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Campaign 13V221 Posted May 28, 2013 188 units

2012-2013 New Flyer XD/XDE/XN Recall 13V221: Start Switch

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

Recall 13V221 affects 188 2012-2013 New Flyer transit buses for a weak start-button spring. Free switch replacement at a franchised New Flyer dealer.

New Flyer is recalling 188 2012-2013 XD35, XD40, XD60, XDE40, XDE60, XN40, and XN60 transit buses because a weak push-to-start switch return spring can let the engine start without warning. That unexpected start increases injury risk for people working on or near the engine, and the dealer repair will be free once available.

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What's wrong?

The push-to-start button on 2012-2013 New Flyer XD35, XN40, XD40, XD60, XDE60, XN60, and XDE40 transit buses is part of the ignition switch circuit. When an operator presses it, the switch closes the electrical circuit that tells the engine to crank, then the button returns to its rest position when released.

On affected buses, the return spring inside the push-to-start button switch is weak. That spring is supposed to push the button back out and reopen the circuit after the operator lets go. If the button does not return cleanly, the start circuit can stay active or reengage, allowing the engine to start unexpectedly.

There is no warning sign before failure. The issue is inside the switch mechanism, so an operator should not count on a dashboard light, sound, or other advance notice before the starter command happens.

Who's affected?

Spans seven New Flyer bus models across the 2012 and 2013 model years, all tied to the ignition switch electrical system.

2012 New Flyer XD35 electrical system
2012 New Flyer XN40 electrical system
2012 New Flyer XD40 electrical system
2013 New Flyer XD60 electrical system
2013 New Flyer XDE60 electrical system
Units affected188

A matching year and model does not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific bus is included.

What's the safety risk?

An unexpected engine start increases the risk of injury to anyone working on or near the engine. There is no warning before the engine starts, so keep people clear of the engine compartment before service work and schedule the switch inspection and replacement. Repair will be free at any franchised New Flyer dealer once available.

What should I do?

  1. Check your VIN to confirm your 2012-2013 New Flyer XD35, XN40, XD40, XD60, XDE60, XN60, or XDE40 bus is included in this recall.
  2. Call New Flyer customer service at 1-204-224-6706 to confirm current repair instructions and reference recall number 13V221.
  3. Schedule the push-to-start switch inspection and replacement that fixes the weak return spring behind unexpected engine starting.
  4. Bring the recall notice if New Flyer mailed one, or give the dealer recall number 13V221 when scheduling service.
  5. Keep workers clear of the engine area until the ignition switch repair is complete.

What happens at the repair

The listed remedy is for a New Flyer technician to inspect the push-to-start button switches and replace any affected switches. New Flyer began owner notification on June 19, 2013, and the dealer repair is free once available through the recall process. The inspection focuses on the switch return spring issue that can let the engine start unexpectedly. Parts and labor are covered under campaign 13V221.

Timeline

May 28, 2013 NHTSA published the recall
June 19, 2013 Owner notification mailed

Frequently asked questions

What is recall 13V221?

Recall 13V221 covers 188 2012-2013 New Flyer XD35, XN40, XD40, XD60, XDE60, XN60, and XDE40 transit buses with a push-to-start button switch return spring defect linked to unexpected engine starts. New Flyer dealers inspect and replace the switches for free.

What should I do if my 2012-2013 New Flyer XD35, XN40, XD40, XD60, XDE60, XN60, or XDE40 is on this recall?

Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 13V221. If it is, contact a New Flyer dealer or New Flyer customer service at 1-204-224-6706 to arrange the ignition switch inspection and replacement. Reference recall number R13-014 when you call.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to correct the safety defect at no cost to the owner. For recall 13V221, New Flyer dealers inspect the push-to-start button switches and replace affected switches free of charge.

What is the safety risk?

The safety risk is an unexpected engine start. If the engine starts without warning, people working on or near the engine face an increased injury risk. Keep workers clear of the engine area during service, and have the switch inspected and replaced through the recall repair path.

When did the recall repair begin?

New Flyer began the recall repair on June 19, 2013. The remedy is an inspection of the push-to-start button switches, with replacement of affected switches at no charge. Owners can contact New Flyer customer service at 1-204-224-6706 for recall number R13-014.

More information

NHTSA campaign pagenhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/13V221000
New Flyer customer service1-204-224-6706
NHTSA recall #13V221
NHTSA recall # (full)13V221000

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 →