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Campaign 13V476 Posted September 27, 2013 3,009 units

2002-2010 Orion V/Vii Recall 13V476: Equalizer Fire

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

Recall 13V476 covers 3,009 2002-2010 Orion V and Vii buses because electrical insulation can conduct electricity and burn. Repair is free.

Orion recall 13V476 covers 3,009 2002-2010 V and Vii buses equipped with Sure Power equalizers and DC-DC converters. Heat exposure can make the insulation compound conduct electricity, and once conductive, the material can melt or burn, increasing the risk of a fire; the dealer repair will be free once available.

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What's wrong?

The affected 2002-2010 Orion V and Vii buses use Sure Power equalizers and DC-DC converters in the electrical system. An equalizer helps balance voltage between batteries or electrical circuits, and a DC-DC converter changes voltage so onboard equipment gets the power level it needs.

These units are filled with potting compound, an insulating material that surrounds internal electrical parts and helps keep moisture and stray current away. In this recall, the specific compound used in the equalizers and converters can conduct electricity after heat exposure. That means material meant to insulate the part can instead create an electrical path inside the unit.

There is no warning sign before failure. The filing does not describe a dashboard light or operator symptom that appears before the electrical issue develops.

Who's affected?

Covers the Orion V and Vii bus lines across the 2002-2010 model years, all listed under the electrical system.

2003 Orion V electrical system
2007 Orion V electrical system
2005 Orion V electrical system
2004 Orion V electrical system
2006 Orion Vii electrical system
Units affected3,009

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?

When the material becomes electrically conductive, it can melt and burn, increasing the risk of a fire. If your VIN is included, schedule the recall service soon and ask the dealer whether the vehicle is safe to keep in service until parts are ready. Repair will be free at any franchised Orion dealer once available.

What should I do?

  1. Check your VIN to confirm your 2002-2010 Orion V or Vii bus is included in this recall.
  2. Wait for Orion repair instructions before scheduling service.
  3. Call Orion customer service at 1-905-403-1111 with questions and reference recall number 13V476.
  4. Ask whether the Sure Power equalizer or DC-DC converter change-out is open for your bus; the repair addresses insulation material that can conduct electricity after heat exposure.
  5. Keep the bus away from service if electrical melting, burning odor, or smoke appears, and contact the dealer or fleet maintenance provider before moving it.

What happens at the repair

For campaign 13V476, the described remedy is a free replacement once the repair is available. During the service visit, an Orion technician coordinates with Sure Power representatives to change out the affected equalizer, converter, or both. The repair targets the electrical units that use the heat affected potting compound described in the recall filing. Parts and labor are covered under the recall once the final repair is open.

Timeline

September 27, 2013 NHTSA published the recall
November 29, 2013 Owner notification mailed

Frequently asked questions

What is recall 13V476?

Recall 13V476 covers 3,009 2002-2010 Orion V and Vii buses with Sure Power equalizers or DC-DC converters. Heat exposure can make the insulation compound conduct electricity, which can lead to melting, burning, and increased fire risk. The replacement is free.

What should I do if my 2002-2010 Orion V or Vii is on this recall?

Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific bus is included in recall 13V476. If it is, contact the Orion recall service contact or the fleet service provider handling the bus, and reference campaign number 13V476. The equalizer or converter replacement is free.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes. Federal recall law requires the safety recall repair at no cost to the owner. For recall 13V476, Sure Power representatives will change out the affected equalizer, DC-DC converter, or both free of charge.

What is the safety risk?

The safety risk is fire. The potting compound used for insulation in the affected electrical parts can become electrically conductive after heat exposure. Once conductive, the material can melt and burn, increasing fire risk.

What if I bought this Orion bus used?

The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the current owner or the purchase history. Check your VIN for recall 13V476, then give the campaign number to the service contact handling the bus.

More information

NHTSA campaign pagenhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/13V476000
Orion customer service1-905-403-1111
NHTSA recall #13V476
NHTSA recall # (full)13V476000

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 →