Recall 13V459 affects 12 2012 New Flyer XN40 transit buses with Apex 3 bicycle rack cracks. Sportworks replaces the rack frames for free.
New Flyer is recalling 12 2012 XN40 transit buses with certain Sportworks Northwest Apex 3 bicycle racks because cracks can form at the latch tube weld and the latch handle can separate from the rack. If that hardware falls into traffic, it creates a road hazard for other vehicles and increases crash risk; the New Flyer dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The 2012 New Flyer XN40 buses in this recall use a Sportworks Northwest Apex 3 bicycle rack mounted at the front of the bus. The rack holds a bicycle in place while the bus is moving. Its latch tube and latch handle are part of the locking hardware that keeps the rack secured to the frame.
On affected racks, cracks form where the latch tube is welded to the pivot tabs, the small frame brackets that let the rack move and lock into position. That welded joint carries load each time the rack is handled or supports a bicycle. As the crack grows, the latch tube and latch handle can separate from the rack frame.
There is no warning sign before failure. An operator or passenger using the rack would not have a reliable visible cue that the latch tube weld has weakened before the handle or tube separates.
Who's affected?
| 2012 New Flyer XN40 | Equipment |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 12 |
Not every 2012 New Flyer XN40 bus is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific bus is included.
What's the safety risk?
A loose rack latch handle and tube can fall from the rack and create a road hazard for other vehicles, increasing crash risk. If your VIN is included, schedule the repair soon and use extra care around the rack before service. Repair will be free at any franchised New Flyer dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2012 New Flyer XN40 is included in this recall.
- Review New Flyer's owner notice before scheduling the free bicycle-rack frame replacement.
- Call New Flyer at 1-800-665-2637 with questions, and reference recall number 13V459 when you call.
- Keep the affected Sportworks bicycle rack out of service until the frame is replaced, since latch-tube cracks can let rack parts separate and create a road hazard.
- Bring the recall notice to the service appointment if New Flyer mailed one.
What happens at the repair
The known remedy is replacement of the Sportworks Northwest bicycle rack frames under warranty. At the dealer, a New Flyer technician coordinates the frame replacement so the latch tube and latch handle assembly are no longer relying on the cracked rack frame area. The filing says owner notices began October 30, 2013. Because the remedy status is not listed as available in this record, the final dealer repair should be treated as free once available. Parts and labor are covered under the recall repair path.
Timeline
| September 20, 2013 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 30, 2013 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 13V459?
Recall 13V459 covers 12 2012 New Flyer XN40 transit buses equipped with Sportworks Northwest Apex 3 bicycle racks. The rack latch tube weld area can crack, and the latch handle and tube can separate from the rack, creating a road hazard for other traffic.
What should I do if my 2012 New Flyer XN40 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 13V459. If it is, contact New Flyer service at 1-800-665-2637 or Sportworks Northwest at 1-888-861-0555 ext. 2 and reference New Flyer campaign R13-022. The rack frame replacement is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. New Flyer says Sportworks Northwest will replace the affected bicycle rack frames under warranty, free of charge. Federal recall rules require the recall remedy to be completed at no cost to the owner when the vehicle is included.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is a road hazard for other vehicles. If the latch handle and tube fall from the bicycle rack while the bus is in service, they can land in traffic and increase the risk of a crash.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/13V459000 |
|---|---|
| New Flyer customer service | 1-800-665-2637 |
| NHTSA recall # | 13V459 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 13V459000 |
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 →