Recall 12V334 affects 15 2012 Nova Bus Nova Lfs transit buses for brake valve plunger fracture. Repair is free at any franchised Nova Bus dealer.
Nova Bus is recalling 15 2012 Nova Lfs transit buses because the Bendix brake valve plunger can fracture after brake application, reducing brake pedal travel and limiting full brake pressure. The defect can reduce braking ability or keep service brakes from releasing, increasing crash risk; the dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The foot brake valve on a 2012 Nova Bus Nova Lfs transit bus turns pedal movement into air brake pressure. When the driver presses the pedal, the treadle assembly and plunger move inside the valve so the brake system sends pressure to the service brakes. The plunger has to stay intact for the pedal to keep its normal angle and travel.
On affected buses equipped with the Bendix brake valve parts, the brake valve plunger can fracture after a brake application. A broken plunger can reduce pedal angle and travel, which limits the driver's ability to send full pressure through the foot brake valve. If the plunger becomes lodged inside the valve, the service brakes can stay applied instead of releasing.
There is no warning sign before failure. The first thing a driver notices can be a brake pedal that does not move through its normal range, reduced braking pressure from the foot pedal, or brakes that do not release after application.
Who's affected?
| 2012 Nova Bus Nova Lfs | brake system |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 15 |
A matching year and model does not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific bus.
What's the safety risk?
Reduced braking ability can make the bus harder to stop and lead to loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash. Schedule the recall repair soon and use extra caution until it is complete. Repair will be free at any franchised Nova Bus dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2012 Nova Bus Nova Lfs is included in this recall.
- Contact Nova Bus customer service at 1-800-350-6682 for repair instructions before scheduling service.
- Reference recall number 12V334 when you call, and ask about the brake-valve, treadle-assembly, and plunger-kit repair that restores full brake pedal travel and brake release.
- Bring the recall notice dated August 7, 2012 if you have it, along with any service records for related brake work.
- Keep the bus out of passenger service until Nova Bus confirms the brake repair path for your VIN.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Nova Bus technician repairs the buses that contain the Bendix brake valves, treadle assemblies, and plunger kits covered by this recall. The work focuses on the brake valve plunger area, where a fractured plunger can reduce brake pedal angle and travel or keep the service brakes from releasing. The final dealer repair will be free once available. Parts and labor are covered under the recall.
Timeline
| July 16, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 7, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V334?
Recall 12V334 covers 15 2012 Nova Bus Nova Lfs transit buses with certain Bendix brake valves, treadle assemblies, or plunger kits. The brake valve plunger can fracture after brake application, limiting full foot-brake pressure or preventing service-brake release.
What should I do if my 2012 Nova Bus Nova Lfs is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 12V334. If it is, contact a franchised Nova Bus service location and reference recall 12V334 when you schedule the brake valve, treadle assembly, or plunger kit repair.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Nova Bus stated that affected vehicles will be repaired free of charge. The recall repair began on August 7, 2012.
What is the safety risk in recall 12V334?
The safety risk is reduced braking ability and loss of vehicle control. If the brake valve plunger fractures or lodges, the driver has less ability to apply full foot-brake pressure or release the service brakes, increasing crash risk.
What warning signs should I watch for?
Watch for reduced brake pedal angle or reduced brake pedal travel after applying the brakes. The filing also describes a plunger that becomes lodged and prevents service-brake release. Report either condition when you contact Nova Bus at 1-800-350-6682.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V334000 |
|---|---|
| Nova Bus customer service | 1-800-350-6682 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V334 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V334000 |
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 →