Recall 14V381 covers 734 2010-2014 Nova Bus Nova Lfs and Lfs buses for alternator cable arcing. Repair is free at any franchised Nova Bus dealer.
Nova Bus is recalling 734 2010-2014 Nova Lfs and Lfs transit buses because the terminal on the positive alternator cable can fracture and let the cable arc against nearby components. That arcing can result in an engine compartment fire, and the Nova Bus dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The alternator on 2010-2014 Nova Bus Nova Lfs and Lfs transit buses is part of the electrical charging system. It generates electrical power while the bus is running and keeps the battery and onboard electrical equipment supplied. The positive alternator cable carries that current away from the alternator through a metal terminal at the cable end.
On affected buses, that terminal can fracture. Once the terminal breaks, the positive cable is no longer held in its intended position. A loose high-current cable can arc against nearby components, which means electricity jumps across a gap instead of staying inside the cable connection. That arcing can damage nearby parts and create an electrical hazard.
There is no warning sign before failure. Operators and maintenance staff should treat this as a hidden electrical-cable problem, not a condition that announces itself with a dashboard warning first.
Who's affected?
Nova Lfs and Lfs appear as separate model labels across 2010-2014, with the same electrical system component listed for each.
| 2010 Nova Bus Nova Lfs | electrical system |
|---|---|
| 2011 Nova Bus Nova Lfs | electrical system |
| 2014 Nova Bus Lfs | electrical system |
| 2013 Nova Bus Lfs | electrical system |
| 2012 Nova Bus Nova Lfs | electrical system |
| Units affected | 734 |
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?
Arcing at the alternator cable can start an engine compartment fire. Treat this as an engine compartment fire risk, and arrange the recall inspection before returning the bus to regular service. The dealer checks the terminal and replaces it if damaged. Repair will be free at any franchised Nova Bus dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2010-2014 Nova Bus Nova Lfs or Lfs transit bus is included in this recall.
- Contact Nova Bus customer service at 1-450-472-6410 to confirm repair scheduling for recall number 14V381.
- Schedule the free alternator-cable terminal inspection and replacement if the terminal is damaged, which fixes the fracture point that can arc to nearby components.
- Bring the recall notice if Nova Bus mailed one, or give the dealer recall number 14V381 when you call.
- Keep the bus out of service if you see arcing, smoke, burning odor, or engine-compartment heat until Nova Bus service guidance is complete.
What happens at the repair
Nova Bus' remedy says owners were notified and dealers inspect the terminal on the positive alternator cable. If the terminal is damaged, a Nova Bus technician replaces it at no charge. The final dealer repair will be free once available, with parts and labor covered by the recall. Confirm scheduling with a Nova Bus service location before moving the bus for repair. The recall began August 29, 2014, under Nova Bus recall number CR3201.
Timeline
| June 30, 2014 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 29, 2014 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 14V381?
Recall 14V381 covers 734 2010-2014 Nova Bus LFS transit buses with a positive alternator cable terminal that can fracture. If the cable arcs to nearby components, an engine compartment fire can result. Nova Bus dealers will inspect the terminal and replace it if damaged for free.
What should I do if my 2010-2014 Nova Bus Nova Lfs or Lfs is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific transit bus is included in recall 14V381. If it is, contact a franchised Nova Bus dealer to schedule the alternator cable terminal inspection. Reference recall number 14V381 when you call. The inspection and covered replacement are free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair the defect at no cost, and Nova Bus says dealers will inspect the terminal and replace it if damaged free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for buses included in recall 14V381.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is an engine compartment fire. The affected positive alternator cable terminal can fracture, letting the cable arc to nearby components. If your VIN is included, arrange the free dealer inspection and covered replacement before returning the bus to regular service.
When did the Nova Bus recall repair begin?
Nova Bus began the recall repair on August 29, 2014. Because that date has passed, owners of included 2010-2014 Nova Bus LFS transit buses can contact a franchised Nova Bus dealer now and reference recall number 14V381 for the free inspection.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/14V381000 |
|---|---|
| Nova Bus customer service | 1-450-472-6410 |
| NHTSA recall # | 14V381 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 14V381000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation 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 →