Recall 18V511 affects 178 2012-2018 Gillig Low Floor buses for mismatched turn-signal flashing. Software reprogramming is free at any franchised Gillig dealer.
Gillig is recalling 178 2012-2018 Low Floor buses because the front and rear turn signals can flash at different rates. That mismatch can confuse other drivers about the bus's intended turn and increase crash risk; Gillig dealers will correct the turn-signal issue free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The turn signal system on 2012-2018 Gillig Low Floor buses tells other drivers when the bus is turning or changing lanes. The exterior lamps should flash in a matching pattern at the front and rear, while the pilot indicator on the driver's panel confirms that the signal is active.
On affected buses, the turn signal software was programmed so the front and rear signals do not flash at the same rate. The pilot indicator follows the front signals only, so the driver sees a normal indicator even when the rear signal pattern does not match. That mismatch can confuse nearby drivers about what the bus is doing.
There is no warning sign before failure. The issue is in the programmed flashing pattern, not a burned-out bulb or a switch that feels different to the driver.
Who's affected?
Covers the same turn signal component across seven model years.
| 2012 Gillig Low Floor | Turn signal |
|---|---|
| 2018 Gillig Low Floor | Turn signal |
| 2013 Gillig Low Floor | Turn signal |
| 2014 Gillig Low Floor | Turn signal |
| 2017 Gillig Low Floor | Turn signal |
| 2016 Gillig Low Floor | Turn signal |
| 2015 Gillig Low Floor | Turn signal |
| Units affected | 178 |
| 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?
Mismatched turn-signal flashing can make other drivers misread where the bus is headed, increasing the risk of a crash. Treat unusual exterior signal behavior as a reason to schedule service soon and use extra caution around turns and lane changes until the software repair is complete. Repair is free at any franchised Gillig dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2012-2018 Gillig Low Floor is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Gillig dealer to schedule the free turn-signal software update that corrects the mismatched front and rear flash rates.
- Bring the recall notice if Gillig mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V511 when you call.
- Use extra care when signaling turns until the software update is complete, since mismatched flashing can confuse other drivers.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Gillig technician reprograms the front and rear turn signals with new software so the lamps flash at the correct rate. The software update and labor are free under the recall. Gillig has a reimbursement plan for owners who already paid for a related turn signal repair. Bring invoices or payment records to the service desk, or contact Gillig customer service at 1-510-264-5073 or 1-800-735-1500 for claim instructions.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| August 9, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 15, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| August 15, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| August 30, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
| September 30, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V511?
Recall 18V511 covers 178 2012-2018 Gillig Low Floor buses with front and rear turn signals that can flash at different rates. That mismatch can confuse other drivers about the bus driver's intent and increase crash risk. Gillig dealers reprogram the turn signals with new software for free.
What should I do if my 2012-2018 Gillig Low Floor is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 18V511. If it is, contact a franchised Gillig dealer or Gillig customer service at 1-510-264-5073 to schedule the turn-signal software reprogramming. Reference recall 18V511 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to correct the defect at no cost. For recall 18V511, Gillig dealers reprogram the turn signals with new software free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is driver confusion around the bus's turn signal. If the front and rear signals flash at different rates, surrounding drivers can misread the bus driver's intended turn or lane change, increasing crash risk.
When did the Gillig Low Floor recall repair begin?
Gillig began the recall repair on August 30, 2018. A franchised Gillig dealer performs the repair by reprogramming the turn signals with new software, and Gillig lists customer service at 1-510-264-5073 for scheduling support.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V511000 |
|---|---|
| Gillig customer service | 1-510-264-5073 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V511 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V511000 |
Source documents
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 →