Recall 12V118 affects 137 2011-2012 Nabi 416 transit buses for a loose steering joint linked to loss of steering control. Repair is free through Nabi.
Nabi is recalling 137 2011-2012 416 transit buses because the joint between the steering pitman arm and steering drag link has a loose connection. The joint can separate over time, causing loss of steering control and raising the risk of a crash; the dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The steering pitman arm on the 2011-2012 Nabi 416 is part of the linkage that turns driver input at the steering gear into movement at the wheels. The drag link is the bar that carries that movement across the steering system. Their joint has to stay tight because it is one of the mechanical connections between the steering wheel and the front wheels.
On affected buses, that joint was built with a loose connection between the pitman arm and the drag link. Normal steering movement and road vibration can let the looseness grow over time. If the joint separates, the steering gear no longer has a solid link to the wheels, and the driver can lose steering control.
There is no warning sign before failure. The bus can steer normally until the connection separates, so owners should not rely on a noise, dashboard alert, or change in steering feel to identify this defect.
Who's affected?
Spans the 416 bus across the 2011 and 2012 model years, with the steering gear listed for each year.
| 2011 Nabi 416 | steering gear |
|---|---|
| 2012 Nabi 416 | steering gear |
| Units affected | 137 |
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?
Loss of steering control raises the risk of a crash and injury. Keep the bus out of service if steering does not respond normally, and arrange recall service before returning it to regular routes. Repair will be free at any franchised Nabi dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011-2012 Nabi 416 is included in this recall.
- Review the owner notice mailed on March 22, 2012, if your fleet received one.
- Contact Nabi at 1-256-831-4296 for service instructions and reference recall number 12V118 when you call.
- Schedule the free steering pitman-arm and drag-link inspection and repair that corrects the loose steering joint.
- Avoid operating the bus until Nabi confirms the steering joint has been inspected and repaired.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Nabi technician inspects the steering pitman arm and steering drag link joint for the loose connection described in the recall. The repair path is to correct that joint so the drag link stays secured to the pitman arm. Nabi's filing says the safety recall began during March 2012 and that inspection and repair are free of charge. Because the current remedy status is not listed, confirm the repair process with the Nabi service contact before arranging service.
Timeline
| March 22, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 22, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V118?
Recall 12V118 covers 137 2011-2012 Nabi 416 transit buses with a loose joint between the steering Pitman arm and steering drag link. The joint can separate over time, causing loss of steering control. Nabi will inspect and repair the buses for free.
What should I do if my 2011-2012 Nabi 416 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 12V118. If it is, contact a franchised Nabi service location or Nabi at 1-256-831-4296 to arrange the steering inspection and repair. Reference recall 12V118 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Nabi will inspect and repair affected 416 transit buses free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for buses included in recall 12V118.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of steering control. In recall 12V118, the loose Pitman-arm to drag-link joint can separate over time, which raises crash and injury risk. If your VIN is included, arrange the free steering repair before returning the bus to regular service.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V118000 |
|---|---|
| Nabi customer service | 1-256-831-4296 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V118 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V118000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - 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 →