The defect
Nova Bus is recalling certain 2009-2012 model year LFS and LFS HEV transit buses equipped with Sure Power DC-DC converters containing a particular epoxy sealing, aka 'potting', compound. The specific potting compound used in the subject products for insulation was found to be capable of conducting electricity after being exposed to heat.
The risk
Once electrically conductive, the material is capable of melting and burning, increasing the risk of a fire.
The remedy
Nova Bus will notify owners and dealers will inspect and replace the converters, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in January 2014. Owners may contact Nova Bus at 1-450-472-6410. Nova Bus's numbers for this recall are CR3030, CR3031, CR3032, CR3033 and CR3034 (depending on the converter's part number and location of in the vehicle).
NHTSA's own wording · initiated by MFR
Vehicles covered
| Model | Model years |
|---|---|
| Nova Bus Nova LFS | 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 |
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Model years in this recall
NHTSA complaints and the number of recall campaigns for each model year this recall covers.
| Model | Year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nova Bus Nova LFS | 2009 | 0 | 13 |
| Nova Bus Nova LFS | 2010 | 0 | 11 |
| Nova Bus Nova LFS | 2011 | 0 | 4 |
| Nova Bus Nova LFS | 2012 | 0 | 6 |
Other electrical system recalls in 2013
76 of the 627 recall campaigns reported to NHTSA in 2013 concerned the electrical system; Nova Bus filed 33 campaigns in all.
| 13V640000 20 Dec 2013 | Daimler Trucks North America |
| 13V639000 20 Dec 2013 | Daimler Trucks North America |
| 13V635000 18 Dec 2013 | Zero Motorcycles Inc. |
| 13V627000 17 Dec 2013 | Daimler Trucks North America |
| 13V589000 22 Nov 2013 | Maserati North America, Inc. |
| 13V570000 15 Nov 2013 | BMW of North America, LLC |
| 13V566000 13 Nov 2013 | General Motors LLC |
| 13V561000 8 Nov 2013 | PROLine Products LLC |
NHTSA recalls (public domain) · all recalls of 2013