Recall 21V705 affects 15 2020-2021 Gillig Low Floor Electric buses for shutdown override switch settings. Repair is free at any franchised Gillig dealer.
Gillig is recalling 15 2020-2021 Low Floor Electric vehicles equipped with Cummins Electric Drivetrain Systems because the high-voltage shutdown override switch can fail to work after a system shutdown, with no warning to the driver. An unexpected shutdown without override control increases crash risk, and Gillig dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
In the 2020-2021 Gillig Low Floor Electric bus, the Cummins electric drivetrain uses high voltage batteries, controls, and wiring to send power to the drive motor. A protection system can shut the high voltage system down when it detects a shutdown fault. The shutdown override switch is supposed to let the driver temporarily override that shutdown so the bus can be moved out of a hazardous spot.
On affected buses, the problem is in the parameter setup, not a failed hardware part. Cummins moved the switch input from the System Control Module, the drivetrain computer, to the body controller, which then sends the switch status back over the bus communication network. Some field-upfitted buses were not set so the System Control Module correctly recognized that message.
There is no warning sign before failure. When a shutdown fault occurs, the driver can press the override switch and the system can fail to respond, increasing crash risk if the bus cannot move as expected.
Who's affected?
The scope points to a software issue, with no hardware component named by Gillig.
| 2020 Gillig Low Floor Electric | electric propulsion system |
|---|---|
| 2020 Gillig Low Floor Electric | electrical system |
| 2021 Gillig Low Floor Electric | electric propulsion system |
| 2021 Gillig Low Floor Electric | electrical system |
| Units affected | 15 |
| 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?
An unexpected vehicle shutdown without an override raises crash risk because the vehicle stops operating when the driver cannot override the shutdown. There is no warning sign before shutdown, so schedule the inspection and update soon. Repair is free at any franchised Gillig dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020-2021 Gillig Low Floor Electric is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Gillig dealer to schedule the free software update for the protection override switch settings.
- Bring the owner letter if it is available. Reference recall number 21V705 when you call or arrive.
- Tell drivers there is no warning before the shutdown override switch fails during a system shutdown.
- Keep the bus out of route service after any unexpected shutdown until Gillig or the dealer gives repair guidance.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Gillig technician inspects the parameter settings for the protection override switch and updates them when correction is needed. The recall work is free. Prior product failures before the owner notice are handled through the manufacturer's limited warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program. If you have prior repair paperwork, ask the service desk how the limited warranty applied to that repair.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| September 10, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 1, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| November 12, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V705?
Recall 21V705 covers 15 2020-2021 Gillig Low Floor Electric buses equipped with Cummins Electric Drivetrain Systems. During a system shutdown, the high voltage shutdown override switch can fail to work without warning to the driver, increasing crash risk. Gillig dealers will inspect and update the protection override switch settings for free.
What should I do if my 2020-2021 Gillig Low Floor Electric is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 21V705. If it is, contact a franchised Gillig dealer to schedule the inspection and protection override switch parameter update. Reference recall number 21V705 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Gillig dealers will inspect and update the protection override switch parameter settings free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for included vehicles.
What is the safety risk in recall 21V705?
The risk is an unexpected vehicle shutdown with no working override. If the shutdown override switch fails during a shutdown event, the driver loses the ability to override the shutdown, increasing crash risk. Gillig's dealer repair corrects the protection override switch parameter settings.
What warning signs should I watch for?
There is no warning to the driver before the shutdown override switch fails to function. Treat VIN confirmation as the deciding step, not symptoms. If your bus is included, schedule the free Gillig dealer inspection and parameter update.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V705000 |
|---|---|
| Gillig customer service | 1-800-735-1500 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V705 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V705000 |
Source documents
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 →