Recall 21V838 affects 5 2020-2021 Ic Bus Ce buses for ECM software that can shut down the engine. Free repair once available.
Ic Bus is recalling 5 2020-2021 Ce transit buses under recall 21V838 because the engine control module can set a fault code that shuts the engine down unexpectedly. An unexpected shutdown can increase crash risk, and a disabled bus can require evacuation in uncontrolled traffic; the dealer repair will be free once Ic Bus makes it available.
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What's wrong?
The engine control module on 2020-2021 Ic Bus Ce transit buses is the computer that manages engine operation. It reads sensor inputs, controls fuel and ignition commands, and stores diagnostic fault codes when it sees a problem. That software has to identify real faults without shutting the engine down unnecessarily.
In this recall, the ECM software can set a fault code that results in an unexpected engine shutdown. Navistar had the root cause under investigation, so the filing does not identify the exact software logic or engine condition behind the fault. The affected group is tied to buses built with PSI 8.8L gasoline or Gen II LPG engines, which separates these buses from similar Ce buses outside the recall.
There is no warning sign before failure. A driver does not get a listed symptom in advance before the fault code shuts the engine down.
Who's affected?
Both model years use the same engine control module software.
| 2021 Ic Bus Ce | Engine control module (ecu/ecm) |
|---|---|
| 2020 Ic Bus Ce | Engine control module (ecu/ecm) |
| Units affected | 5 |
The year and model narrow the list, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific bus is included.
What's the safety risk?
An unexpected engine shutdown can increase the risk of a crash. If the bus is disabled in traffic, evacuation can expose passengers to injury in an uncontrolled traffic situation. There is no warning sign before failure, so schedule the software update once the dealer can perform it. Repair will be free at any franchised Ic Bus dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020-2021 Ic Bus Ce is included in this recall.
- Wait for Ic Bus remedy instructions before scheduling the free ECM software update.
- Call Ic Bus customer service at 1-800-448-7825 with questions and reference recall number 21V838 when you call.
- Ask a franchised Ic Bus dealer about the ECM software update that fixes the fault-code issue linked to unexpected engine shutdown.
- Use extra caution with passengers until the repair is complete, because an unexpected shutdown can leave the bus disabled in traffic.
What happens at the repair
The final dealer repair was still listed as under development, so do not assume the software update is ready to schedule until Ic Bus confirms availability for your VIN. Once the repair opens, an Ic Bus technician will update the engine control unit software. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. Navistar lists a general reimbursement plan for owners who already paid for related repairs. Ask Ic Bus customer service or the dealer what paperwork the plan requires before your visit.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| October 25, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 23, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| December 23, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| December 23, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| January 18, 2022 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V838?
Recall 21V838 covers 5 2020-2021 Ic Bus Ce transit buses with engine control module software that can set a fault code and shut the engine down unexpectedly. Ic Bus dealers will update the engine control unit software for free once the repair is open for that bus.
What should I do if my 2020-2021 Ic Bus Ce is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 21V838. If it is included, contact a franchised Ic Bus dealer and ask about the engine control unit software update. Reference recall number 21V838 and Navistar recall number 21508 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 21V838, Ic Bus dealers will update the engine control unit software free of charge once the repair is open for your bus.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is an unexpected engine shutdown. For a school bus, that raises crash risk and can leave passengers needing evacuation in uncontrolled traffic, which increases injury risk. Ask the dealer what operating guidance applies until the software update is complete.
When were owners notified about recall 21V838?
Owner letters about the safety risk were mailed January 18, 2022. If you manage or own a 2020-2021 Ic Bus Ce and never received a notice, check your VIN and call Ic Bus customer service at 1-800-448-7825 with recall number 21V838.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V838000 |
|---|---|
| Ic Bus customer service | 1-800-448-7825 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V838 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V838000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (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 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →