Recall 13V642 affects 264 2009-2012 Nova Bus Nova Lfs transit buses for conductive converter potting. Free inspection and replacement at any franchised Nova Bus dealer.
Nova Bus is recalling 264 2009-2012 Nova Lfs transit buses because their Sure Power DC-DC converters contain an epoxy potting compound that can become electrically conductive after heat exposure. Once conductive, the material can melt and burn, increasing fire risk; the dealer repair will be free once Nova Bus makes it available.
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What's wrong?
The affected part on 2009-2012 Nova Bus Nova Lfs transit buses is the Sure Power DC-DC converter. A DC-DC converter is an electrical module that changes direct current from one voltage level to another so bus systems receive the power they are designed to use. It relies on insulation inside the converter to keep electrical paths separated.
On these buses, the converter contains a specific epoxy sealing material, also called potting compound. That material is supposed to seal and insulate the electronics. After exposure to heat, the compound can conduct electricity instead of insulating it. That creates an unintended electrical path inside a part that should keep circuits separated.
There is no warning sign before failure. The recall information does not identify a driver-visible symptom before the electrical problem occurs, so the VIN decides whether the bus is included.
Who's affected?
Covers one Nova Lfs bus model from 2009 through 2012, all tied to the electrical system.
| 2011 Nova Bus Nova Lfs | electrical system |
|---|---|
| 2012 Nova Bus Nova Lfs | electrical system |
| 2009 Nova Bus Nova Lfs | electrical system |
| 2010 Nova Bus Nova Lfs | electrical system |
| Units affected | 264 |
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. There is no warning sign before failure, so confirm whether your VIN is included and schedule the repair soon. Repair will be free at any franchised Nova Bus dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2009-2012 Nova Bus Nova Lfs is included in this recall.
- Look for the owner notice Nova Bus mailed on January 21, 2014, or call Nova Bus customer service at 1-450-472-6410 if your fleet never received it.
- Contact a franchised Nova Bus dealer to ask about the free DC-DC converter inspection and replacement for converters with heat-sensitive potting compound.
- Reference recall number 13V642 when you call the dealer or Nova Bus customer service.
- Park the bus away from structures if you smell burning, see electrical smoke, or suspect converter overheating before the inspection.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Nova Bus technician inspects the Sure Power DC to DC converters and replaces any converter covered by the recall that needs replacement. The work centers on converters built with a potting compound that can conduct electricity after heat exposure. Parts and labor are free under the recall once the remedy is available. If your bus is included, give the service desk recall 13V642 and ask which converter part number and location are covered for that vehicle.
Timeline
| December 19, 2013 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| January 21, 2014 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 13V642?
Recall 13V642 covers 264 2009-2012 Nova Bus Nova Lfs transit buses with Sure Power DC-DC converters that use an epoxy sealing compound that can conduct electricity after heat exposure. Once conductive, the material can melt and burn, increasing fire risk.
What should I do if my 2009-2012 Nova Bus Nova Lfs is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 13V642. If it is, contact a Nova Bus dealer to schedule inspection of the DC-DC converters. Dealers will replace affected converters as needed, free of charge.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Nova Bus dealers will inspect the DC-DC converters and replace affected units as needed, free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is fire. The converter sealing compound can become electrically conductive after heat exposure. Once conductive, the material can melt and burn, increasing the risk of a fire in the bus electrical system.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/13V642000 |
|---|---|
| Nova Bus customer service | 1-450-472-6410 |
| NHTSA recall # | 13V642 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 13V642000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (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 →