2010 Orion VII: complaints, problems and recalls

Reported: 2011-08-15 (August 15, 2011)

DAIMLER BUSES NORTH AMERICA (DBNA) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 ORION VII TRANSIT BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 2010 THROUGH JANUARY 2011, EQUIPPED WITH A CUMMINS ISB, ISX, ISC, OR ISL DIESEL ENGINE. THE V-BAND CLAMP ASSEMBLY, PART NUMBERS Q187684, Q187685, AND Q187686, USED TO CONNECT THE INLET AND OUTLET CONE SECTIONS TO THE DIESEL OXIDATION CATALYST (DOC)/DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER (DPF) INCLUDE A T-BOLT WHICH CAN FRACTURE AND FAIL WHEN SUBJECTED TO STRESS OR LOAD. A FRACTURE OR FAILURE OF THE T-BOLT MAY CAUSE THE CLAMP TO LOOSEN AND THE INLET OR OUTLET SECTIONS ATTACHED TO THE DOC/DPF HOUSING TO DISCONNECT.

Consequence: IF THE INLET OR OUTLET SECTIONS DISCONNECT, HOT EXHAUST GASES CAN VENT PRIOR TO EXITING THE TAILPIPE, CREATING THE RISK OF COMBUSTION AND A FIRE. IF BOTH CLAMPS FAIL, THERE IS A RISK IN SOME APPLICATIONS THAT THE DOC/DPF HOUSING MAY DETACH COMPLETELY, CREATING A ROAD HAZARD.

Remedy: DBNA IS WORKING WITH CUMMINS TO IDENTIFY AND NOTIFY OWNERS OF THE RECALL CAMPAIGN. REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED BY AUTHORIZED CUMMINS DEALERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 12, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CUMMINS AT 1-812-377-5000 OR DBNA AT 905-403-1111.

Reported: 2013-09-27 (September 27, 2013)

Daimler Buses North America Ltd. (DBNA) is recalling certain model year 2003-2008 Orion V and model year 2002-2010 VII buses equipped with Sure Power equalizers and DC-DC Converters. The specific potting compound used in the equalizers and convertors for insulation was found to be capable of conducting electricity after being exposed to heat.

Consequence: Once electrically conductive, the material is capable of melting and burning, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy: DBNA will notify owners and Sure Power representatives will change out the equalizer and/or convertor, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during November 2014. Owners may contact DBNA at 1-905-403-1111.

Reported: 2014-03-05 (March 5, 2014)

Daimler Buses North America (DBNA) is recalling certain model year 2007-2012 Orion VII transit buses manufactured January 2007 through October 2012 equipped with certain Cummins Westport Model ISL G engines. Condensation in the intake manifold may freeze during cold weather conditions and interfere with the proper operation of the intake manifold pressure sensor.

Consequence: The improper operation of the sensor could induce elevated exhaust temperatures or flames from the exhaust pipe, increasing the risk of a vehicle fire or burn injury to a person near the exhaust pipe.

Remedy: Cummins Inc. and Cummins Wesport Inc. will notify owners, and authorized Cummins service facilities will upload a new ECM calibration, free of charge. The recall began on April 12, 2014. Owners may contact DBNA at 1-905-403-7807 or Cummins Inc. at 1-800-343-7357. Cummins' number for this recall is C1462 (for ISL G engines) or C1461 (for ISX12 G) engines.

Reported: 2015-05-15 (May 15, 2015)

Daimler Buses North America (DBNA) is recalling certain model year 2007-2012 Orion VII natural gas-powered transit buses manufactured January 1, 2007, to October 1, 2012. Excessive engine crankcase pressures may cause the 90-degree elbow of the vent tube assembly to detach from the crankcase ventilation breather, possibly allowing engine oil to come into contact with hot surfaces.

Consequence: If the engine oil comes into contact with hot surfaces, it can increase the risk of a vehicle fire.

Remedy: Cummins will notify owners on behalf of DBNA, and dealers will secure the ends of the 90-degree elbow. In addition, the electronic control module (ECM) will be reprogrammed with software that can adjust the engine output under misfire conditions to limit crankcase pressures. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on June 12, 2015. Owners may contact DBNA at 1-905-403-7807 or Cummins Inc. at 1-800-343-7357.

Reported: 2016-01-19 (January 19, 2016)

Daimler Buses North America (DBNA) is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Orion VII transit buses manufactured April 5, 2010, to October 31, 2012, equipped with certain Recaro Ergo-M Commercial Bus Driver Seats. The affected seats have J-Brackets that may be missing welds which could allow the seat belt anchorage assembly to separate from the J-Bracket.

Consequence: If the seatbelt anchorage assembly separates from the J-Bracket, the bus driver may not be properly restrained in the event of a crash, increasing their risk of injury.

Remedy: DBNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the seats to determine if welds are missing. Any J-Bracket that is missing welds will be removed and replaced, free of charge. The recall began on February 29, 2016. Owners may contact DBNA customer service at 1-905-403-1111.