Recall 18V117 affects 24 2013 Nova Bus Lfs buses for PEX heating-system fittings that can leak hot coolant. Nova Bus dealers repair it free.
Nova Bus is recalling 24 2013 Lfs transit buses because a transmission oil cooler failure can let transmission fluid mix with coolant in the passenger heating system. That fluid exposure can degrade PEX connectors and let hot coolant leak into the passenger area, increasing injury risk; Nova Bus dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The transmission oil cooler on the 2013 Nova Bus Lfs is a heat exchanger that helps control transmission temperature. It moves heat from the transmission fluid into the engine coolant circuit, so the transmission stays within its normal operating range during transit service. On these buses, that same coolant circuit also feeds the passenger compartment heating system.
If the transmission oil cooler fails, transmission fluid enters the coolant instead of staying in its own sealed path. That contaminated coolant then circulates through the heater lines inside the bus. The transmission fluid attacks the PEX heating-system connectors, which are plastic fittings that join coolant lines. Once those connectors degrade, hot coolant leaks into the passenger area.
There is no warning sign before failure. The first clear sign is hot coolant in the passenger compartment, so this is not a problem an operator can count on catching early.
Who's affected?
| 2013 Nova Bus Lfs | Cooling system |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 24 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
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?
Leaking coolant can reach passengers and increase the risk of injury. If coolant is seen or smelled near the passenger area, keep riders away from the leak and arrange dealer service soon. Repair is free at any franchised Nova Bus dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013 Nova Bus Lfs is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Nova Bus dealer to schedule the free PEX-to-brass fitting replacement that addresses hot coolant leaking into the passenger area.
- Bring the recall notice if Nova Bus mailed one, and reference recall number 18V117 when you call.
- Call Nova Bus customer service at 1-800-350-6682 with questions about Nova Bus recall CR4226.
- Avoid carrying passengers if hot coolant is leaking into the passenger area before the repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Nova Bus technician replaces the PEX fittings in the passenger compartment heating system with brass fittings. The recall repair is free, including parts and labor. This repair addresses fittings that can degrade after exposure to transmission fluid in the coolant circuit, which can let hot coolant leak into the passenger area. Nova Bus' standard reimbursement plan covers documented repairs paid before the recall notice. If your transit agency already paid for the same fitting repair, bring invoices or repair records to the service desk and ask how to submit them under that plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| February 17, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 6, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
| April 13, 2018 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| April 13, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V117?
Recall 18V117 covers 24 2013 Nova Bus Lfs transit buses equipped with transmission oil coolers. If an oil cooler fails, transmission fluid can mix with coolant in the passenger-compartment heating system, degrade PEX connectors, and lead to hot coolant leaking into the passenger area.
What should I do if my 2013 Nova Bus Lfs is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 18V117. If it is, contact a Nova Bus dealer to schedule replacement of the PEX fittings with brass fittings. Reference recall number 18V117 or Nova Bus recall CR4226 when you call.
Does the recall repair cost anything?
No. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost. Nova Bus dealers will replace the affected PEX fittings with brass fittings free of charge under recall 18V117.
What is the safety risk in recall 18V117?
The safety risk is hot coolant leaking into the passenger area. Nova Bus reported that leaking coolant can contact passengers and increase injury risk. The free dealer repair replaces the vulnerable PEX fittings with brass fittings.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V117000 |
|---|---|
| Nova Bus customer service | 1-800-350-6682 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V117 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V117000 |
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 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →