Recall 13V131 covers 1,179 2008-2013 Nabi 416 and 31LFW transit buses for an overheating defroster switch. Repair is free at any franchised Nabi dealer.
Nabi is recalling 1,179 2008-2013 416 and 31LFW transit buses because a four-position rotary defroster switch with ring terminals can overheat and melt the dash. An overheated switch can lead to a fire or distract the driver and increase crash risk; the dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The defroster switch on the 2008-2013 Nabi 416 and 31LFW transit buses controls power to the windshield defroster. This recall covers buses equipped with a four-position rotary defroster switch that uses ring terminals, which are circular electrical connectors fastened to the switch posts. In normal use, the switch lets the driver select defroster settings so air can clear the windshield.
On affected buses, the defroster switch can overheat during operation. Heat at the switch and its electrical connections can build enough to melt the dash around it. That is an electrical-system failure inside the driver area, and it leaves the defroster control and nearby dash material exposed to heat damage.
There is no warning sign before failure. A driver or maintenance technician who notices heat, melting, smoke, or damage around the defroster control should treat the bus as needing inspection before further service.
Who's affected?
Covers two Nabi bus models across 2008-2013, all listed under the electrical system.
| 2008 Nabi 416 | electrical system |
|---|---|
| 2009 Nabi 416 | electrical system |
| 2010 Nabi 416 | electrical system |
| 2011 Nabi 416 | electrical system |
| 2012 Nabi 416 | electrical system |
| 2013 Nabi 416 | electrical system |
| 2012 Nabi 31LFW | electrical system |
| Units affected | 1,179 |
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 overheated switch creates a fire risk and can distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash. If the switch overheats while in service, pull over safely, stop using the vehicle, and arrange dealer service. Repair will be free at any franchised Nabi dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2008-2013 Nabi 416 or 31LFW transit bus is included in this recall.
- Contact Nabi customer service at 1-256-831-4296 to confirm the current repair instructions.
- Ask how to schedule the free relay installation that lowers current through the overheating defroster switch.
- Reference recall number 13V131 when you call, and keep any owner notice with the bus records.
- Avoid operating the defroster switch until Nabi gives repair instructions for your bus.
What happens at the repair
Once the dealer repair is available, a Nabi technician will install relays that reduce current flow through the defroster switch circuit. That repair addresses the overheating switch described in NHTSA campaign 13V131, where heat from the switch can melt the dash. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. Until the repair opens, keep the owner notice with your bus records and use it when speaking with the service desk so they can match the recall to the correct defroster switch setup.
Timeline
| April 10, 2013 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 25, 2013 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 13V131?
Recall 13V131 covers 1,179 2008-2013 Nabi 416 and 2012 Nabi 31LFW transit buses with a four-position rotary defroster switch that can overheat and melt the dash. Overheating can lead to a fire or distract the driver, increasing crash risk.
What should I do if my 2008-2013 Nabi 416 or 31LFW is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 13V131. If it is, contact a Nabi service location and reference recall 13V131 or Nabi campaign 20133. Nabi will install relays to reduce current flow through the defroster switch.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Nabi says the relay installation will be done free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for buses included in recall 13V131.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is fire or driver distraction from an overheated defroster switch. The switch can overheat enough to melt the dash, and that condition increases the risk of a crash. Confirm the VIN and arrange the free relay installation.
What if I bought the Nabi bus used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recalls follow the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether the bus is included, then call a Nabi service location with recall 13V131 or Nabi campaign 20133.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/13V131000 |
|---|---|
| Nabi customer service | 1-256-831-4296 |
| NHTSA recall # | 13V131 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 13V131000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (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 →