Recall 20V394 affects 58 2018, 2020 Setra S407 Cc and S417 Tc coaches for engine-flap weld failure. Free repair at any franchised Setra dealer.
Setra is recalling 58 2018, 2020 S407 Cc and S417 Tc passenger coaches because weak welds on the engine compartment flap hinges can let the flap detach while the coach is moving. A detached flap can become a projectile and increase crash risk; Setra dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
On the 2018, 2020 Setra S407 Cc and S417 Tc coaches, the engine compartment flap is the rear body panel that opens for access to the engine bay. Its hinges hold that flap to the coach so it stays aligned when opened and stays attached when closed. Those hinges depend on the specified welds to keep the outer frame and hinge connection tied together.
Setra found that a change to the flap's outer frame required an additional weld at the hinges. On affected coaches, that added weld was left off in some builds. Without the full weld, stress concentrates at the hinge area, cracking can start, and the hinge connection can fail. If that happens, the engine compartment flap can detach from the coach.
A close inspection of the engine compartment flap hinges can show cracking. Other than that inspection finding, there is no warning sign before failure.
Who's affected?
Both models list body structure as the affected area, with hood-hinge attachments called out separately.
| 2018 Setra S407 Cc | body structure |
|---|---|
| 2018 Setra S407 Cc | body structure |
| 2020 Setra S417 Tc | body structure |
| 2020 Setra S417 Tc | body structure |
| Units affected | 58 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
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?
If the engine compartment flap separates while the coach is moving, it can become a projectile and increase crash risk. Cracking in the flap hinges is visible only with close inspection; otherwise there is no advance warning. Schedule the inspection and repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Setra dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018, 2020 Setra S407 Cc or S417 Tc passenger coach is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Setra dealer to schedule the free engine-compartment-flap hinge weld inspection, with rewelding or flap replacement if needed.
- Bring the owner letter if you have it. If not, reference recall number 20V394 when you call.
- Avoid driving with a loose or damaged engine compartment flap until the dealer inspects the coach.
- Call Setra customer service at 1-905-403-7807 with questions about scheduling or recall status.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Setra technician inspects the engine compartment flap hinge seam welds. If the welds are incomplete or weak, the technician re-welds the hinge area or replaces the engine compartment flap. The inspection, welding work, replacement parts, and labor are free under the recall. Because recall 21V469 supersedes 20V394, ask the Setra service desk to confirm the current campaign paperwork before the repair order is opened.
Timeline
| July 3, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 28, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| August 28, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| August 28, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
| August 28, 2020 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| August 28, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V394?
Recall 20V394 covers 58 2018, 2020 Setra S407 Cc and S417 Tc passenger coaches with engine compartment flap hinge welds that can fail. If the flap detaches while the coach is moving, it can become a projectile and increase crash risk. Setra dealers inspect the welds and re-weld or replace the flap for free.
What should I do if my 2018, 2020 Setra S407 Cc or S417 Tc is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific coach is included in recall 20V394. If it is, contact a franchised Setra dealer to schedule the engine compartment flap inspection. Reference recall number 20V394 and DCNA recall number 75.00U20104A when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost. For recall 20V394, the dealer inspects the engine compartment flap welds and, if needed, re-welds or replaces the flap free of charge.
Is it safe to drive a Setra coach with this recall open?
The recall warns that the engine compartment flap can detach while the coach is moving and become a projectile, increasing crash risk. Confirm the VIN, then schedule the free dealer inspection before continued service. Ask the dealer what to do if the flap appears loose or damaged.
What if I bought this Setra coach used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your coach is included, then give the dealer recall number 20V394 and DCNA recall number 75.00U20104A when scheduling the inspection.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V394000 |
|---|---|
| Setra customer service | 1-905-403-7807 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V394 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V394000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Report (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
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 →