Recall 20V803 covers 553 2015-2020 Volvo Bus 9700 buses for a transmission C1 hub failure. Repair is free at any franchised Volvo Bus dealer.
Volvo Bus is recalling 553 2015-2020 9700 buses because the transmission C1 hub can fail and leave the vehicle disabled. A roadside breakdown can force passengers to transfer to another bus along traffic, which increases injury risk, and Volvo Bus dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The Allison B500 automatic transmission in 2015-2020 Volvo Bus 9700 buses moves engine power to the drive wheels and changes gear ratios without driver shifting. Inside that transmission, the C1 hub is part of the clutch system that helps route power during those shifts. The transmission control module, or TCM, is the computer that tells the transmission when and how to apply those clutches.
On affected buses, Volvo Bus traced the problem to the 9700 vehicle and engine setup working with the TCM software calibration. That calibration can place the transmission in operating conditions that lead the C1 hub to fail. When the hub fails, the bus loses the transmission function it needs to keep moving and can become disabled.
The warning sign comes at the shift pad selector display. When the C1 hub fails, the display shows an indication, so the driver has a visible transmission warning rather than a silent failure.
Who's affected?
Covers the 9700 across the 2015-2020 model years, with the same automatic transmission component listed for each year.
| 2019 Volvo Bus 9700 | automatic transmission |
|---|---|
| 2020 Volvo Bus 9700 | automatic transmission |
| 2017 Volvo Bus 9700 | automatic transmission |
| 2015 Volvo Bus 9700 | automatic transmission |
| 2018 Volvo Bus 9700 | automatic transmission |
| 2016 Volvo Bus 9700 | automatic transmission |
| Units affected | 553 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific bus is included.
What's the safety risk?
A C1 hub failure can disable the bus. Passengers then have to transfer to another bus on the roadside, which increases injury risk. The shift pad selector display shows an indication when the C1 hub fails, so treat that warning as a reason to schedule service soon. Repair is free at any franchised Volvo Bus dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015-2020 Volvo Bus 9700 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Volvo Bus dealer to schedule the free TCM calibration software update that addresses the transmission C1 hub failure.
- Bring the recall notice if Volvo Bus mailed one. If not, reference recall number 20V803 when you call.
- Review roadside transfer procedures with drivers until the repair is complete, since a disabled bus can require passengers to transfer at the side of the road.
- Call Volvo Bus customer service at 1-866-870-2046 with questions about scheduling or owner notification.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Volvo Bus technician updates the Transmission Control Module calibration software. That software update is the recall repair, and parts and labor are free of charge. Volvo Bus has a general reimbursement plan on file for owners who already paid out of pocket for a related transmission control repair. If you have prior repair paperwork, ask Volvo Bus customer service or the service desk how to submit documentation under that plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| December 21, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| February 12, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| February 12, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| February 12, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| February 18, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V803?
Recall 20V803 covers 553 2015-2020 Volvo Bus 9700 buses with a transmission C1 hub that can fail and disable the vehicle. Volvo Bus dealers will update the Transmission Control Module calibration software for free.
What should I do if my 2015-2020 Volvo Bus 9700 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 20V803. If it is, contact a franchised Volvo Bus dealer to schedule the Transmission Control Module calibration software update. Reference recall number 20V803 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to perform the recall repair at no cost. Volvo Bus dealers will update the Transmission Control Module calibration software free of charge for included 2015-2020 Volvo Bus 9700 buses.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is a disabled bus on the road. Volvo Bus reported that a transmission C1 hub failure can disable the vehicle, which can force passengers to transfer to another bus roadside and increase the risk of injury.
When did Volvo Bus begin this recall repair?
Volvo Bus expected the recall to begin on February 12, 2021, so the repair is available now. If your VIN is included, call a franchised Volvo Bus dealer or Volvo Bus customer service at 1-866-870-2046 to arrange the free software update.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V803000 |
|---|---|
| Volvo Bus customer service | 1-866-870-2046 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V803 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V803000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly 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 →