Recall 16V451 affects 112 2012-2016 Gillig Low Floor vehicles because rear brake lights can flash inadvertently. Software update is free at any franchised Gillig dealer.
Gillig is recalling 112 2012-2016 Low Floor diesel-electric hybrid buses because the stop-lamp system can flash the rear brake lights when it should not. Flashing brake lights can confuse other drivers and increase crash risk; Gillig dealers will correct the stop-lamp activation free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The rear stop lamps on 2012-2016 Gillig Low Floor diesel-electric hybrid buses are part of the exterior lighting system. They tell traffic behind the bus when the service brakes are applied and when regenerative braking is slowing the bus. That signal is supposed to stay steady so following drivers get a clear brake warning.
On affected buses, the issue starts when the regenerative braking disable switch is engaged while the ignition is on. The BAE hybrid drive system rapidly modulates a signal used by the driver's light panel and the stop lamp circuit. That makes the rear stop lamps flash rapidly instead of staying on with steady illumination, which is the brake-lamp requirement referenced in NHTSA campaign 16V451.
A driver can see the warning inside the bus. The rear stop lamps flash rapidly, and the "AUX BRAKE APPLIED" and "BRAKES" telltales on the driver's light panel flash rapidly as well.
Who's affected?
Spans the 2012-2016 Low Floor buses, all involving the brake light system.
| 2012 Gillig Low Floor | Brake lights |
|---|---|
| 2015 Gillig Low Floor | Brake lights |
| 2016 Gillig Low Floor | Brake lights |
| 2013 Gillig Low Floor | Brake lights |
| 2014 Gillig Low Floor | Brake lights |
| Units affected | 112 |
| 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 this recall applies to your specific bus.
What's the safety risk?
Rapidly flashing brake lights can confuse drivers behind the vehicle and increase the risk of a crash. If the rear stop lamps, "AUX BRAKE APPLIED," or "BRAKES" telltales flash rapidly, schedule service soon and drive cautiously until the software update is installed. Repair is free at any franchised Gillig dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2012-2016 Gillig Low Floor is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Gillig dealer to schedule the free software update that corrects the stop-lamp activation and rear brake light flashing.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it, and reference recall number 16V451 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the update is complete because flashing brake lights can confuse other drivers.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Gillig technician installs a new software update to correct the stop lamp activation issue that caused the rear brake lights to flash inadvertently. The update and labor are free under recall 16V451. Gillig has a general reimbursement plan on file for owners who paid out of pocket for this repair before the recall notice. Contact Gillig customer service or bring documentation to the service desk so they can explain how to submit the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| June 21, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 24, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
| June 24, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| July 1, 2016 | Dealer notification ended |
| July 1, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V451?
Recall 16V451 covers 112 2012-2016 Gillig Low Floor diesel-electric hybrid buses with stop lamp software that can make the rear brake lights flash when they should not. That lighting defect fails FMVSS No. 108 and increases crash risk. Gillig dealers install a software update for free.
What should I do if my 2012-2016 Gillig Low Floor is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 16V451. If it is, contact a Gillig dealer or Gillig customer service at 1-800-735-1500 to schedule the stop lamp software update. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to fix the defect at no cost, and Gillig's remedy says dealers will install the new software update free of charge. Ask the dealer to reference recall 16V451 when setting up the repair.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is driver confusion behind the bus. If the rear brake lights flash unexpectedly, other drivers can misread whether the bus is braking, increasing the risk of a crash. The free software update corrects the stop lamp activation problem.
What if I bought this Gillig Low Floor used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific bus is included, then contact a Gillig dealer or Gillig customer service with recall number 16V451.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V451000 |
|---|---|
| Gillig customer service | 1-800-735-1500 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V451 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V451000 |
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 →