Recall 21V488 affects 56 2021 Prevost X3-45 Commuter buses for an incorrect parking brake emergency release valve. Repair is free at any franchised Prevost dealer.
Prevost is recalling 56 2021 X3-45 Commuter buses because the parking brake emergency release valve can be the wrong type, leaving the parking brake permanently released. If the brake cannot be re-engaged, the bus can roll away and raise crash risk; Prevost dealers will replace the valve free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The parking brake emergency release valve on the 2021 Prevost X3-45 Commuter is a control for the parking brake system. In normal operation, the correct RD-3 momentary valve releases only while it is being pressed, then returns so the parking brake can hold the bus when parked.
On affected buses, Prevost says the lateral console sub-assembly was built with the wrong valve. A PP-1 push-pull valve was installed by mistake instead of the RD-3 momentary valve. Because the PP-1 valve can stay activated after it is pushed, it can leave the parking brake permanently released. That creates a rollaway risk when the bus is expected to stay parked.
The warning sign is in the valve action. If the parking brake emergency release valve stays down after it is pushed, that is not the correct valve for this system.
Who's affected?
| 2021 Prevost X3-45 Commuter | Parking brake |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 56 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 1 field incident 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?
A parking brake emergency release valve that stays down can leave the parking brake released and prevent it from being re-engaged. That creates roll-away risk and increases the risk of a crash. If the valve remains activated after being pushed, keep the vehicle secured and contact Prevost service. Repair is free at any franchised Prevost dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2021 Prevost X3-45 Commuter is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Prevost dealer to schedule the free parking brake emergency release valve inspection and replacement that fixes the incorrect valve.
- Ask the dealer how to keep the bus secured until the repair is complete if the parking brake does not re-engage.
- Bring the recall notice if Prevost mailed one, or reference recall number 21V488 when you call.
- Call Prevost customer service at 1-866-870-2046 with questions about the repair.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Prevost technician inspects the parking brake emergency release valve using Prevost's service document and replaces the valve if the wrong type is installed. The inspection, replacement valve, and labor are free under recall 21V488. Prevost has a general reimbursement plan on file for eligible owners who already paid for this parking brake emergency release valve repair. Ask Prevost customer service or the service desk how to submit documentation for that plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| June 28, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 13, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| August 13, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| August 13, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| August 31, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V488?
Recall 21V488 covers 56 2021 Prevost X3-45 Commuter buses with a parking brake emergency release valve that can be the incorrect type. The defect can permanently release the parking brake, and Prevost will inspect and replace the valve when needed for free.
What should I do if my 2021 Prevost X3-45 Commuter is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 21V488. If it is, contact a franchised Prevost service location to schedule the parking brake emergency release valve inspection and repair. Reference Prevost recall number SR21-307 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Prevost will provide the inspection method and replace the parking brake emergency release valve when needed free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is roll-away. If the parking brake releases and cannot be re-engaged, the bus can move when the driver expects it to stay parked, increasing the risk of a crash. Schedule the free Prevost repair after your VIN is confirmed.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V488000 |
|---|---|
| Prevost customer service | 1-866-870-2046 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V488 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V488000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Report (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (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 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →