Recall 12V479 affects 381 2007-2009 Ic 3200IM commercial buses for parking-brake air-pressure loss. Repair is free at any franchised Ic dealer.
Ic is recalling 381 2007-2009 3200IM commercial buses because an air-pressure loss in the parking brake system can make the parking brake apply itself partly or fully. That unexpected brake application can result in a driveline fire, and the Ic dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The parking brake on a 2007-2009 Ic 3200IM commercial bus is the brake system that holds the bus still after it is parked. In normal use, the system uses air pressure to control the brake and keep it from applying until the driver commands it.
On affected buses, the problem starts when the parking brake system loses air pressure. That pressure loss allows the parking brake to apply itself without the driver setting it, either partly or fully. If that happens while the bus is moving, the bus can slow unexpectedly because the parking brake is dragging or locked on.
There is no warning sign before failure. A driver is not told to expect a light, sound, or pedal change before the parking brake applies on its own.
Who's affected?
Spans the 2007, 2008, and 2009 model years for the same 3200IM parking brake configuration.
| 2007 Ic 3200IM | Parking brake |
|---|---|
| 2008 Ic 3200IM | Parking brake |
| 2009 Ic 3200IM | Parking brake |
| Units affected | 381 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific bus.
What's the safety risk?
An unintended partial or full parking brake application can overheat driveline parts and result in a driveline fire. If your VIN is included, schedule the recall repair soon and ask the dealer whether the vehicle needs inspection before regular use. Repair will be free at any franchised Ic dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2007-2009 Ic 3200IM is included in this recall.
- Check for the Ic owner notice mailed after November 30, 2012, before arranging service.
- Contact a franchised Ic dealer to ask whether the free parking-brake pressure-loss warning-system installation is open for your bus.
- Reference recall number 12V479 when you call the dealer or Ic customer service.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete, and stop using the bus if the parking brake applies by itself.
What happens at the repair
The repair listed for this recall is a parking brake pressure loss warning system. Once the dealer repair is available, an Ic technician will install that warning system so the driver has an alert if the parking brake system loses air pressure. The final dealer repair will be free once available, with parts and labor covered under the recall. Ask the service desk to confirm that the VIN is included before the bus is brought in for recall service.
Timeline
| October 2, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 30, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V479?
Recall 12V479 covers 381 2007-2009 Ic 3200IM commercial buses with a parking brake pressure-loss defect. If the system loses air pressure, the parking brake can apply partially or fully, creating a driveline fire risk.
What should I do if my 2007-2009 Ic 3200IM is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 12V479. If it is, contact a franchised Ic dealer to schedule installation of the parking brake system pressure-loss warning system. Reference recall number 12V479 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Navistar's remedy says dealers will install the parking brake system pressure-loss warning system free of charge.
What is the safety risk in recall 12V479?
The safety risk is driveline fire. If the parking brake system loses air pressure, the parking brake can apply itself partially or fully while the bus is in use, which can create heat and lead to a fire in the driveline.
When did the recall repair start?
The safety recall repair began on November 30, 2012. That means the dealer remedy has been open for years. If your VIN is included, ask a franchised Ic dealer to complete the pressure-loss warning system installation.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V479000 |
|---|---|
| Ic customer service | 1-331-332-1590 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V479 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V479000 |
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 →