Recall 20V568 affects 223 2019-2021 Nova Bus Lfs and Lfs Artic buses for power-steering pipe separation. Repair is free at any franchised Nova Bus dealer.
Nova Bus is recalling 223 2019-2021 Lfs Artic and Lfs transit buses under recall 20V568 because power steering pipes can separate at a connection joint. That failure can cause loss of power steering assist and create a passenger-injury risk from steering fluid in the cabin; Nova Bus dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The power steering pipe on 2019-2021 Nova Bus Lfs and Lfs Artic transit buses carries hydraulic fluid from the rear engine bay to the front steering gear box. That fluid provides power assist, which reduces the effort needed to turn the bus and helps the steering system respond normally.
On affected buses, the pipe connection joint was brazed incorrectly by a new supplier. Brazing is the process that bonds the pipe connection together. Because that joint was not made to the drawing specifications, it can leak or separate during vehicle operation. If the joint separates, power steering assist is lost and steering fluid can leak from the ceiling into the passenger compartment.
The warning sign is a power steering fluid leak at the pipe joint before separation. Operators or maintenance staff should treat that leak as a sign that the affected pipe connection has started to fail.
Who's affected?
Covers both Lfs and Lfs Artic buses across the full 2019-2021 model-year span, all tied to the power steering system.
| 2021 Nova Bus Lfs Artic | power steering system |
|---|---|
| 2020 Nova Bus Lfs | power steering system |
| 2021 Nova Bus Lfs | power steering system |
| 2020 Nova Bus Lfs Artic | power steering system |
| 2019 Nova Bus Lfs Artic | power steering system |
| 2019 Nova Bus Lfs | power steering system |
| Units affected | 223 |
| 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 this recall applies to your specific bus.
What's the safety risk?
A power steering pipe leak or separation can reduce steering assist and increase crash risk. Fluid entering the passenger cabin also increases passenger injury risk. If steering assist changes or fluid appears inside the cabin, schedule inspection and repair promptly and keep passengers away from the leak area. Repair is free at any franchised Nova Bus dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019-2021 Nova Bus Lfs Artic or Lfs bus is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Nova Bus dealer to schedule the free power-steering-pipe inspection and replacement that fixes pipes that can separate, reduce steering assist, and leak fluid into the passenger compartment.
- Bring the recall notice if Nova Bus mailed one. If not, reference recall number 20V568 when you call.
- Drive carefully until the repair is complete, and report any heavy steering or power steering fluid inside the passenger area when scheduling service.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Nova Bus technician inspects the power steering pipes running from the rear engine bay to the front gear box and replaces pipes that separate or fail the inspection. The recall repair is free, including parts and labor. If you've already paid out of pocket for a related power steering pipe repair, Nova Bus's general reimbursement plan on file covers documented expenses. Bring the repair invoice and payment proof to the service desk, or ask Nova Bus customer service how to submit the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| September 21, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 5, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| October 5, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| October 5, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| October 7, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V568?
Recall 20V568 covers 223 2019-2021 Nova Bus Lfs Artic and Lfs transit buses with power steering pipes that can separate at a connection joint. The defect can cause loss of power steering assist, and steering fluid can leak from the ceiling into the passenger compartment. Nova Bus provides inspection and replacement instructions free of charge.
What should I do if my 2019-2021 Nova Bus Lfs Artic or Lfs is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 20V568. If it is, contact a franchised Nova Bus dealer or Nova Bus customer service at 1-800-350-6682 for inspection and power steering pipe replacement instructions. Reference Nova Bus recall CR4963 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Nova Bus will provide instructions for inspecting and replacing the affected power steering pipes free of charge through the recall process.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of power steering assist, which increases crash risk. The same defect can also let power steering fluid leak from the ceiling into the passenger compartment, which increases passenger injury risk. Confirm the VIN and arrange the free recall repair if the bus is included.
When did the repair become available?
The recall repair began October 7, 2020. Because that date has passed, owners can contact a franchised Nova Bus dealer or Nova Bus customer service at 1-800-350-6682 for the free inspection and replacement instructions tied to recall CR4963.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V568000 |
|---|---|
| Nova Bus customer service | 1-800-350-6682 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V568 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V568000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (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 →