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Campaign 20V233 Posted April 27, 2020 2,272 units

2014-2019 Mci J4500/J3500 Recall 20V233: Brake Hose

RN
Reviewed by the RecallNotify editorial team
Published May 23, 2026

Recall 20V233 affects 2,272 2014-2019 Mci J4500 and J3500 motor coaches for brake hoses that can leak. Repair is free at any franchised Mci dealer.

Mci is recalling 2,272 2014-2019 J4500 and J3500 motor coaches because the brake hoses can crack or fail and leak air. A leaking hose delays front brake actuation, lengthens stopping distance, and increases crash risk; Mci dealers will repair the brake hoses free of charge.

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What's wrong?

The brake hose assembly on 2014-2019 Mci J4500 and J3500 motor coaches is part of the air brake system. It carries pressurized air through flexible hose to the front brakes, so the brakes respond when the driver applies the pedal. Because the front suspension moves as the coach rides over the road, the hose has to flex without being pulled into a sharp shape.

On these coaches, the hose routing and middle clamp orientation place extra load on the front brake hose during suspension movement. That routing can create an S bend in the hose. Over use, the hose can crack or fail and let air leak from the brake system. The repair changes the clamp position to reduce that loading on the hose.

An owner or driver can hear the warning sign when the coach is stopped and the brakes are applied. Listen for air leaking from the brake hose area while the brakes are actuated.

Who's affected?

Spans the J4500 across 2014-2019 and the J3500 across 2018-2019, all tied to the brake hose assembly in the air brake system.

2015 Mci J4500 brake system
2014 Mci J4500 brake system
2014 Mci J4500 brake system
2015 Mci J4500 brake system
2016 Mci J4500 brake system
Units affected2,272

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 leaking brake hose delays front brake actuation, lengthens stopping distance, and increases crash risk. A leak can be heard when the vehicle is stopped and the brakes are applied, so schedule inspection promptly if you hear that sound. Repair is free at any franchised Mci dealer.

What should I do?

  1. Check your VIN to confirm your 2014-2019 Mci J4500 or J3500 motor coach is included in this recall.
  2. Contact a franchised Mci dealer to schedule the brake-hose inspection and any needed hose replacement for cracked, leaking, or damaged air-brake hoses.
  3. Reference recall number 20V233 and Mci recall SB 481 when you call.
  4. Ask Mci customer service at 1-800-241-2947 how inspection reimbursement is handled if you already paid for the inspection.
  5. Drive cautiously until the inspection and any hose replacement are complete. Leave extra following distance because a leaking hose increases stopping distance.

What happens at the repair

At the dealer, an Mci technician inspects the brake hoses for cracks, leaks, or other damage. Any hose that is leaking or damaged is replaced with parts Mci provides at no cost. The recall repair is available now, and the needed replacement parts are free. Mci also reimburses owners for the inspection cost. Keep the inspection invoice and related paperwork, then contact Mci customer service or the service desk to claim that reimbursement under recall SB 481.

ReimbursementReimbursement available

Timeline

April 27, 2020 NHTSA published the recall
May 15, 2020 Dealer notification began
May 15, 2020 Dealer notification ended
May 15, 2020 Interim owner notification (was planned for this date)
June 26, 2020 Owner notification mailed

Frequently asked questions

What is recall 20V233?

Recall 20V233 covers 2,272 2014-2019 Mci J4500 and J3500 motor coaches with brake hoses that can crack, fail, or leak air. A leak can delay front brake actuation, increase stopping distance, and raise crash risk. Mci will cover inspection reimbursement and needed replacement parts.

What should I do if my 2014-2019 Mci J4500 or J3500 is on this recall?

Check your VIN to confirm your specific motor coach is included in recall 20V233. If it is, contact Mci customer service at 1-800-241-2947 and reference recall SB 481. Arrange the brake-hose inspection and any needed hose replacement through Mci service guidance.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to correct safety defects at no cost, and Mci will provide needed replacement parts free of charge. Mci also says owners will be reimbursed for the cost of the brake-hose inspection tied to recall 20V233.

What is the safety risk?

The safety risk is delayed front brake actuation from an air leak in a cracked or failed brake hose. That delay can increase stopping distance and raise crash risk. If the coach shows signs of air loss or brake problems, stop using it and arrange service guidance through Mci.

What if I already paid for a brake-hose inspection on my Mci coach?

Mci says it will reimburse owners for the cost of the inspection under this recall. Keep the invoice, repair order, and proof of payment, then contact Mci customer service at 1-800-241-2947 and reference recall SB 481 to start the reimbursement request.

More information

NHTSA campaign pagenhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V233000
Mci customer service1-800-241-2947
NHTSA recall #20V233
NHTSA recall # (full)20V233000

Source documents

This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →