Recall 16V135 affects 863 2014-2016 Nova Bus Lfs and Lfs Artic buses for wiper-idler-arm failure. Repair is free at any franchised Nova Bus dealer.
Nova Bus is recalling 863 2014-2016 Lfs and Lfs Artic vehicles because the windshield wiper idler arm pin can strip and leave the wipers inoperative. If the wipers stop working, visibility drops and crash risk increases, so Nova Bus dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The windshield wiper linkage on 2014-2016 Nova Bus Lfs and Lfs Artic buses connects the wiper motor to the wiper arms. The idler arm is part of that linkage, and its pin holds the arm in position so the motor's motion turns into a clean sweep across the windshield. The system depends on that pin staying fixed while the wipers load and unload against rain, snow, and road spray.
On affected buses, the pin on the wiper idler arm can strip. Once the pin strips, the linkage loses its hold and the windshield wipers stop working as intended. Nova Bus reported that the root cause was still under evaluation, but the recalled design differs from the corrected design because a weld was added to secure the pin.
There is no warning sign before failure. The first sign for a driver is the wipers slowing, moving out of position, or becoming inoperative when they are needed.
Who's affected?
Covers both Lfs and Lfs Artic buses across the 2014, 2015, and 2016 model years, all tied to the wiper system.
| 2014 Nova Bus Lfs Artic | wiper system |
|---|---|
| 2015 Nova Bus Lfs Artic | wiper system |
| 2016 Nova Bus Lfs | wiper system |
| 2016 Nova Bus Lfs Artic | wiper system |
| 2014 Nova Bus Lfs | wiper system |
| 2015 Nova Bus Lfs | wiper system |
| Units affected | 863 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
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 windshield wipers stop working, rain, spray, or road grime can block the driver from seeing the road, increasing the risk of a crash. Pull over when visibility drops, then schedule the recall repair before returning the bus to wet weather service. Repair is free at any franchised Nova Bus dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2014-2016 Nova Bus Lfs Artic or Lfs is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Nova Bus dealer to schedule the free wiper-idler-arm replacement that restores windshield wiper operation.
- Reference recall number 16V135 and Nova Bus recall CR3601 when you call.
- Bring the recall notice if Nova Bus mailed one, and ask the dealer to confirm the windshield wiper linkage repair before service.
- Avoid trips that require windshield wiper use until the repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Nova Bus technician replaces the wiper idler arm that can strip and leave the windshield wipers inoperative. The recall repair is open now, and parts and labor are free. If you paid for a wiper idler arm repair before the recall notice, Nova Bus handles reimbursement case by case under the manufacturer's standard reimbursement plan. Keep repair orders and payment records, then contact Nova Bus customer service or ask the service desk how to submit the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| March 4, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 20, 2016 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| April 20, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| April 21, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V135?
Recall 16V135 covers 863 2014-2016 Nova Bus Lfs Artic and Lfs vehicles with a windshield-wiper linkage defect. The pin on the wiper idler arm can strip, causing the windshield wipers to stop working. Nova Bus dealers will replace the wiper idler arm for free.
What should I do if my 2014-2016 Nova Bus Lfs Artic or Lfs is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 16V135. If it is, contact a Nova Bus dealer to schedule the wiper idler arm replacement. Reference recall number 16V135 or Nova Bus recall number CR3601 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Nova Bus dealers will replace the wiper idler arm free of charge. The recall repair has been available since April 21, 2016.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced visibility if the windshield wipers stop working. A stripped idler arm pin can make the wipers inoperative, which decreases visibility and increases crash risk. If your VIN is included, arrange the free dealer repair before the vehicle returns to regular service.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V135000 |
|---|---|
| Nova Bus customer service | 1-800-350-6682 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V135 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V135000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (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 May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →