Recall 21V351 covers 644 2016-2020 Nova Bus Lfs Artic and Lfs buses for a high-pressure fuel rail leak. Free repair at a franchised dealer once available.
Nova Bus is recalling 644 2016-2020 Lfs Artic and Lfs buses under recall 21V351 because sealing washers in the high-pressure fuel rail assembly can sit incorrectly and allow a fuel leak. A fuel leak near an ignition source increases the risk of a fire, and the Nova Bus dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The high-pressure fuel rail on the Cummins L9 diesel engine in 2016-2020 Nova Bus Lfs Artic and Lfs vehicles stores and feeds diesel fuel to the engine injectors. The rail has sealed end joints, and the sealing washer is supposed to sit squarely in the pilot bore so the joint stays tight while the engine is running.
On affected buses, the pilot bore for the sealing washer is undersized. That keeps the washer from seating correctly, so the joint does not get enough clamping load to stay sealed in service. Once the joint loosens or fails to seal, diesel fuel can leak from the high-pressure fuel rail assembly.
An operator can see diesel fuel, smell diesel fuel, or notice the check engine lamp. Those are the warning signs to report before continued service.
Who's affected?
Covers the Lfs and Lfs Artic across 2016-2020; both use the L9 Diesel Engine fuel system.
| 2016 Nova Bus Lfs Artic | fuel system |
|---|---|
| 2016 Nova Bus Lfs | fuel system |
| 2017 Nova Bus Lfs Artic | fuel system |
| 2020 Nova Bus Lfs Artic | fuel system |
| 2017 Nova Bus Lfs | fuel system |
| 2018 Nova Bus Lfs | fuel system |
| 2018 Nova Bus Lfs Artic | fuel system |
| 2019 Nova Bus Lfs | fuel system |
| 2019 Nova Bus Lfs Artic | fuel system |
| 2020 Nova Bus Lfs | fuel system |
| Units affected | 644 |
| 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 fuel leak near an ignition source increases the risk of a fire. Treat diesel odor, visible fuel, or a check engine lamp as a warning sign, and schedule service soon. If fuel is present, stop using the bus and call the dealer for guidance. Repair will be free at any franchised Nova Bus dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016-2020 Nova Bus Lfs Artic or Lfs is included in this recall.
- Wait for Nova Bus repair instructions before scheduling service if your operator has not received the July 9, 2021 owner letter.
- Call Nova Bus customer service at 1-800-350-6682 with questions and reference recall number 21V351.
- Schedule the free fuel-rail inspection once Nova Bus confirms the repair path; the dealer inspects the rail threads and replaces the rail if needed to address the high-pressure fuel leak.
- Keep the bus away from ignition sources and report any diesel fuel smell or visible fuel leak before the repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
The final dealer repair is still listed as under development, so do not treat the remedy as ready to schedule until Nova Bus opens it. Once available, a Nova Bus technician will inspect the high pressure fuel rail threads and replace the rail if the threads do not pass inspection. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. Nova Bus has a general reimbursement plan on file for documented out-of-pocket repairs tied to this condition. Bring receipts or repair paperwork to the service desk when the repair opens.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| May 14, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 9, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| July 9, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| July 9, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| July 9, 2021 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| July 9, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V351?
Recall 21V351 covers 644 2016-2020 Nova Bus Lfs and Lfs Artic vehicles with a fuel rail sealing washer problem. The washer can seat incorrectly in the pilot bore holes, allowing the high pressure fuel rail assembly to leak fuel.
What should I do if my 2016-2020 Nova Bus Lfs Artic or Lfs is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 21V351. If it is, contact a franchised Nova Bus dealer or Nova Bus customer service at 1-800-350-6682 and ask for the fuel rail inspection. Reference recall number 21V351 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Nova Bus dealers will inspect the rail threads and replace the rail as necessary free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is fire. A leaking high pressure fuel rail assembly can release fuel, and a fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire. The dealer repair path is the fuel rail inspection and rail replacement as necessary.
When were owners notified about recall 21V351?
Nova Bus mailed owner notification letters on July 9, 2021. If you bought the bus used or never received a letter, the VIN still decides whether recall 21V351 applies. Check your VIN, then call a Nova Bus dealer or customer service with the recall number.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V351000 |
|---|---|
| Nova Bus customer service | 1-800-350-6682 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V351 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V351000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (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 →