Recall 18V829 affects 337 2013-2018 Nova Bus Lfs Artic transit buses for ACU software reducing stability. Free repair at franchised Nova Bus dealers.
Nova Bus is recalling 337 2013-2018 Lfs Artic transit buses because an engine fault code can put the vehicle into zero velocity operation and reduce dampening, which reduces stability. Loss of vehicle stability increases crash risk, and Nova Bus dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The articulating turntable on the 2013-2018 Nova Bus Lfs Artic is the joint that lets the long transit bus bend between its sections. A dampener control unit manages resistance at that joint, so the bus stays stable as speed and steering inputs change.
On affected buses, an engine fault code sends the wrong speed information to that control unit. The unit reads the bus as operating at zero velocity, so the turntable dampening is not applied as intended. With less dampening at the articulation joint, the bus has reduced stability, especially when speed makes joint movement harder to control.
There is no warning sign before failure. The remedy adds software that alerts the driver when an articulation unit issue is present, but that warning comes from the updated software, not from the original defect.
Who's affected?
Spans 6 model years of the Lfs Artic, all tied to electrical system software.
| 2016 Nova Bus Lfs Artic | electrical system software |
|---|---|
| 2013 Nova Bus Lfs Artic | electrical system software |
| 2014 Nova Bus Lfs Artic | electrical system software |
| 2015 Nova Bus Lfs Artic | electrical system software |
| 2017 Nova Bus Lfs Artic | electrical system software |
| 2018 Nova Bus Lfs Artic | electrical system software |
| Units affected | 337 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2013-2018 Nova Bus Lfs Artic bus is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific bus is included.
What's the safety risk?
A loss of vehicle stability raises the risk of a crash. If your VIN is included, schedule the software update soon and ask the dealer whether the bus needs any operating restrictions before the appointment. Repair is free at any franchised Nova Bus dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013-2018 Nova Bus Lfs Artic is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Nova Bus dealer to schedule the free Hubner ACU software update that addresses the fault-code condition tied to reduced vehicle stability.
- Bring the recall notice if Nova Bus mailed one. Reference recall number 18V829 and Nova Bus recall CR4422 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the software update is complete, and remove the bus from service if stability problems appear.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Nova Bus technician updates the Hubner ACU software so the control unit has the corrected programming covered by the recall. The software update and labor are free under the recall. Nova Bus has a general reimbursement plan on file for owners who already paid for a related repair before the recall notice. Bring repair invoices and payment records to the service desk, or contact Nova Bus customer service at 1-800-350-6682 to ask how to submit documentation.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| November 26, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 6, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
| December 21, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| December 21, 2018 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| December 21, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V829?
Recall 18V829 covers 337 2013-2018 Nova Bus Lfs Artic transit buses with engine software fault code behavior that can reduce vehicle stability. Nova Bus dealers will update the Hubner ACU software for free.
What should I do if my 2013-2018 Nova Bus Lfs Artic is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm the bus is included in recall 18V829. If it is, contact a franchised Nova Bus dealer to schedule the Hubner ACU software update. Reference recall number 18V829 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to perform recall repairs at no cost. Nova Bus dealers will update the Hubner ACU software free of charge, and Nova Bus customer service can be reached at 1-800-350-6682.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced vehicle stability. The recall says an engine fault code can cause the bus to operate at zero velocity and reduce dampening, which increases crash risk if vehicle stability is lost.
When did the recall repair begin?
The recall repair began December 6, 2018. Nova Bus dealers have the remedy available and will update the Hubner ACU software free of charge for included 2013-2018 Nova Bus Lfs Artic transit buses.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V829000 |
|---|---|
| Nova Bus customer service | 1-800-350-6682 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V829 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V829000 |
Source documents
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Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (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 →