Recall 21V039 covers 564 2013-2021 Micro Bird G5 Transit Bus and G5 School Bus buses for damaged wiring. Dealers provide free modification instructions.
Micro Bird is recalling 564 2013-2021 G5 School Bus and G5 Transit Bus vehicles because rivet installation can damage wiring routed behind the driver's seat. If the cabling is damaged, safety accessories or lamps can stop working, or a short-circuit can occur and raise the risk of a fire; Micro Bird dealers will inspect and repair the wiring free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The electrical harness behind the driver's seat on 2013-2021 Micro Bird G5 Transit Bus and G5 School Bus buses is a bundle of wires that carries power and signals through that part of the body. Those wires feed electrical equipment, connectors, and controls, so they need clean insulation and protected routing behind the trim panel.
On affected buses, the trim behind the driver's seat was installed with rivets after holes were drilled through that wall area. During that work, the drill bit or rivet installation damaged the harness, wires, or connectors. Metal shavings from drilling also fell into an open connector on certain models, which creates another path for electrical faults.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner or fleet technician should not expect a specific light, sound, or driver complaint before the damaged wiring causes an electrical issue.
Who's affected?
Covers G5 Transit Bus and G5 School Bus models across 2013-2021, all tied to wiring.
| 2013 Micro Bird G5 Transit Bus | wiring |
|---|---|
| 2018 Micro Bird G5 Transit Bus | wiring |
| 2017 Micro Bird G5 School Bus | wiring |
| 2015 Micro Bird G5 School Bus | wiring |
| 2021 Micro Bird G5 School Bus | wiring |
| 2014 Micro Bird G5 School Bus | wiring |
| 2018 Micro Bird G5 School Bus | wiring |
| 2017 Micro Bird G5 Transit Bus | wiring |
| 2016 Micro Bird G5 School Bus | wiring |
| 2014 Micro Bird G5 Transit Bus | wiring |
| 2013 Micro Bird G5 School Bus | wiring |
| 2016 Micro Bird G5 Transit Bus | wiring |
| 2019 Micro Bird G5 Transit Bus | wiring |
| 2019 Micro Bird G5 School Bus | wiring |
| 2020 Micro Bird G5 School Bus | wiring |
| 2015 Micro Bird G5 Transit Bus | wiring |
| Units affected | 564 |
| 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?
Damaged electric cabling can cause safety accessories or lamps to stop working. A short circuit also increases the risk of a fire. Treat dead lamps, electrical faults, or accessory problems as a reason to schedule service soon. Repair is free at any franchised Micro Bird dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013-2021 Micro Bird G5 Transit Bus or G5 School Bus is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Micro Bird dealer to schedule the free wiring field modification behind the driver's seat.
- Bring the recall notice if Micro Bird has mailed one. If not, reference recall number 21V039 when you call.
- Watch for lamps or safety accessories that stop working, electrical odors, or signs of a short circuit, and keep the bus out of service until the dealer inspects it.
- Call Micro Bird customer service at 1-819-477-2012 with repair questions.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Micro Bird technician follows the field modification instructions for the electrical wiring routed behind the driver's seat. The work addresses wiring damage linked to rivet installation and includes the inspection and repair steps called for in Micro Bird's instructions. Parts, labor, and the field modification instructions are free under the recall. If you already paid for inspection or repair for this wiring issue, Micro Bird provides reimbursement for eligible expense. Contact Micro Bird with your repair paperwork so the company can confirm the allotted repair time and reimbursement documentation.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| February 1, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| February 22, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| February 26, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| March 22, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| March 24, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V039?
Recall 21V039 covers 564 2013-2021 Micro Bird G5 Transit Bus and G5 School Bus vehicles with wiring behind the driver's seat that was damaged during rivet installation. Damaged cabling can affect safety accessories or lamps, or create a short-circuit fire risk.
What should I do if my 2013-2021 Micro Bird G5 Transit Bus or G5 School Bus is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 21V039. If it is, contact a franchised Micro Bird dealer and reference recall number 21V039. Dealers provide the field modification instructions free of charge.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to provide the recall remedy at no cost. Micro Bird dealers provide the field modification instructions free of charge for buses included in recall 21V039.
What is the safety risk in recall 21V039?
The safety risk is electrical failure or fire. If the cabling behind the driver's seat is damaged, safety accessories or lamps can stop working, or a short-circuit can occur. If your VIN is included, arrange the free dealer remedy.
What if I bought this Micro Bird bus used?
The free recall remedy still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN, then call a franchised Micro Bird dealer with recall number 21V039 and Micro Bird recall number 21-086-WUC.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V039000 |
|---|---|
| Micro Bird customer service | 1-819-477-2012 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V039 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V039000 |
Source documents
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Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
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Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
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Download Recall Report (PDF)
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Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
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Download Owner Notice (PDF)
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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 →