Recall 12V324 affects 339 2003-2011 Nabi 45CLFW transit buses for loose steering pitman-arm connections. Repair is free at any franchised Nabi dealer.
Nabi is recalling 339 2003-2011 45CLFW transit buses because a loose joint between the steering pitman arm and the steering gear shaft can wear the splines over time. That wear can lead to loss of steering control and a crash; the dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The 2003-2011 Nabi 45CLFW transit buses use a pitman arm as part of the steering gear assembly. The pitman arm is the heavy steering link that turns movement from the steering gear into push and pull motion through the steering linkage. It is fastened to a tapered splined shaft, which is a cone-shaped shaft with matching ridges that help lock the parts together.
On affected buses, the joint between the pitman arm and the tapered splined shaft has a loose connection. That looseness lets the splines wear over time instead of staying tightly engaged. As the ridges wear down, the steering gear loses its solid mechanical grip on the pitman arm, which can lead to loss of steering control.
There is no warning sign before failure. Because the recall does not identify an early symptom, a bus operator should treat any new looseness, wandering steering, or trouble holding direction as a serious steering concern.
Who's affected?
Spans nine model years of the 45CLFW bus, all tied to the same steering gear component.
| 2009 Nabi 45CLFW | steering gear |
|---|---|
| 2008 Nabi 45CLFW | steering gear |
| 2011 Nabi 45CLFW | steering gear |
| 2010 Nabi 45CLFW | steering gear |
| 2007 Nabi 45CLFW | steering gear |
| 2004 Nabi 45CLFW | steering gear |
| 2006 Nabi 45CLFW | steering gear |
| 2003 Nabi 45CLFW | steering gear |
| 2005 Nabi 45CLFW | steering gear |
| Units affected | 339 |
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 can lead to a crash and increase injury risk. If steering feels wrong, stop in a safe place and contact a Nabi dealer for guidance before continuing. Repair will be free at any franchised Nabi dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2003-2011 Nabi 45CLFW is included in this recall.
- Contact Nabi customer service at 1-256-831-4296 for recall instructions if your agency did not receive the August 7, 2012 owner notice.
- Ask Nabi about the steering pitman arm and steering gear joint inspection and repair that addresses the loose connection linked to loss of steering control.
- Reference recall number 12V324 when you call or schedule service.
- Remove the bus from passenger service until Nabi confirms the steering inspection and repair path.
What happens at the repair
Nabi's repair path is an inspection followed by any needed repair to the steering pitman arm and tapered splined shaft joint. The recall filing says Nabi began the safety recall on August 7, 2012, and the inspection and needed repair are free of charge. A Nabi technician checks the joint for looseness or wear, then repairs the steering connection as needed so the pitman arm and steering gear shaft fit securely. For campaign 12V324, use the service desk to confirm how the free recall work is handled for your bus.
Timeline
| July 10, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 7, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V324?
Recall 12V324 covers 339 2003-2011 Nabi 45CLFW transit buses with a loose steering pitman arm connection at the steering gear shaft. The splines can wear over time and lead to loss of steering control. Nabi will inspect and repair the buses for free.
What should I do if my 2003-2011 Nabi 45CLFW is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific bus is included in recall 12V324. If it is, contact Nabi or a Nabi-authorized service location to arrange the steering inspection and repair. Reference recall number 12V324 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Nabi will inspect the steering pitman arm connection and repair the vehicle as needed free of charge through its recall repair process.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of steering control. The recall involves a loose connection between the steering pitman arm and the tapered splined shaft on the steering gear. If the splines wear, the driver can lose steering control, increasing crash and injury risk.
When did the repair process start?
Nabi began the safety recall on August 7, 2012. Because this is an older recall, a bus in service or purchased used still needs a VIN check to confirm status. If the VIN is included and the repair is open, arrange the free inspection and repair.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V324000 |
|---|---|
| Nabi customer service | 1-256-831-4296 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V324 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V324000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall 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 →