Recall 18V615 covers 386 2016-2018 New Flyer XDE40, XDE60, and XDE35 buses for pressure-switch failure. Repair is free through Allison service centers.
New Flyer is recalling 386 2016-2018 XDE40, XDE60, and XDE35 transit buses because pressure switches in certain Allison transmission hybrid drive units can fail and cause loss of drive. An unexpected loss of drive can disable the bus and increase crash risk, and New Flyer dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The Allison transmission hybrid drive unit on the 2016-2018 New Flyer XDE40, XDE60, and XDE35 buses helps move power from the diesel-electric system to the wheels. Inside that unit, C1 and C2 pressure switches confirm hydraulic pressure for the drive system. The bus depends on those switches to report pressure correctly so the transmission can keep drive engaged.
Under recall 18V615, the pressure switches were built with recycled resin material that did not match the required design. That material problem can cause the switches to fail inside certain hybrid drive units. If the switch signal is wrong or lost, the drive system can operate incorrectly and result in a loss of drive.
Before failure, the bus can set diagnostic trouble codes. Treat those codes as the warning sign and have New Flyer service review the hybrid drive unit serial number and pressure switch date code.
Who's affected?
Covers XDE35, XDE40, and XDE60 buses across the 2016-2018 model years, all tied to the automatic transmission.
| 2016 New Flyer XDE40 | automatic transmission |
|---|---|
| 2016 New Flyer XDE60 | automatic transmission |
| 2017 New Flyer XDE35 | automatic transmission |
| 2017 New Flyer XDE40 | automatic transmission |
| 2017 New Flyer XDE60 | automatic transmission |
| 2018 New Flyer XDE60 | automatic transmission |
| 2018 New Flyer XDE40 | automatic transmission |
| Units affected | 386 |
| 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?
Loss of drive can disable the vehicle unexpectedly and increase the risk of a crash. Watch for diagnostic trouble codes, and have codes checked before the bus returns to regular service. Schedule the recall repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised New Flyer dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016-2018 New Flyer XDE40, XDE60, or XDE35 bus is included in this recall.
- Contact New Flyer customer service at 1-204-224-6706 to schedule the free Allison Transmission service-center repair.
- Ask where to send the bus for the C1 and C2 pressure-switch replacement that fixes the loss-of-drive risk.
- Bring the recall notice if New Flyer sent one. If not, reference recall number 18V615 when you call.
- Remove the bus from service if it loses drive before the repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the approved service center, the C1 and C2 pressure switches on the Allison Transmission hybrid drive unit are replaced. That work addresses the switch failure tied to loss of drive in campaign 18V615. The replacement is free under the recall, with parts and labor covered. New Flyer customer service can confirm which Allison Transmission service center handles the bus and can help match the repair to recall number R18-014.
Timeline
| September 12, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 17, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| September 17, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| September 17, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| September 25, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V615?
Recall 18V615 covers 386 2016-2018 New Flyer XDE40, XDE60, and XDE35 transit buses equipped with certain Allison hybrid drive units. The C1 and C2 pressure switches can fail, causing loss of drive. Allison Transmission service centers replace the switches for free.
What should I do if my 2016-2018 New Flyer XDE40, XDE60, or XDE35 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 18V615. If it is, contact New Flyer customer service or an Allison Transmission service center to schedule replacement of the C1 and C2 pressure switches. Reference recall number 18V615 when you call.
Does the recall repair cost anything?
No. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and New Flyer's remedy states that Allison Transmission service centers will replace the C1 and C2 pressure switches free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is unexpected loss of drive. If the hybrid drive unit loses drive while the bus is in service, the bus can become disabled unexpectedly, increasing crash risk. The repair replaces the pressure switches tied to that failure path.
When did the repair become available?
The recall repair began on September 25, 2018. Since the remedy is available, included buses can be scheduled for C1 and C2 pressure switch replacement through the New Flyer or Allison Transmission service path listed for recall 18V615.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V615000 |
|---|---|
| New Flyer customer service | 1-204-224-6706 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V615 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V615000 |
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 →