Recall 16V697 covers 39 2016 Eldorado Axess buses with insufficient axle grease that can cause bearing failure. Do not drive. Free dealer repair once available.
A failing wheel bearing can create noise and vibration at the wheel ends and increase the risk of a crash. Do not drive this vehicle, including short trips, until the recall remedy is complete. If it has to move, arrange towing through the dealer. Repair will be free at any franchised Eldorado dealer once available.
Eldorado is recalling 39 2016 Axess transit buses under recall 16V697 because wheel-end axle grease is insufficient, which can lead to bearing failure. Bearing failure can increase crash risk. Do not drive an included bus until the free dealer repair becomes available.
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What's wrong?
The rear axle on the 2016 Eldorado Axess carries drive force to the rear wheels and supports the wheel-end hardware that lets each wheel turn smoothly. Inside each wheel end, bearings sit between moving metal surfaces. Grease keeps those bearings coated so heat and friction stay under control while the bus is moving.
On affected Axess buses, the rear axle wheel bearings were built with too little grease after a supplier process change. Without enough lubrication, the bearing runs hotter and wears faster than designed. Damage can spread to the wheel-end bearings, hub spindle, and spline nuts, and that damage can lead to loss of vehicle control.
An owner or operator can hear noise from the wheel ends as the bearing gets worse. Vibration from the wheel ends is also a warning sign that the bearing damage is progressing.
Who's affected?
| 2016 Eldorado Axess | drive axle |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 39 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2016 Eldorado Axess bus is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific bus is included.
What's the safety risk?
A failing wheel bearing can create noise and vibration at the wheel ends and increase the risk of a crash. Do not drive this vehicle, including short trips, until the recall remedy is complete. If it has to move, arrange towing through the dealer. Repair will be free at any franchised Eldorado dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016 Eldorado Axess is included in this recall.
- Do not drive the bus until Eldorado or a franchised Eldorado dealer completes the axle wheel-end inspection and grease service.
- Arrange a tow if the bus has to be moved to the dealer; do not drive it there yourself.
- Contact a franchised Eldorado dealer about the free wheel-bearing inspection and grease service that addresses insufficient grease at the axle wheel ends.
- Reference recall number 16V697 when you call, and bring the Eldorado owner notice if you received one.
What happens at the repair
The remedy calls for an Eldorado technician to inspect the wheel bearings and add grease where needed. Because the current remedy status is not marked available, treat the final dealer repair as free once Eldorado opens it for your VIN. Eldorado also advised that buses with the affected axles be removed from operation until the recall repair is complete. For prior out-of-pocket repair costs tied to this wheel-bearing issue, Eldorado's general reimbursement plan covers documented expenses. Keep repair paperwork and ask Eldorado customer service how to submit it under campaign 16V697.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| September 27, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 28, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
| October 7, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
| October 7, 2016 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| October 7, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| November 7, 2016 | Dealer notification ended |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V697?
Recall 16V697 covers 39 2016 Eldorado Axess transit buses with axles that lacked enough grease at the wheel ends. That condition can lead to wheel bearing failure and raise crash risk. Do not drive affected buses until the recall repair is complete.
What should I do if my 2016 Eldorado Axess is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific bus is included in recall 16V697. If it is, do not drive the bus. Contact an Eldorado dealer or Eldorado customer service at 1-909-591-9557 and ask how to arrange the free wheel bearing inspection and grease repair.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Eldorado dealers will inspect the wheel bearings and add grease as needed free of charge under recall 16V697.
What does 'do not drive' mean for this Eldorado Axess recall?
Do not drive means the affected bus should be removed from operation until the recall repair is finished. Eldorado advised that vehicles with the affected axles stay out of service because wheel bearing failure can raise crash risk.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V697000 |
|---|---|
| Eldorado customer service | 1-909-591-9557 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V697 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V697000 |
Source documents
-
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 May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →