Recall 18V223 affects 197 2018 Mci J4500 coaches for left taillight wiring contact that disables the lamp. Repair is free at any franchised Mci dealer.
Mci is recalling 197 2018 J4500 coaches because the left rear taillight harness branch can contact the engine coolant tank and cut power to the left taillight. A dark left taillight reduces visibility to other drivers and increases crash risk; Mci dealers will repair the wiring free of charge.
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What's wrong?
On the 2018 Mci J4500, the left rear taillight harness branch is the section of wiring that carries power and signals to the rear lamp. That lamp helps drivers behind the coach see it from the rear when the lights are on. The wiring has to stay clear of nearby engine compartment parts so the insulation stays intact.
On recalled coaches, the harness routing leaves too little clearance around the engine coolant surge tank, the tank that holds extra coolant as the engine heats and cools. The harness rubs against the tank. That chafing damages the wire insulation and creates a short, which can cut electrical power to the left rear taillight.
Before the taillight loses power, the low coolant indicator can flash on the driver instrument panel. The coach's multiplex system can also show a short in the tail lamp wiring.
Who's affected?
This recall names tail lights and wiring for the same coach model.
| 2018 Mci J4500 | Tail lights |
|---|---|
| 2018 Mci J4500 | wiring |
| Units affected | 197 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 2 field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific bus is included.
What's the safety risk?
A failed left taillight makes the coach less visible to other drivers and increases the risk of a crash. Watch for a flashing low coolant indicator or a MUX warning for a short in the tail lamp wiring, then schedule the inspection promptly. Repair is free at any franchised Mci dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018 Mci J4500 is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Mci dealer to schedule the free left-taillight wiring-harness inspection and repair that restores power to the left taillight.
- Bring the recall notice if Mci mailed one. Reference recall number 18V223 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Confirm the left rear taillight works before each trip.
- Avoid driving after dark if the left taillight is out, and ask the dealer about the safest way to bring in the coach.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mci technician inspects the left taillight wiring harness branch in the engine compartment. The technician reroutes the harness away from the engine coolant tank and repairs wiring damage as needed. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. Mci has a general reimbursement plan on file for owners who already paid for a related repair before the recall notice. If that applies to you, contact Mci customer service and ask how to submit repair documentation under that plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| April 9, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 23, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
| April 27, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| April 27, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| April 27, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V223?
Recall 18V223 covers 197 2018 Mci J4500 coaches with a left rear taillight wiring harness branch that can contact the engine coolant tank and cut power to the left taillight. Reduced rear visibility increases crash risk. Mci dealers inspect, re-route, and repair the harness for free.
What should I do if my 2018 Mci J4500 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific coach is included in recall 18V223. If it is, contact a franchised Mci dealer to schedule inspection of the left taillight wiring harness. Reference recall number 18V223 and Mci service bulletin SB 461 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Mci says dealers will inspect the left taillight wiring harness, re-route it, and repair it as needed free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced visibility to drivers behind the coach. If the left taillight loses power, other drivers have less warning of the coach's position or movement, increasing crash risk. The repair restores proper harness routing and taillight power.
When did the Mci J4500 recall repair start?
The recall repair began on April 23, 2018. Mci owners can contact a franchised Mci dealer or Mci customer service at 1-800-241-2947 to schedule the free inspection and wiring harness repair.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V223000 |
|---|---|
| Mci customer service | 1-800-241-2947 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V223 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V223000 |
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 →