Recall 14V276 affects 18 2004, 2006, and 2013 Van Hool C2045 coaches for conductive battery equalizer insulation. Converter replacement is free through Van Hool.
Van Hool is recalling 18 2004, 2006, and 2013 C2045 coaches because their Sure Power battery equalizers use an epoxy potting compound that can conduct electricity after heat exposure. Once conductive, the material can melt and burn and raise the risk of a fire; the Van Hool dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The Sure Power battery equalizer in the 2004, 2006, 2013 Van Hool C2045 coaches is part of the electrical system. It helps manage battery voltage so the coach electrical system receives balanced power from the batteries. Inside the equalizer, epoxy potting compound surrounds electrical parts. That compound is supposed to insulate and seal the electronics, keeping current on the intended paths.
On affected C2045 coaches, the particular potting compound used in the equalizer changes behavior after exposure to heat. Instead of staying insulating, it conducts electricity. That creates an unwanted path inside the equalizer. Current then moves where it should not inside a part that is supposed to keep electrical flow controlled.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner or driver should not count on a light, sound, smell, or change in coach operation to appear before the equalizer problem is present.
Who's affected?
The scope is limited to C2045 buses from the 2004, 2006, and 2013 model years, with the same electrical-system component listed for each year.
| 2013 Van Hool C2045 | electrical system |
|---|---|
| 2006 Van Hool C2045 | electrical system |
| 2004 Van Hool C2045 | electrical system |
| Units affected | 18 |
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 the material becomes electrically conductive, it can melt or burn, increasing the risk of a fire. Arrange the recall repair and follow Van Hool dealer guidance until the converter is replaced. Repair will be free at any franchised Van Hool dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2004, 2006, or 2013 Van Hool C2045 is included in this recall.
- Look for the Van Hool owner notice or contact a franchised Van Hool service location for current repair instructions.
- Reference recall number 14V276 when you call about the free Sure Power converter replacement that removes the heat-exposed battery equalizer material linked to fire risk.
- Avoid parking near dry brush or enclosed storage areas if you smell burning, see smoke, or notice electrical heat from the battery equalizer area.
- Bring any prior repair paperwork or the owner notice to the service visit.
What happens at the repair
Van Hool's designated agent, ABC Bus, notified owners after the recall began on August 26, 2014. The filed remedy says Sure Power will replace the battery equalizer converters that contain the heat exposed potting compound. The replacement is free of charge. The source does not list a separate reimbursement plan, so ask the service desk to confirm the repair is tied to recall 14V276 when you schedule service.
Timeline
| May 23, 2014 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 26, 2014 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 14V276?
Recall 14V276 covers 18 2004, 2006, 2013 Van Hool C2045 coaches with Sure Power Battery Equalizers. Heat exposure can make the epoxy sealing compound conduct electricity, which can lead to melting, burning, and increased fire risk. Sure Power replaces the converters for free.
What should I do if my 2004, 2006, 2013 Van Hool C2045 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific coach is included in recall 14V276. If it is, contact Van Hool service or ABC Bus and reference Van Hool recall number P725. Sure Power replaces the affected converters for free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to provide the recall remedy at no cost, and the recall filing says Sure Power replaces the converters free of charge. Parts and labor for the recall repair are covered.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is fire. The recalled battery equalizer contains an epoxy sealing compound that can conduct electricity after heat exposure. Once conductive, the material can melt and burn, increasing the risk of a fire in the coach's electrical system.
What if I bought my Van Hool C2045 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific C2045 is included, then contact Van Hool service or ABC Bus and reference recall 14V276.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/14V276000 |
|---|---|
| NHTSA recall # | 14V276 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 14V276000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- 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 →