Recall 12V309 affects 98 2008-2010 Prevost H3-45, XLII-45E, and X3-45 vehicles for AFSS detector contact with brackets. Repair is free at any franchised Prevost dealer.
Prevost is recalling 98 2008-2010 H3-45, XLII-45E, and X3-45 vehicles because the automatic fire detection and suppression system detector can rub against brackets or clamps. If the system activates with no fire present, the stop-engine feature can bring the vehicle to an unplanned stop and increase crash risk; the Prevost dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The automatic fire detection and suppression system on these 2008-2010 Prevost H3-45, XLII-45E, and X3-45 coaches is built to watch the engine area for fire heat. Its linear thermal detector is a heat-sensing line routed near the Volvo D13 engine. When that line senses excessive heat, it helps the suppression system respond without waiting for a driver to spot flames.
The problem is the detector line's routing. On affected coaches, the line is close enough to brackets or clamps that it is vulnerable to contact and rubbing during normal vibration. That rubbing wears on the detector line instead of leaving it protected in place. Damage at that point interferes with the fire detection path the AFSS depends on.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner or driver should not expect a dash light, noise, smell, or handling change to announce that the detector line has been damaged.
Who's affected?
Covers H3-45, XLII-45E, and X3-45 coaches across the 2008, 2009, and 2010 model years, all listed under the same equipment component.
| 2010 Prevost H3-45 | Equipment |
|---|---|
| 2009 Prevost H3-45 | Equipment |
| 2008 Prevost H3-45 | Equipment |
| 2009 Prevost XLII-45E | Equipment |
| 2009 Prevost X3-45 | Equipment |
| 2010 Prevost X3-45 | Equipment |
| Units affected | 98 |
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 automatic fire suppression system activates when no fire is present, the stop engine feature activates and brings the vehicle to an unplanned stop, which increases crash risk. Schedule service soon and avoid unnecessary operation until the vehicle is inspected. Repair will be free at any franchised Prevost dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2008-2010 Prevost H3-45, XLII-45E, or X3-45 is included in this recall.
- Contact Prevost customer service to confirm repair timing before scheduling service.
- Ask a franchised Prevost dealer to inspect and secure the AFSS linear thermal detector so it cannot rub against brackets or clamps.
- Bring the recall notice if Prevost mailed one. If not, reference recall number 12V309 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the inspection is complete. Leave extra room to stop in case the stop-engine feature activates without a fire.
What happens at the repair
The repair calls for a Prevost technician to inspect the automatic fire detection and suppression system's linear thermal detector and secure it so it does not rub against brackets or clamps. The dealer repair will be free once available, with parts and labor covered under the recall. Ask the Prevost service desk to confirm the repair status for your VIN and explain how the detector will be secured before the coach returns to service.
Timeline
| July 2, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 19, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V309?
Recall 12V309 covers 98 2008-2010 Prevost H3-45, XLII-45E, and X3-45 vehicles with Volvo D13 engines and an automatic fire detection and suppression system. The linear thermal detector can rub against brackets or clamps. Prevost dealers will inspect and secure it for free.
What should I do if my 2008-2010 Prevost H3-45, XLII-45E, or X3-45 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 12V309. If it is, contact a franchised Prevost dealer or Prevost service department to schedule the inspection and securing of the linear thermal detector. Reference recall number 12V309 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to correct the safety defect at no cost, and Prevost says dealers will inspect and secure the linear thermal detector free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for included vehicles.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is an unplanned stop. If the detector rubs against brackets or clamps, the fire suppression system can activate when no fire is present, triggering the stop-engine feature and bringing the vehicle to an unplanned stop, which increases crash risk.
What if I bought this Prevost used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific H3-45, XLII-45E, or X3-45 is included, then call a Prevost dealer or Prevost service department with recall number 12V309.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V309000 |
|---|---|
| Prevost customer service | 1-866-870-2046 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V309 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V309000 |
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 →