Recall 17V580 affects 160 2016 Ic Bus Cesb school buses for loose tie-rod hardware. Repair is free at any franchised Ic Bus dealer.
Ic Bus is recalling 160 2016 Cesb school buses equipped with certain Spicer D or E series steer axles because the castellated nut on the axle can be under-torqued, letting the tie rod loosen. A loose tie rod can disconnect from the steering knuckle and cause complete loss of steering; Ic 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 tie rod on the 2016 Ic Bus Cesb school bus is part of the steering linkage. It connects steering movement from the axle assembly to the front wheels so the wheels turn together when the driver turns the steering wheel. A castellated nut, often called a castle nut because of its slotted top, holds that tie rod connection tight on the steer axle.
On affected buses built with Spicer D or E series steer axles, the castellated nuts in the tie rods were not properly torqued during assembly. Torque is the specified tightness for a fastener. If the nut is not tight enough, the tie rod connection can loosen in the steer axle. The recall inspection checks the castle nut torque, corrects it where needed, and replaces damaged parts.
Before the problem reaches failure, the driver can hear a significant noise from the front steering area or feel looseness in the steering. Those are warning signs that the tie rod connection is no longer staying tight.
Who's affected?
| 2016 Ic Bus Cesb | tie rod (steering linkage) |
|---|---|
| 2016 Ic Bus Cesb | steering system |
| Units affected | 160 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific bus is included.
What's the safety risk?
A loose tie rod can disconnect from the steering knuckle, causing complete loss of steering and increasing the risk of a crash. Steering looseness or a loud warning sound is a reason to pull over safely and call the dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Ic Bus dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016 Ic Bus Cesb is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ic Bus dealer to schedule the free steer-axle nut and tie-rod torque inspection and tightening that keeps the tie rod secured.
- Bring the recall notice if Navistar mailed one. If not, reference recall number 17V580 when you call.
- Avoid unnecessary trips until the steer-axle nut and tie-rod repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Ic Bus technician inspects the castellated nut and tie rod on the steer axle, checks the torque, and tightens the hardware if it is loose. The inspection and any needed tightening are free under the recall. If you paid for this repair before the owner letter, the manufacturer's standard reimbursement plan applies. Follow the reimbursement instructions included with the customer notification, and keep repair paperwork that shows the work and payment.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| September 20, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 8, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
| November 17, 2017 | Dealer notification began |
| November 17, 2017 | Dealer notification ended |
| November 17, 2017 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| November 17, 2017 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V580?
Recall 17V580 covers 160 2016 Ic Bus Cesb school buses equipped with certain Spicer D or E series steer axles. The castellated nut on the steer axle was not properly torqued, allowing the tie rod to loosen. Ic Bus dealers inspect and tighten the nut and tie rod for free.
What should I do if my 2016 Ic Bus Cesb is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 17V580. If it is, contact a franchised Ic Bus dealer to schedule the steering inspection and torque correction. Reference recall number 17V580 and Navistar recall number 17508 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and the remedy says dealers inspect the castellated nut and tie rod, then tighten them as necessary, free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is a complete loss of steering if the tie rod loosens and disconnects from the steering knuckle. That failure increases crash risk. Confirm the VIN, then have a franchised Ic Bus dealer complete the free steering inspection and correction.
When did the recall repair become available?
The recall repair began on November 8, 2017. Because that date has passed, owners can contact a franchised Ic Bus dealer for the free inspection and tightening procedure. Navistar customer service is available at 1-331-332-1590.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V580000 |
|---|---|
| Ic Bus customer service | 1-331-332-1590 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V580 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V580000 |
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 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →