiator fan's electrical fuse holder may experience excessive corrosion which can result in an electrical short.

Consequence: An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Nova Bus will provide the remedy parts and service document instructions, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 29, 2022. Owners may contact Nova Bus' customer service at 1-800-350-6682. Nova Bus' number for this recall is CR5259.

Reported: 2022-11-15 (November 15, 2022)

Nova Bus (US) Inc. (Nova Bus) is recalling certain 2018-2022 LFS and 2018-2021 LFS Artic buses equipped with a Bosch steering gear box. The steering gear box may have an insufficient clamp load, which may allow the mounting plate sub-assembly fasteners to loosen and possibly fall out.

Consequence: Missing fasteners may cause a of a loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy has been completed. Nova Bus will inspect and tighten the fasteners as an interim remedy. The permanent remedy, consisting of replacing and tightening new fasteners to increase the clamp load, is expected to be available November 30, 2022, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 16, 2022. Owners may contact Nova Bus customer service at 1-800-350-6682. Nova Bus's number for this recall is CR5342.

Reported: 2022-12-07 (December 7, 2022)

Nova Bus (US) Inc. (Nova) is recalling certain 2010-2021 LFS and 2009-2012 LFS Artic transit buses. These vehicles are equipped with non-standard color auxiliary lights which may impair the effectiveness of the standard lighting equipment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamp, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Consequence: The colorful lighting may cause confusion by distracting other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will remove the non-standard color lights, or replace them with white lights, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 31, 2023. Owners may contact Nova's customer service at 1-800-350-6682. Nova's number for this recall is CR5350/5351.

Reported: 2023-05-17 (May 17, 2023)

Nova Bus (US) Inc. (Nova) is recalling certain 2012-2022 LFS vehicles. The driver's seat belt may not retract properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies."

Consequence: A seat belt that does not retract properly may result in a loose seat belt, which can increase the risk of injury in a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will adjust the recline angle of the seat-back rest, or add a spacer on the driver's seat, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 14, 2023. Owners may contact Nova customer service at 1-800-350-6682. Nova's number for this recall is CR5419.

Reported: 2023-07-12 (July 12, 2023)

Nova Bus (US) Inc. (Nova) is recalling certain 2019-2023 LFS and LFS Artic transit buses. The transmission yoke may separate, resulting in driveshaft separation and a sudden loss of drive power.

Consequence: A sudden loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, a disabled bus may require an evacuation procedure in an uncontrolled traffic situation, increasing the risk of injury to passengers.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the output yoke bolts, and if necessary, tighten loose output yoke bolts, free of charge. Phase 1 will include 2019-2023 LFS vehicles. Nova notified dealers on 10/03/2024 and notified Phase 1 owners on 10/27/2024. Phase 2 will include 2019-2020 LFS Artic vehicles. Interim letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on October 27, 2023. A second notice will be mailed to Phase 2 owners once the remedy is available, expected in January 2025. Owners may contact Nova customer service at 1-800-350-6682. Nova's number for this recall is CR5442.

Reported: 2023-08-31 (August 31, 2023)

Nova Bus (US) Inc. (Nova) is recalling certain 2017-2023 LFS and 2017-2022 LFS Artic transit buses. The 24-volt power cable and grounded mounting fastener that secures the fuse holder may short circuit.

Consequence: An electrical short circuit can overheat the fuse holder and increase the risk of a fire while driving or parked.

Remedy: Nova will insect, remove, and clean the fuse holder and cable lugs as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed November 7, 2023. Owners may contact Nova customer service at 1-800-350-6682. Nova's number for this recall is CR5445. This recall replaces and expands recall number 22V-416. Vehicles previously repaired under recall 22V-416 will need to have the new remedy completed.

Reported: 2023-11-11 (November 11, 2023)

Nova Bus (US) Inc. (Nova Bus) is recalling certain 2020-2023 LFS and LFS Artic transit buses. The brackets retaining the Mobile Climate Control HVAC Unit could fail and allow the unit to detach from the bus.

Consequence: An HVAC unit that detaches from a bus can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Nova Bus will inspect the existing brackets and install additional brackets, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 20, 2023. Owners may contact Nova Bus customer service at 1-800-350-6882. Nova Bus's number for this recall is CR5508.

Reported: 2024-03-27 (March 27, 2024)

Nova Bus (US) Inc. (Nova Bus) is recalling certain 2020-2024 LFS vehicles. The engine coolant return hose may fail, leaking coolant and causing an engine shutdown.

Consequence: An unexpected engine shutdown can increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, transferring passengers from the disabled bus can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: Nova Bus will replace the engine coolant return hose, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 03, 2024. Owners may contact Nova Bus customer service at 1-800-350-6682. Nova Bus number for this recall is CR5577.

Reported: 2024-07-25 (July 25, 2024)

Nova Bus (US) Inc. (Nova Bus) is recalling certain 2019-2021 LFS and 2019 LFS Artic buses. The brake chamber on the rear axle may have been improperly manufactured, which can result in an air leak.

Consequence: A brake chamber air leak may cause the brakes to engage unexpectedly, which can overheat the brakes and increase the risk of a fire. Additionally, unexpected braking can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Nova Bus will inspect and replace the brake chamber as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 02, 2024. Owners may contact Nova Bus customer service at 1-800-350-6682. Nova Bus's number for this recall is CR5620.

Reported: 2024-07-26 (July 26, 2024)

Nova Bus (US) Inc. (Nova Bus) is recalling certain 2019-2023 LFS and 2019-2020 LFS Arctic buses. The glazing used on the glass windows may reduce the driver's visibility. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 205, "Glazing Materials."

Consequence: Reduced visibility while driving can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Nova Bus will inspect the vehicles and replace the driver shield glazing as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 10, 2024. Owners may contact Nova Bus customer service at 1-800-350-6682. Nova Bus's number for this recall is CR5626.

Reported: 2024-11-05 (November 5, 2024)

Nova Bus (US) Inc. (Nova) is recalling certain 2010-2020 LFS Artic and 2012-2024 LFS vehicles. The driver's seat belt may not retract properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies."

Consequence: A seat belt that does not retract properly may result in a loose seat belt, which can increase the risk of injury in a crash.

Remedy: Nova Bus will install additional seat stoppers to the driver's rear partition, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 4, 2025. Nova's number for this recall is CR5635. This recall expands and replaces previous recall number 23V-350. Vehicles that were previously recalled under 23V-350 will need to have the new remedy completed.

Reported: 2024-09-09 (September 9, 2024)

Nova Bus (US) Inc. (Nova Bus) is recalling certain 2019-2024 LFS and 2019-2023 LFS Artic buses. The auxiliary heater module may allow contaminants to enter the electronic controller, which can cause an electrical short. Additionally, the auxiliary heater may fail, causing the defrosting system to not function properly.

Consequence: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire. Additionally, a windshield defrosting system that does not function properly can decrease the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Nova Bus will the auxiliary heater air intake, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 28, 2025. Owners may contact Nova Bus customer service at 1-800-350-6682. Nova Bus's number for this recall is CR5637.

Reported: 2025-07-22 (July 22, 2025)

Nova Bus (US) Inc. (Nova Bus) is recalling certain 2020-2023 LFS transit buses. The electric power steering system may be missing a check valve, allowing hydraulic pressure to turn the steering wheel without the driver's input.

Consequence: A steering wheel that turns unintentionally increases the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy: Nova Bus will install a check valve, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 11, 2025. Owners may contact Nova Bus customer service at 1-450-472-6410. Nova Bus' number for this recall is CR5746.

Reported: 2025-10-14 (October 14, 2025)

Nova Bus (US) Inc. (Nova Bus) is recalling certain 2019-2020 LFS commercial buses. The driver's door windows may have been built with the prime glazing manufacturer DOT code mark missing. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 205, "Glazing Materials."

Consequence: A missing DOT code mark may result in the window being replaced with an incorrect type of glass, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Nova Bus will replace the glass panels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 20, 2026. Owners may contact Nova Bus customer service at 1-450-472-6410. Nova Bus' number for this recall is CR5805. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning January 30, 2026.

Reported: 2026-03-24 (March 24, 2026)

Nova Bus (US) Inc. (Nova Bus) is recalling certain 2016-2018, 2020, 2022-2023 LFS and 2019-2020 LFS Artic transit buses. The driver's seat belt tension-reliving device may fail to disengage without manual intervention. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Consequence: Failure of the tension-reliving device may prevent the seat belt from properly restraining the driver, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy: Nova Bus will remove the seat belt tension-reliving device, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 22, 2026. Owners may contact Nova Bus customer service at 1-450-472-6410. Nova Bus' number for this recall is CR5873. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning May 23, 2026.

Reported: 2026-05-12 (May 12, 2026)

Nova Bus (US) Inc. (Nova Bus) is recalling certain 2019-2020 LFS Artic and 2019-2023 LFS transit buses. The driver's speaker hole door may have been built with the prime glazing manufacturer DOT code mark missing. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 205, "Glazing Materials."

Consequence: A missing DOT code mark may result in the door being replaced with the incorrect type of plastic, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Nova Bus will replace the plastic panel door, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters explaining the safety risk were mailed by July 7, 2026. Owners will receive another notice once remedy becomes available. Owners may contact Nova Bus customer service at 1-450-472-6410. Nova Bus' number for this recall is CR5884. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning October 23, 2026.

Reported: 2026-06-02 (June 2, 2026)

Nova Bus (US) Inc. (Nova Bus) is recalling certain 1997-2002, 2005-2024 LFS, 2009-2014, and 2016 - 2024 LFS Artic transit buses. The low brake air pressure warning light may fail to illuminate when the engine is off. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 121, "Air Brake Systems."

Consequence: A low brake air pressure warning light that fails to illuminate when the engine is off will not alert the driver to a low brake pressure condition, increasing the risk of a crash if the parking brake is disengaged before starting the engine.

Remedy: Nova Bus will update the firmware, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters explaining the safety risk were mailed by July 17, 2026. Owners will receive another notice once remedy becomes available. Owners may contact Nova Bus customer service at 1-450-472-6410. Nova Bus' number for this recall is CR5918. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning October 2, 2026.