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Campaign 13V498 Posted October 17, 2013 10,016 units

2000-2012 Mci D/E/G/J Recall 13V498: Battery Fire Risk

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

Recall 13V498 affects 10,016 2000-2012 Mci D, E, G and J series coaches for conductive battery-equalizer epoxy. Repair is free at any franchised Mci dealer.

Mci is recalling 10,016 2000-2012 coaches, including D4000, J4500C, and E4500 models, because Sure Power battery equalizers contain an epoxy potting compound that can conduct electricity after heat exposure. Once conductive, the material can melt and burn, raising fire risk; the dealer repair will be free once available.

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What's wrong?

The affected 2000-2012 Mci coaches use a Sure Power battery equalizer in the electrical system. A battery equalizer helps keep voltage balanced across the coach's battery setup, so electrical equipment receives the correct power level. The equalizer is sealed with an epoxy potting compound, which normally holds internal parts in place and insulates them from unwanted electrical contact.

On these coaches, the specific potting compound inside the equalizer was found to conduct electricity after exposure to heat. That is the opposite of its job. Instead of keeping current separated inside the unit, the heated compound can become a path for unwanted current inside the electrical system.

There is no warning sign before failure. The recall information does not list a dashboard light, sound, smell, or other owner-visible symptom tied to this defect.

Who's affected?

Includes D4000, 102EL3, J4500C, 102ELS3, G4500, E4500C, 102D3, 102DL3, D4500, J4500, D4005, D4505, and E4500 buses across 2000-2012, all tied to the electrical system.

2008 Mci D4000 electrical system
2011 Mci D4000 electrical system
2000 Mci 102EL3 electrical system
2001 Mci 102EL3 electrical system
2007 Mci J4500C electrical system
Units affected10,016

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?

When the material becomes electrically conductive, it can melt and burn, increasing the risk of a fire. If your VIN is included, contact a franchised Mci dealer for current instructions and keep the recall on your service list until the remedy is ready. Repair will be free at any franchised Mci dealer once available.

What should I do?

  1. Check your VIN to confirm your 2000-2012 Mci D4000, 102EL3, J4500C, 102ELS3, G4500, E4500C, 102D3, 102DL3, D4500, J4500, D4005, D4505, or E4500 coach is included in this recall.
  2. Contact Mci customer service before scheduling service, since the filing does not list the remedy as currently available.
  3. Reference recall number 13V498 and Mci service bulletin 401 when you call.
  4. Ask about the free Sure Power battery equalizer replacement that fixes the heat-exposed potting compound that can conduct electricity and burn.
  5. Park the coach away from structures until Mci confirms the repair path for your VIN.

What happens at the repair

Mci will notify owners when the repair path is ready. Once available, an Mci technician will replace the Sure Power battery equalizers covered by recall 13V498. The affected equalizers use an epoxy sealing compound that can conduct electricity after heat exposure, so the repair focuses on replacing those units rather than adjusting the existing part. The final dealer repair will be free once available, with parts and labor covered under the recall.

Timeline

October 17, 2013 NHTSA published the recall
February 4, 2014 Owner notification mailed

Frequently asked questions

What is recall 13V498?

Recall 13V498 covers 10,016 2000-2012 Mci D, E, G, and J series coaches equipped with Sure Power battery equalizers that contain an epoxy sealing compound linked to fire risk. Sure Power will replace the affected equalizers free of charge through Mci's recall process.

What should I do if my 2000-2012 Mci coach is on this recall?

Check your VIN to confirm your specific coach is included in recall 13V498. If it is, contact Mci at 1-847-285-2000 and reference Mci service bulletin 401. The battery equalizer replacement is free.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to provide the recall repair at no cost. For recall 13V498, Sure Power will replace the affected battery equalizers free of charge through Mci's recall process.

What is the safety risk?

The safety risk is fire. The epoxy sealing compound inside the affected Sure Power battery equalizers can conduct electricity after heat exposure. Once conductive, the material is capable of melting and burning. The free repair replaces the affected equalizers.

What if I bought my Mci coach used?

The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your coach is included, then contact Mci at 1-847-285-2000 and reference recall 13V498 or service bulletin 401.

More information

NHTSA campaign pagenhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/13V498000
Mci customer service1-847-285-2000
NHTSA recall #13V498
NHTSA recall # (full)13V498000

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 →