Recall 11V525 affects 20 2010 Nova Bus Nova Lfs buses for V-band clamp T-bolt failure. Repair is free at any franchised Nova Bus dealer.
Nova Bus issued recall 11V525 for 20 2010 Nova Lfs buses with Cummins diesel engines because V-band clamp T-bolts on the DOC/DPF assembly can fracture under stress. If the inlet or outlet sections disconnect, hot exhaust gases can vent before the tailpipe and raise the risk of fire; the Nova Bus dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The exhaust clamp on the 2010 Nova Bus Nova Lfs is a V-band clamp assembly. It holds the inlet and outlet cone sections tight to the diesel oxidation catalyst and diesel particulate filter, the exhaust parts that help treat diesel exhaust before it leaves the bus. The clamp uses a T-bolt to keep tension around the housing.
On affected buses with Cummins diesel engines, that T-bolt can fracture when it is under stress or load. Once the bolt breaks, the clamp loses its hold. The inlet or outlet cone section can then separate from the catalyst or filter housing, leaving part of the exhaust system disconnected instead of sealed.
There is no warning sign before failure. A driver or technician can notice the problem after the clamp has loosened, when the exhaust connection is no longer intact.
Who's affected?
| 2010 Nova Bus Nova Lfs | Engine and engine cooling |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 20 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific bus is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the exhaust inlet or outlet sections disconnect, hot exhaust gases can vent before the tailpipe, creating fire risk. If both clamps fail, the DOC/DPF housing can detach and become a road hazard. Schedule the repair soon and avoid operating the bus if exhaust parts appear loose. Repair will be free at any franchised Nova Bus dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2010 Nova Bus Nova Lfs is included in this recall.
- Contact Nova Bus or Cummins to confirm the repair path for recall number 11V525.
- Schedule service with an authorized Cummins dealer for the free V-band clamp repair that keeps the DOC/DPF exhaust sections secured.
- Bring the recall notice if Nova Bus or Cummins mailed one, and reference recall number 11V525 when you call.
- Avoid operating the bus until repair scheduling is confirmed if exhaust parts are loose, damaged, or showing signs of separation.
What happens at the repair
The repair path for this recall runs through an authorized Cummins dealer. The technician checks the V-band clamp assembly that connects the inlet and outlet cone sections to the diesel oxidation catalyst and diesel particulate filter housing, then performs the needed Cummins recall repair so the clamp and related sections stay secured. Nova Bus is working with Cummins to identify and notify owners. The dealer repair will be free once available, with parts and labor covered under the recall.
Timeline
| October 10, 2011 | Owner notification mailed |
|---|---|
| November 1, 2011 | NHTSA published the recall |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 11V525?
Recall 11V525 covers 20 2010 Nova Bus Nova Lfs buses with Cummins diesel engines. The V-band clamp T-bolt on the DOC/DPF exhaust connection can fracture, letting hot exhaust gases vent before the tailpipe and creating fire risk. Authorized Cummins dealers perform the repair for free.
What should I do if my 2010 Nova Bus Nova Lfs is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 11V525. If it is, contact Nova Bus or an authorized Cummins dealer and reference recall number 11V525. The repair path is through Cummins, and the recall repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Nova Bus worked with Cummins on this recall, and authorized Cummins dealers perform the required repair free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is fire and road debris. If the exhaust inlet or outlet section disconnects, hot exhaust gases can vent before leaving the tailpipe. If both clamps fail, the DOC/DPF housing can detach completely and create a road hazard.
When did Nova Bus start notifying owners?
Nova Bus began the safety recall on October 10, 2011. If you bought the bus used or never received a notice, check your VIN and reference recall 11V525 when contacting Nova Bus or an authorized Cummins dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/11V525000 |
|---|---|
| Nova Bus customer service | 1-812-377-5000 |
| NHTSA recall # | 11V525 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 11V525000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →