Recall 15V288 affects 455 2007-2012 Orion Vii transit buses because a crankcase vent elbow can detach and release oil near hot surfaces. Free repair at any franchised Orion dealer.
Orion is recalling 455 2007-2012 Vii natural gas-powered transit buses because excessive engine crankcase pressure can detach the vent tube elbow from the crankcase ventilation breather. If engine oil reaches hot surfaces, it can increase the risk of a vehicle fire; Orion dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The 2007-2012 Orion Vii natural gas bus uses an open crankcase ventilation breather on the engine. Its job is to filter most engine oil out of pressurized combustion gases that escape from the crankcase during normal operation. A vent tube assembly then routes those gases toward the bottom of the engine, away from hot engine surfaces.
On affected buses, excessive crankcase pressure can push the 90-degree elbow of that vent tube assembly off the breather exit tube. The attachment barbs on the breather exit tube do not hold the elbow securely enough under that pressure. Cummins identified cracked pistons as the predominant cause in known high-pressure incidents. Once the elbow detaches, oil from the breather path can reach hot surfaces.
Operators can see signs before the condition becomes more serious. High crankcase pressure can cause loss of engine power, an amber or red diagnostic warning light on the instrument cluster, or erratic engine operation.
Who's affected?
VINs have been searchable since June 16, 2015.
| 2008 Orion Vii | Engine |
|---|---|
| 2009 Orion Vii | Engine |
| 2007 Orion Vii | Engine |
| 2010 Orion Vii | Engine |
| 2011 Orion Vii | Engine |
| 2012 Orion Vii | Engine |
| Units affected | 455 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 7 field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific bus.
What's the safety risk?
Engine oil on hot engine surfaces increases the risk of a vehicle fire. High crankcase pressure can also bring loss of engine power, an amber or red diagnostic warning light, or erratic engine operation. Treat those signs as a reason to stop, move away from traffic, and arrange service soon. Repair is free at any franchised Orion dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2007-2012 Orion Vii is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Orion dealer to schedule the free vent-tube elbow securing and ECM software update that limits crankcase pressure and helps prevent engine oil from reaching hot surfaces.
- Bring the recall notice if Daimler Buses North America or Cummins mailed one. If not, reference recall number 15V288 when you call.
- Keep affected buses out of service if engine oil is found near hot surfaces, and ask the dealer for repair guidance before further operation.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Orion technician secures the ends of the 90-degree elbow on the crankcase ventilation vent tube assembly. The technician also reprograms the electronic control module (ECM) so the engine can reduce output during misfire conditions and limit crankcase pressure. Parts and labor are free under recall 15V288. DBNA has a general reimbursement plan on file for eligible out-of-pocket repairs paid before the owner notice. Bring dated repair invoices and payment documentation to the service desk.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| May 15, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 12, 2015 | Owner notification mailed |
| June 16, 2015 | Dealer notification began |
| June 16, 2015 | Dealer notification ended |
| June 16, 2015 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| June 16, 2015 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V288?
Recall 15V288 covers 455 2007-2012 Orion Vii natural gas transit buses with a crankcase ventilation tube issue. Excessive crankcase pressure can detach the 90-degree elbow, letting engine oil reach hot surfaces and increasing fire risk. Dealers secure the elbow and reprogram the ECM for free.
What should I do if my 2007-2012 Orion Vii is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 15V288. If it is, contact an authorized Orion dealer or service center to schedule the crankcase vent elbow repair and ECM software reprogramming. Reference recall 15V288 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to provide the recall repair at no cost, and the remedy states that these repairs are free. The dealer secures the 90-degree elbow and reprograms the electronic control module software.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is fire. If the crankcase ventilation elbow detaches, engine oil can contact hot engine surfaces and increase the risk of a vehicle fire. The repair secures the elbow and changes ECM software to limit crankcase pressure under misfire conditions.
When did the repair become available?
The recall repair began on June 12, 2015. For an included 2007-2012 Orion Vii, an authorized dealer or service center performs the repair at no cost by securing the vent tube elbow and reprogramming the ECM software.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V288000 |
|---|---|
| Orion customer service | 1-905-403-7807 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V288 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V288000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 1, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →