Recall 21V244 covers 227 2013-2021 New Flyer XE40, XE35, XE60, XHE40, XHE60 buses with inverter firmware errors. Free dealer firmware update.
New Flyer is recalling 227 2013-2021 XE40, XE35, XE60, XHE40, and XHE60 buses under recall 21V244 because firmware errors in the inverters can shut down the electric drive system. A sudden loss of power increases crash risk, and New Flyer dealers will update the inverter firmware free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The inverter in these 2013-2021 New Flyer XHE40, XE60, XE35, XE40, and XHE60 buses is part of the electric propulsion system. It manages electrical power for the drive motor and auxiliary systems, so the bus can move and keep key electric systems supplied while in service.
The issue is in the Siemens ELFA2 inverter firmware, not in a mechanical part. New Flyer traced the defect to a timing problem between the microcontroller and SRAM memory, which lets the inverter deliver invalid data and trigger a Trap10 error. When that happens, the electric drive system can shut down during operation.
There is no warning sign before failure. The filing says the shutdown can happen without advance warning, so an operator is not expected to see a light, noise, or performance change first.
Who's affected?
Spans XHE40, XE60, XE35, XE40, and XHE60 buses across the 2013-2021 model years, all tied to the electric propulsion system inverter.
| 2016 New Flyer XHE40 | electric propulsion system |
|---|---|
| 2021 New Flyer XE60 | electric propulsion system |
| 2017 New Flyer XHE40 | electric propulsion system |
| 2021 New Flyer XE35 | electric propulsion system |
| 2021 New Flyer XE40 | electric propulsion system |
| 2020 New Flyer XE60 | electric propulsion system |
| 2020 New Flyer XE40 | electric propulsion system |
| 2020 New Flyer XE35 | electric propulsion system |
| 2018 New Flyer XHE40 | electric propulsion system |
| 2019 New Flyer XE40 | electric propulsion system |
| 2019 New Flyer XE35 | electric propulsion system |
| 2019 New Flyer XE60 | electric propulsion system |
| 2019 New Flyer XHE40 | electric propulsion system |
| 2018 New Flyer XE60 | electric propulsion system |
| 2018 New Flyer XE40 | electric propulsion system |
| 2017 New Flyer XE40 | electric propulsion system |
| 2016 New Flyer XE40 | electric propulsion system |
| 2015 New Flyer XE40 | electric propulsion system |
| 2014 New Flyer XE40 | electric propulsion system |
| 2013 New Flyer XE40 | electric propulsion system |
| 2015 New Flyer XHE60 | electric propulsion system |
| Units affected | 227 |
| 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 sudden loss of power increases crash risk by taking away propulsion while the bus is in traffic. There is no warning sign before failure, so treat any unexpected power loss as a reason to get the vehicle out of service and arrange dealer repair. Repair is free at any franchised New Flyer dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013-2021 New Flyer XHE40, XE60, XE35, XE40, or XHE60 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised New Flyer dealer to schedule the free inverter firmware update that helps prevent electric drive shutdown.
- Reference recall number 21V244 and New Flyer recall R21-005 when you call.
- Bring the owner notice if New Flyer mailed one, or bring your VIN to the appointment.
- Drive conservatively until the software update is complete, and pull over safely if the bus loses propulsion power.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a New Flyer technician updates the firmware software for the inverters that control the electric drive system. The dealer update is free under recall 21V244, with the service covered at no cost. New Flyer has a general reimbursement plan on file for owners who already paid for a related repair. Contact New Flyer customer service and ask how to submit documentation for review.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| April 7, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 19, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| April 19, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| April 19, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| April 19, 2021 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| April 19, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V244?
Recall 21V244 covers 227 2013-2021 New Flyer XHE40, XE60, XE35, XE40, and XHE60 vehicles with inverter firmware errors that can shut down the electric drive system. A sudden loss of power increases crash risk. New Flyer dealers will update the firmware software for free.
What should I do if my 2013-2021 New Flyer XHE40, XE60, XE35, XE40, or XHE60 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 21V244. If it is, contact a franchised New Flyer dealer to schedule the inverter firmware software update. Reference recall number 21V244 or New Flyer's number, R21-005, when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and New Flyer's remedy says dealers will update the firmware software free of charge. Parts and labor are covered through a franchised New Flyer dealer.
What is the safety risk in recall 21V244?
The safety risk is sudden loss of power. Firmware errors in the inverter can shut down the electric drive system, which increases crash risk. If your VIN is included, arrange the free firmware update with a franchised New Flyer dealer before returning the vehicle to regular service.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V244000 |
|---|---|
| New Flyer customer service | 1-204-224-6706 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V244 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V244000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (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 →