Recall 16V702 affects 41 2017 Mci J4500 motorcoaches for missing low-air-pressure brake warnings. Repair is free at any franchised Mci dealer.
Mci is recalling 41 2017 J4500 motorcoaches because a multiplexing programming error can leave drivers without visual or audible warning when the primary service brake air reservoir has low pressure. Without that warning, the brakes can apply automatically and increase crash risk; Mci dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The 2017 Mci J4500 uses an air brake system, which stores compressed air in brake reservoirs and uses that pressure to apply the service brakes. The coach also uses a multiplexing system, a computer network that lets vehicle modules share signals and turn warnings on when a monitored condition needs driver attention.
In the affected coaches, the multiplexing system has a coding error tied to the primary service brake air reservoir. When that reservoir reaches a low-pressure condition, the program does not trigger the normal audible chime or visible warning for the driver. The brake air system still has a dashboard pressure gauge, but the missing alert removes the extra warning the standard requires.
The driver should still see the air pressure gauge in the dashboard area show a low-pressure condition. That gauge reading is the warning sign to watch for, even when the audible and visible low-air alerts do not activate.
Who's affected?
| 2017 Mci J4500 | brake system |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 41 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 1 field incident 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?
Low air pressure in the service brake system can trigger automatic brake application if the driver does not recognize the condition, increasing crash risk. The dashboard air pressure gauge is the warning sign for low pressure, so treat that warning as a reason to stop and contact the dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Mci dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017 Mci J4500 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mci dealer to schedule the free multiplexing-system software correction that restores low-air-pressure brake warnings.
- Bring the recall notice if Mci mailed one. If not, reference recall number 16V702 when you call.
- Ask the dealer to confirm the service brake air reservoir warning system works after the software update.
- Use extra caution until the repair is complete, since the brake system can apply automatically when low air pressure is not shown to the driver.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mci technician corrects the multiplexing system programming so the coach can provide visual and audible warnings for low pressure in the primary service brake air reservoir system. The software correction and labor are free under the recall. If you already paid for this software correction before the recall notice, Mci's standard reimbursement plan covers documented expenses. Contact Mci customer service with your prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| September 30, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 7, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
| October 7, 2016 | Dealer notification ended |
| October 7, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| October 18, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V702?
Recall 16V702 covers 41 2017 Mci J4500 motorcoaches with a multiplexing programming error in the air-brake warning system. If service-brake air pressure is low, the vehicle does not provide the required visual or audible warning. Mci dealers will correct the programming for free.
What should I do if my 2017 Mci J4500 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorcoach is included in recall 16V702. If it is, contact a franchised Mci dealer to schedule the multiplexing system programming correction. Reference recall number 16V702 and Mci recall number SB 439 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Mci dealers will correct the multiplexing system programming free of charge, and Mci customer service is available at 1-800-241-2947 for recall SB 439.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is automatic brake application when the driver is unaware of low service-brake air pressure. That condition increases crash risk. If your VIN is included in recall 16V702, arrange the free programming correction with a franchised Mci dealer.
What warning signs should I watch for?
This recall is about a missing low-air-pressure warning. If the programming error is present, the normal visual and audible warnings for low service-brake air pressure do not alert the driver. The dealer repair corrects the multiplexing programming so the warning system works as required.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V702000 |
|---|---|
| Mci customer service | 1-800-241-2947 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V702 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V702000 |
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 May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →