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Campaign 19V027 Posted January 7, 2019 2,089 units

1997-2015 Mci Coach Recall 19V027: Steering Lock

RN
Reviewed by the RecallNotify editorial team
Published May 25, 2026

Recall 19V027 covers 2,089 1997-2015 Mci 102EL3, E4500, and J4500 coaches for tag-axle steering lock. Repair will be free once available.

Mci is recalling 2,089 1997-2015 102EL3, E4500, and J4500 coaches equipped with a hydraulic rear axle steering system because low pressure and axle alignment can lock the steering system at highway speeds. Loss of steering control can raise crash risk, and the Mci dealer repair will be free once available.

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What's wrong?

The hydraulic rear axle steering system on affected 1997-2015 Mci 102EL3, E4500, and J4500 coaches helps the tag axle track with the coach instead of fighting the turn. The tag axle is the rear support axle, and its steering system uses hydraulic pressure to keep that axle aligned and stable as the coach moves.

The recall condition centers on tag axle alignment and low hydraulic pressure in the rear axle steering system. Mci believes loss of steering control occurs when the tag axle does not have positive caster and hydraulic pressure is low. Together, those conditions allow the tag axle to shimmy after certain road inputs. That shimmy can lock the steering system until the coach is stopped, including at highway speeds.

The dashboard has a low pressure warning light for the rear axle steering system. If that light comes on, treat it as the warning sign and contact a Mci dealer before the coach returns to service.

Who's affected?

Spans the 102EL3, E4500, and J4500 bus lines across model years 1997-2015, all tied to the power steering system.

1999 Mci 102EL3 power steering system
2008 Mci 102EL3 power steering system
1998 Mci 102EL3 power steering system
1997 Mci 102EL3 power steering system
2013 Mci 102EL3 power steering system
Units affected2,089

A matching model year and Mci model does not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific bus is included.

What's the safety risk?

A loss of steering control raises the risk of a crash. The dashboard low pressure warning light is the sign to take seriously. If it turns on, pull over when safe and call the dealer before more travel. Repair will be free at any franchised Mci dealer once available.

What should I do?

  1. Check your VIN to confirm your 1997-2015 Mci 102EL3, E4500, or J4500 coach is included in this recall.
  2. Use Mci's owner letter, mailed on May 14, 2021, for repair instructions before scheduling service.
  3. Call Mci customer service at 1-800-241-2947 with questions and reference recall number 19V027.
  4. Ask a franchised Mci service location about the free axle-alignment inspection and repair that addresses the tag-axle steering lock risk.
  5. Drive with extra caution until the repair is complete, especially at highway speeds where loss of steering control is the stated risk.

What happens at the repair

Because the final remedy is still under development, do not assume the dealer can complete the final repair today. Once the repair opens, a Mci technician will inspect the hydraulic tag axle steering system, check axle alignment, and repair the alignment as necessary. The final dealer repair will be free once available. Mci has a general reimbursement plan on file for this recall. If you already paid for axle alignment or steering related work tied to this condition, contact Mci customer service about documented expenses before your service visit.

ReimbursementReimbursement available

Timeline

January 7, 2019 NHTSA published the recall
January 31, 2019 Dealer notification began
January 31, 2019 Dealer notification ended
January 31, 2019 Interim owner notification (was planned for this date)
May 14, 2021 Owner notification mailed

Frequently asked questions

What is recall 19V027?

Recall 19V027 covers 2,089 1997-2015 Mci 102EL3, E4500, and J4500 coaches with hydraulic tag-axle steering systems. Axle alignment and low hydraulic pressure can lock the steering system at highway speeds, increasing crash risk. Mci will inspect and repair axle alignment for free.

What should I do if my 1997-2015 Mci 102EL3, E4500, or J4500 is on this recall?

Check your VIN to confirm your specific coach is included in recall 19V027. If it is, contact Mci customer service at 1-800-241-2947 or a franchised Mci service location and reference recall SB 469. Ask for the hydraulic tag-axle steering inspection and any needed alignment repair.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Mci will inspect the rear axle alignment and complete the needed repair free of charge for coaches included in recall 19V027.

What is the safety risk?

The safety risk is loss of steering control. On affected coaches, the hydraulic rear tag-axle steering system can lock because of axle alignment and low hydraulic pressure conditions. NHTSA campaign 19V027 says loss of steering control increases crash risk.

When were owners notified about recall 19V027?

Mci issued an interim owner notification on March 26, 2019, and mailed owner notification letters on May 14, 2021. If you bought the coach used or never received a letter, check your VIN and reference recall SB 469 when you contact Mci.

More information

NHTSA campaign pagenhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/19V027000
Mci customer service1-800-241-2947
NHTSA recall #19V027
NHTSA recall # (full)19V027000

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 →