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Campaign 12V518 Posted October 25, 2012 1,041 units

2010-2012 New Flyer Transit Bus Recall 12V518: Brake Drag

RN
Reviewed by the RecallNotify editorial team
Published June 2, 2026

Recall 12V518 covers 1,041 2010-2012 New Flyer transit buses for leaking parking brake chambers. Repair is free through New Flyer.

New Flyer is recalling 1,041 2010-2012 transit buses, including XD40, D60LFR, and D40LFR models, because air pressure can leak from the parking brake chambers and make the parking brakes drag while the bus is moving. Brake drag can overheat the brakes and raise the risk of a fire; the dealer repair will be free once available.

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What's wrong?

The parking brake on 2010-2012 New Flyer transit buses is meant to hold the bus still when it is parked. It uses air pressure and brake chambers to control the parking brake, so the brake releases for driving and applies when the bus is secured.

On affected XD40, D60LFR, D40LFR, XD35, XDE40, XDE35, C40LF, XN40, D35LFR, and C40LFR buses, air pressure can leak from the parking brake chambers. When that pressure leaks away, the parking brakes do not stay fully released. The brakes drag while the bus is being driven, which adds heat and resistance at the brake assembly.

There is no warning sign before failure. An operator or maintenance crew should treat dragging brakes, heat from the brake area, or a bus that feels held back as a reason to stop and have the parking brake system checked.

Who's affected?

Spans 10 New Flyer bus models across the 2010, 2011, and 2012 model years, all tied to the parking brake.

2011 New Flyer XD40 Parking brake
2011 New Flyer D60LFR Parking brake
2012 New Flyer D40LFR Parking brake
2010 New Flyer XD35 Parking brake
2011 New Flyer D40LFR Parking brake
Units affected1,041

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?

Dragging brakes can overheat and lead to a fire. If brake drag is suspected or found, schedule service promptly and avoid putting the vehicle back on route until it is inspected. Repair will be free at any franchised New Flyer dealer once available.

What should I do?

  1. Check your VIN to confirm your 2010-2012 New Flyer XD40, D60LFR, D40LFR, XD35, XDE40, XDE35, C40LF, XN40, D35LFR, or C40LFR transit bus is included in this recall.
  2. Contact New Flyer at 1-204-224-6706 to confirm current repair handling for recall number 12V518.
  3. Schedule the free parking-brake-chamber replacement that stops air-pressure leaks from dragging the parking brakes.
  4. Bring the recall notice if New Flyer mailed one, and reference recall number 12V518 when arranging service.
  5. Stop operating the bus if the parking brakes drag, the brakes smell hot, or brake overheating is suspected.

What happens at the repair

New Flyer notified owners when the recall began on November 13, 2012. The repair is straightforward: a New Flyer technician replaces the affected parking brake chambers so leaking air pressure does not leave the parking brakes dragging while the bus is driven. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. The final dealer repair will be free once it is available for the bus.

Timeline

October 25, 2012 NHTSA published the recall
November 13, 2012 Owner notification mailed

Frequently asked questions

What is recall 12V518?

Recall 12V518 covers 1,041 2010-2012 New Flyer transit buses with parking brake chambers that can leak air. The leak can make the parking brakes drag while the bus is driven. New Flyer will replace the affected brake chambers free of charge.

What should I do if my 2010-2012 New Flyer XD40, D60LFR, D40LFR, XD35, XDE40, XDE35, C40LF, XN40, D35LFR, or C40LFR is on this recall?

Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 12V518. If it is, contact New Flyer at 1-204-224-6706 and ask about the parking brake chamber replacement. Reference recall number 12V518 when you call.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. New Flyer will replace the affected parking brake chambers free of charge for buses included in recall 12V518.

What is the safety risk?

The official safety risk is brake overheating and fire. Air leakage from the parking brake chambers can make the parking brakes drag while the bus is driven. If your VIN is included, arrange the free brake chamber replacement through New Flyer.

When did the recall repair begin?

The recall repair began on November 13, 2012. New Flyer said owners would be notified, and the affected brake chambers would be replaced free of charge. If you manage one of these buses now, use the VIN check before scheduling service.

More information

NHTSA campaign pagenhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V518000
New Flyer customer service1-204-224-6706
NHTSA recall #12V518
NHTSA recall # (full)12V518000

Source documents

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 →