Recall 21V487 affects 86 2020-2021 Gillig Low Floor, Low Floor 29 Foot, and Low Floor Electric buses. Repair is free.
Gillig is recalling 86 2020-2021 Low Floor, Low Floor 29 Foot, and Low Floor Electric buses because the rear axle can move out of alignment during operation. An improperly aligned rear axle can cause loss of vehicle control and raise crash risk, and Gillig dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The rear axle on 2020-2021 Gillig Low Floor buses keeps the rear wheels square with the frame so the bus tracks straight under load. Torque rod pinch bolts and H4 lock nuts are part of the rear suspension hardware that holds the spacer rod in place. That locking point helps keep the axle in its intended position while the bus is in service.
On affected Low Floor, Low Floor 29 Foot, and Low Floor Electric buses, the torque rod pinch bolts do not create enough clamp force. Without enough clamping pressure, the spacer rod is not locked firmly. During operation, that movement lets the rear axle fall out of alignment, changing how the bus tracks and handles.
There is no warning sign before failure. An operator or maintenance crew can notice the problem only after the axle has shifted, such as during an inspection or if the bus no longer tracks as expected.
Who's affected?
Covers three Gillig Low Floor variants across the 2020 and 2021 model years, all tied to the same rear suspension lock-nut issue.
| 2020 Gillig Low Floor | rear suspension |
|---|---|
| 2021 Gillig Low Floor | rear suspension |
| 2020 Gillig Low Floor 29 Foot | rear suspension |
| 2020 Gillig Low Floor Electric | rear suspension |
| 2021 Gillig Low Floor Electric | rear suspension |
| 2021 Gillig Low Floor 29 Foot | rear suspension |
| Units affected | 86 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 2 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?
An improperly aligned rear axle puts vehicle control at risk and increases the risk of a crash. If your VIN is included, schedule the repair soon and ask Gillig whether the vehicle needs inspection before regular use. Repair is free at any franchised Gillig dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020-2021 Gillig Low Floor, Low Floor 29 Foot, or Low Floor Electric bus is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Gillig dealer to schedule the free locknut repair that keeps the rear axle from moving out of alignment.
- Bring the recall notice if Gillig mailed one, and reference recall number 21V487 when you call.
- Limit operation until the repair is complete because rear axle misalignment can cause loss of vehicle control.
- Call Gillig customer service at 1-510-264-5073 with questions about scheduling or repair timing.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Gillig technician installs a new locknut covered by the recall. The repair is available now, and parts and labor are free. Gillig does not provide a separate reimbursement plan because product failures before owner notification would have been handled under the manufacturer's limited warranty. If your bus had related work before the notice, ask the service desk how that warranty coverage applies to the repair history.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| June 28, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 16, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| July 16, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| July 16, 2021 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| July 16, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| July 19, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V487?
Recall 21V487 covers 86 2020-2021 Gillig Low Floor, Low Floor 29 Foot, and Low Floor Electric buses with a rear axle that can come out of alignment during operation. Gillig will install a new locknut for free.
What should I do if my 2020-2021 Gillig Low Floor, Low Floor 29 Foot, or Low Floor Electric bus is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 21V487. If it is, contact Gillig service or a franchised Gillig repair location to schedule the locknut installation. Reference recall number 21V487 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Gillig says it will install a new locknut free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for vehicles included in recall 21V487.
What is the safety risk?
An improperly aligned rear axle can cause a loss of vehicle control, which raises crash risk. Until the repair is complete, confirm whether your VIN is included and ask Gillig service what operating limits apply to your specific bus.
When were owners notified about recall 21V487?
Gillig mailed owner notification letters on July 19, 2021. If you did not receive a letter, check your VIN and contact Gillig customer service at 1-510-264-5073 for recall scheduling help.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V487000 |
|---|---|
| Gillig customer service | 1-510-264-5073 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V487 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V487000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (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 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →