Recall 14V380 covers 796 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 Nova Bus Lfs and Nova Lfs buses for an ABS warning-light software error. The software update is free at any franchised Nova Bus dealer.
Nova Bus is recalling 796 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013 Lfs and Nova Lfs transit buses because a vehicle control unit programming error can hide an ABS power loss from the driver. If the ABS is not working, the brakes can lock when applied under certain conditions, increasing crash risk; the dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The affected Nova Bus Lfs and Nova Lfs transit buses use an air-brake anti-lock braking system, or ABS, to help keep wheels from locking during hard braking. The ABS control unit watches wheel-speed information and manages brake pressure when the system detects lockup. The ABS malfunction light is supposed to tell the driver when that system has lost proper function.
On these buses, the defect is a programming error in the vehicle control unit, the computer that coordinates warning signals and other vehicle functions. If the ABS control unit loses power, the programming does not turn on the ABS malfunction light as required. That means the bus fails to meet the air-brake warning-light rule because the driver does not get the required alert.
There is no warning sign before failure. The missing warning light is the problem, so the operator would not see the ABS malfunction light when the ABS control unit loses power.
Who's affected?
Spans the listed 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 model years, all involving the same anti-lock brake system (ABS) warning-light component.
| 2013 Nova Bus Lfs | anti-lock brake system (ABS) |
|---|---|
| 2004 Nova Bus Nova Lfs | anti-lock brake system (ABS) |
| 2009 Nova Bus Nova Lfs | anti-lock brake system (ABS) |
| 2006 Nova Bus Nova Lfs | anti-lock brake system (ABS) |
| 2012 Nova Bus Nova Lfs | anti-lock brake system (ABS) |
| 2011 Nova Bus Nova Lfs | anti-lock brake system (ABS) |
| 2010 Nova Bus Nova Lfs | anti-lock brake system (ABS) |
| 2008 Nova Bus Nova Lfs | anti-lock brake system (ABS) |
| 2007 Nova Bus Nova Lfs | anti-lock brake system (ABS) |
| Units affected | 796 |
A matching model year and model name does not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific bus is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the ABS control unit loses power and the warning light does not turn on, the driver loses the normal alert that ABS is not working. The brakes can lock unexpectedly when applied, increasing crash risk. Repair will be free at any franchised Nova Bus dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, or 2013 Nova Bus Lfs or Nova Lfs is included in this recall.
- Wait for Nova Bus repair instructions if the VIN result does not show an open repair path yet.
- Call Nova Bus customer service at 1-450-472-6410 with questions and reference recall number 14V380 (Nova Bus recall CR3200).
- Schedule the instrument-cluster software update that fixes the ABS malfunction light warning problem once Nova Bus confirms service instructions.
- Bring the recall notice if Nova Bus sent one, and tell the service desk the repair is for the ABS warning light software update.
What happens at the repair
Nova Bus describes the remedy as a free instrument cluster software update. Once the dealer repair is available, a Nova Bus technician updates the instrument cluster software so the ABS malfunction light can illuminate when the ABS control unit loses power. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. Ask the service desk to reference Nova Bus recall CR3200 and confirm whether the software campaign is open for your bus before bringing it in.
Timeline
| June 30, 2014 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 27, 2014 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 14V380?
Recall 14V380 covers 796 Nova Bus Lfs and Nova Lfs transit buses from 2004 and 2006-2013. A programming error in the vehicle control unit can keep the ABS malfunction light from turning on when the ABS control unit loses power. Nova Bus dealers will update the instrument cluster software for free.
What should I do if my 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 Nova Bus Lfs or Nova Lfs is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 14V380. If it is, contact a franchised Nova Bus dealer or Nova Bus customer service at 1-450-472-6410 to arrange the instrument cluster software update. Reference recall number 14V380 and Nova Bus recall number CR3200 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Nova Bus' recall remedy says dealers will update the instrument cluster software free of charge. The repair addresses the ABS warning light programming error, so an included bus needs the dealer software update even if the brakes feel normal during daily operation.
What is the safety risk in recall 14V380?
The risk is that the driver does not get an ABS malfunction warning after the ABS control unit loses power. If the driver is unaware that ABS is not working, the brakes can unexpectedly lock up under certain braking conditions, increasing crash risk.
What warning signs should I watch for?
The warning light is the problem in this recall. The ABS malfunction light fails to illuminate after the ABS control unit loses power, so the driver does not receive the expected dashboard warning. Check your VIN and schedule the free software update if the bus is included.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/14V380000 |
|---|---|
| Nova Bus customer service | 1-450-472-6410 |
| NHTSA recall # | 14V380 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 14V380000 |
Source documents
-
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 →