Recall 12V189 affects 50 2007-2009 Optima Opus transit buses for loose steering-column pinch bolts. Repair is free at any franchised Optima dealer.
Optima is recalling 50 2007-2009 Opus transit buses because steering-column pinch bolts can loosen and allow the steering shaft to separate. A separated shaft means loss of steering control and a higher crash risk; the Optima dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The steering column shaft in a 2007-2009 Optima Opus transit bus connects the steering wheel to the steering gear below. When the driver turns the wheel, that shaft transfers the motion through the column so the front wheels respond. Pinch bolts clamp parts of the shaft connection together so the steering column stays locked in place under normal use.
On affected Opus buses, those pinch bolts loosen enough to fall out. Once the clamp loses its hold, the steering shaft separates instead of carrying steering input through the column. That leaves the driver without the normal mechanical link needed to steer the bus.
There is no warning sign before failure. Do not rely on a dashboard light, noise, or gradual change in steering feel to give advance notice before the shaft separates.
Who's affected?
The scope spans the 2007, 2008, and 2009 model years, all tied to the steering column.
| 2007 Optima Opus | steering column |
|---|---|
| 2009 Optima Opus | steering column |
| 2008 Optima Opus | steering column |
| Units affected | 50 |
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 steering shaft separates, the driver loses steering control, increasing the risk of a crash. No warning sign is listed before separation, so schedule the recall repair soon and avoid unnecessary trips until inspected. Repair will be free at any franchised Optima dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2007-2009 Optima Opus transit bus is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Optima dealer to ask about the free steering-column pinch-bolt inspection and repair that keeps the steering shaft secured.
- Bring the owner notice if you have it, and reference recall number 12V189 when you call.
- Limit driving until the repair is complete, because a separated steering shaft results in loss of steering control.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Optima technician inspects the steering column shaft pinch bolts and repairs the vehicle free of charge. The recall notice says the safety recall began on June 7, 2012, but the current remedy status is not listed in the input. The dealer repair will be free once available for the VIN. Ask the service desk to check recall 12V189, inspect the steering column shaft hardware, and complete the recall repair before returning the bus to service.
Timeline
| May 2, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 7, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V189?
Recall 12V189 covers 50 2007-2009 Optima Opus transit buses with steering-column pinch bolts that can loosen and allow the steering shaft to separate. If that happens, the driver loses steering control, increasing crash risk. Dealers inspect and repair affected buses for free.
What should I do if my 2007-2009 Optima Opus is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific bus is included in recall 12V189. If it is, contact a franchised Optima dealer to schedule the steering-column inspection and repair. Reference recall number 12V189 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to perform safety recall repairs at no cost, and the recall remedy says dealers will inspect and repair affected Optima Opus buses free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of steering control. The steering-column pinch bolts can loosen, fall out, and allow the steering shaft to separate. Recall 12V189 says that steering-shaft separation increases the risk of a crash.
When did the Optima Opus recall repair start?
The safety recall began on June 7, 2012. If your 2007-2009 Optima Opus is included and still has an open recall, contact a franchised Optima dealer for the free inspection and repair, or call 1-256-831-4296 for recall support.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V189000 |
|---|---|
| Optima customer service | 1-256-831-4296 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V189 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V189000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (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 →