Recall 12V061 covers 920 2012-2013 Ic Bus school buses for continuous brake application. Temporary repair is free at any franchised Ic Bus dealer.
Ic Bus is recalling 920 2012-2013 Ce and Re school buses equipped with Bendix ATR-6 antilock traction relay valves because internal leakage in extreme cold can keep the brakes applied. Continuous brake application can make the driver lose control and leave following drivers without brake-light warning; the dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The Bendix ATR-6 antilock traction relay valve is part of the air brake system on 2012-2013 Ic Bus Casb, Re, Recb, and Ce school buses. In normal driving, the valve helps route air pressure to the brake system so the brakes apply and release when commanded. It supports traction and antilock brake control without keeping pressure on the brakes after the driver releases the pedal.
In extremely cold conditions, the valve develops internal leakage. That leak sends air pressure to the primary or secondary brakes when it should not. The result is continuous brake application, meaning the brakes stay applied instead of fully releasing. A driver can feel the bus resist movement, slow unexpectedly, or act as though the brakes are dragging.
There is no warning sign before failure in the recall filing. Treat unexpected brake drag, resistance to movement, or a brake system that does not release normally as a reason to stop and have the bus checked.
Who's affected?
Spans four bus models across the 2012 and 2013 model years, all tied to the same air brake supply check valve.
| 2013 Ic Bus Casb | brake system |
|---|---|
| 2012 Ic Bus Re | brake system |
| 2013 Ic Bus Recb | brake system |
| 2012 Ic Bus Ce | brake system |
| Units affected | 920 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific bus is included.
What's the safety risk?
Unexpected continuous brake application can make the driver lose control and increase the risk of a crash. If the brakes apply without brake lights, drivers behind the vehicle get no proper warning. Drive cautiously and arrange service soon. Repair will be free at any franchised Ic Bus dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2012-2013 Ic Bus Casb, Re, Recb, or Ce school bus is included in this recall.
- Wait for Ic Bus recall instructions before scheduling the permanent repair.
- Call Ic Bus customer service at 260-461-1890 with questions and reference recall number 12V061 when you call.
- Ask a franchised Ic Bus dealer about the free temporary repair for the Bendix ATR-6 relay valve leakage that can cause continuous brake application.
- Avoid operating the bus in extremely cold conditions until Ic Bus or the dealer confirms the brake-valve repair status.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Ic Bus technician provides the temporary repair described for buses equipped with Bendix ATR-6 antilock traction relay valves. The source remedy says Bendix is developing the permanent remedy, so this is not the same as a final repair appointment being open. The temporary service is free of charge. Once the permanent repair is available, the dealer repair will also be free under recall 12V061.
Timeline
| February 16, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 4, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V061?
Recall 12V061 covers 920 2012-2013 Ic Bus Casb, Re, Recb, and Ce school buses with Bendix ATR-6 antilock traction relay valves. In extreme cold, internal valve leakage can cause continuous brake application. Ic Bus dealers provide the recall service free of charge.
What should I do if my 2012-2013 Ic Bus Casb, Re, Recb, or Ce is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 12V061. If it is, contact a franchised Ic Bus dealer and reference recall number 12V061. Ask whether the temporary repair or later permanent remedy applies to your bus. The recall service is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Ic Bus states that this service will be performed free of charge. A franchised Ic Bus dealer can confirm the repair path for your VIN.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is unexpected continuous brake application. That can cause the driver to lose control of the bus and increase crash risk. The brakes can also apply without brake lights, giving other drivers no proper warning. Check your VIN and arrange the free dealer service if included.
What if I bought this Ic Bus school bus used?
The free recall service still applies to an included VIN. Recall eligibility follows the vehicle, not the first owner. If you never received an owner letter, check your VIN, then call a franchised Ic Bus dealer with recall number 12V061.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V061000 |
|---|---|
| Ic Bus customer service | 260-461-1890 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V061 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V061000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (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 →