Recall 12V495 covers 138 2011-2012 Van Hool C2045, T2145, and T2140 motorcoaches for alternator overheating. Repair is free at any franchised Van Hool dealer.
Van Hool is recalling 138 2011-2012 C2045, T2145, and T2140 motorcoaches because missing ground cables on Prestolite AC172 alternators with Daimler DD13 engines can allow internal corrosion and overheating. Overheated alternator parts can melt, create smoke, and raise the risk of a vehicle fire; the Van Hool dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The alternator on affected 2011-2012 Van Hool C2045, T2145, and T2140 motorcoaches helps keep the electrical system charged while the engine is running. These coaches were built with a Daimler DD13 engine and Prestolite AC172 alternators. The alternator turns engine power into electrical power for the coach, so it has to carry current without building excess heat.
On these vehicles, the affected alternators were installed without ground cables. That missing ground path leaves internal alternator parts exposed to corrosion. As corrosion builds inside the unit, electrical resistance increases and the alternator components overheat.
There is no warning sign before failure. The problem is inside the alternator assembly, so an owner or driver is not given a clear external symptom before the alternator overheats.
Who's affected?
Covers three Van Hool bus models across the 2011 and 2012 model years, all tied to the alternator, generator, or regulator electrical system.
| 2011 Van Hool C2045 | electrical system |
|---|---|
| 2011 Van Hool T2145 | electrical system |
| 2012 Van Hool C2045 | electrical system |
| 2011 Van Hool T2140 | electrical system |
| Units affected | 138 |
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?
An overheating alternator can melt nearby components, produce smoke, and create a vehicle fire risk. If you smell smoke or see smoke from the vehicle, pull over safely, shut it down, and contact the dealer before further use. Repair will be free at any franchised Van Hool dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011-2012 Van Hool C2045, T2145, or T2140 motorcoach is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Van Hool dealer or ABC Bus warranty administration to ask about the free external alternator ground-cable installation for your VIN.
- Schedule the ground-cable installation that reduces alternator overheating tied to internal corrosion.
- Bring the recall notice mailed on December 5, 2012, if you have it. If not, reference recall number 12V495 when you call.
- Park the motorcoach and shut it down if you see smoke or smell overheating near the alternator, then ask the dealer about towing.
What happens at the repair
For recall 12V495, the dealer remedy is to add external ground cables to the alternators so the alternator has a proper ground path. Van Hool's filing says the safety recall began on December 5, 2012. A Van Hool technician or authorized dealer installs the added ground cables at no charge under the recall. The source does not list a repair time, so ask the service desk how long the coach will need to stay at the shop.
Timeline
| October 12, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 5, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V495?
Recall 12V495 covers 138 2011-2012 Van Hool C2045, T2145, and T2140 motorcoaches equipped with Daimler DD13 engines and Prestolite AC172 alternators missing external ground cables. Internal corrosion can overheat the alternator, melt components, create smoke, and raise fire risk.
What should I do if my 2011-2012 Van Hool C2045, T2145, or T2140 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorcoach is included in recall 12V495. If it is, contact a franchised Van Hool dealer or ABC Bus warranty administrator at 1-877-427-7278 to arrange the alternator ground cable repair. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Van Hool's remedy adds external ground cables to the affected alternators free of charge through its dealer and ABC Bus service process.
What is the safety risk in recall 12V495?
The safety risk is alternator overheating that can melt components, produce smoke, and create fire risk. The recall repair adds external ground cables to the Prestolite AC172 alternators, which addresses the missing-ground-cable condition identified in the filing.
What if I bought this Van Hool motorcoach used?
The free repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific C2045, T2145, or T2140 is included, then reference recall 12V495 when you contact a Van Hool dealer or ABC Bus.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V495000 |
|---|---|
| Van Hool customer service | 1-877-427-7278 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V495 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V495000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (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 →