Recall 13V597 covers 157 2013 Nabi 31LFW and 40LFW buses with excess wheel paint that can loosen lug nuts. Wheels were replaced for free.
Nabi is recalling 157 2013 31LFW and 40LFW transit buses because excessive paint on the steel wheels can let the lug nuts loosen during operation. If the lug nuts loosen, a wheel can detach from the bus, increasing crash risk, and the Nabi dealer repair will be free once available.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The painted steel wheels on the 2013 Nabi 31LFW and 40LFW transit buses are the mounting points for each tire and wheel assembly. Each wheel is held against the hub by lug nuts, which clamp the wheel tightly so it stays centered and secure while the bus is in service. That clamping force depends on clean contact between the lug nuts, wheel surface, and hub.
On affected buses, too much paint was applied to the wheels. That extra paint sits between metal contact surfaces where the lug nuts need a firm seat. During operation, the painted surface can compress or wear down, reducing the clamping force that holds the lug nuts tight. As the clamp load drops, the lug nuts can loosen.
There is no warning sign before failure. Because the recall filing does not identify an early symptom, owners and fleet operators should treat the wheel condition as something that needs inspection and repair before relying on normal driving feel.
Who's affected?
Covers both the 31LFW and 40LFW bus models, with wheel hardware listed for each.
| 2013 Nabi 31LFW | wheel hardware |
|---|---|
| 2013 Nabi 40LFW | wheel hardware |
| Units affected | 157 |
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?
If lug nuts loosen while the bus is in service, a wheel can detach and increase crash risk. Fleet operators should schedule recall work and treat loose wheel hardware as a service issue before further operation. Repair will be free at any franchised Nabi dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013 Nabi 31LFW or 40LFW is included in this recall.
- Review fleet maintenance records for the Nabi notice and painted-steel-wheel replacement.
- Contact Nabi at 1-256-831-4296 and reference recall number 13V597 to confirm whether the painted-steel-wheel replacement that prevents loose lug nuts and wheel detachment was completed.
- Keep the bus out of service until records or inspection confirm the affected wheels were replaced.
What happens at the repair
The source does not give a current remedy-status label, but it states that Nabi notified the fleet owner and replaced the affected painted steel wheels free of charge. The work addresses wheels with excessive paint, which lets lug nuts loosen during operation. If a bus still needs this campaign completed, the dealer repair will be free once available. Ask the service desk to confirm the bus record shows campaign 13V597 completed before keeping it in regular service.
Timeline
| November 29, 2013 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 29, 2013 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 13V597?
Recall 13V597 covers 157 2013 Nabi 31LFW and 40LFW transit buses equipped with painted steel wheels. Excessive paint on the wheels can let the lug nuts loosen during operation. Nabi replaced the affected painted steel wheels free of charge.
What should I do if my 2013 Nabi 31LFW or 40LFW is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 13V597. If it is, contact Nabi at 1-256-831-4296 and reference Nabi recall number 20137. Ask whether the painted steel wheels on that VIN were already replaced.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the defect repair at no cost, and Nabi's remedy states that the affected painted steel wheels were replaced free of charge. If your VIN is still open, ask Nabi how to complete the wheel replacement without paying for parts or labor.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is wheel separation. If the lug nuts loosen during operation, a wheel can detach from the bus and increase crash risk. Until your VIN shows the recall is closed, have Nabi confirm the wheel replacement status before the bus returns to service.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/13V597000 |
|---|---|
| Nabi customer service | 1-256-831-4296 |
| NHTSA recall # | 13V597 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 13V597000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (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 →