Recall 21V929 affects 125 2021 Nova Bus Lfs buses for unexpected rear-door opening or closing. Repair is free at any franchised Nova Bus dealer.
Nova Bus is recalling 125 2021 Lfs buses because multiplex software can make the rear passenger door open or close unexpectedly when the bus stops. If the door opens at an unsafe location or closes on a passenger who is exiting, injury risk increases; Nova Bus dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The vehicle multiplex software on the 2021 Nova Bus Lfs is the network logic that lets electronic modules on the bus share commands. For the rear passenger exit door, that software works with the door system electronic control module, or ECM, which receives an authorization request and tells the electrically actuated rear door when to open or close.
On affected buses, a latched event in the multiplex software can send the door ECM an invalid request to open the doors. That means the rear passenger door can open and close when the bus stops, even when no one has requested the door. Nova Bus corrected the issue with updated multiplex software, updated rear door ECM firmware or software, and a dedicated wire kit for the rear door authorization request.
There is no warning sign before failure. The issue is software-driven, so an operator is not given a separate symptom before the rear door acts on the invalid request.
Who's affected?
The same vehicle multiplex software is listed across the electrical-system software and door-body structure scope items.
| 2021 Nova Bus Lfs | electrical system software |
|---|---|
| 2021 Nova Bus Lfs | body structure |
| Units affected | 125 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 2 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 rear passenger door opening can let a passenger exit the bus in an unsafe location, raising injury risk. The doors can also close on a passenger who is exiting. There is no warning sign before this door fault. Schedule the software update and wire kit repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Nova Bus dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2021 Nova Bus Lfs is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Nova Bus dealer to schedule the free vehicle multiplex and door system ECM software update, plus the dedicated wire kit installation that fixes rear passenger door movement when the bus stops.
- Reference recall number 21V929 and Nova Bus recall CR5220/5221/5222 when you call.
- Bring the recall notice if Nova Bus mailed one to your fleet or owner address.
- Keep passengers clear of the rear passenger door area until the repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Nova Bus technician updates the vehicle multiplex and door system ECM software, then installs a dedicated hardware wire kit. The recall repair is available now, and parts and labor are covered. If you already paid out-of-pocket for the same software update or wire-kit repair before the recall notice, Nova Bus's standard reimbursement plan applies to documented expenses. Ask Nova Bus customer service or the service desk how to submit prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| November 26, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 15, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| December 17, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| December 17, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| December 17, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V929?
Recall 21V929 covers 125 2021 Nova Bus Lfs buses with vehicle multiplex software that can command the rear passenger door to open or close when the bus stops. An unexpected opening can let a passenger exit in an unsafe location, and unexpected closing can injure an exiting passenger.
What should I do if my 2021 Nova Bus Lfs is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 21V929. If it is, contact Nova Bus customer service at 1-800-350-6682 or your Nova Bus service contact to arrange the software updates and dedicated wire kit installation. Reference Nova recall CR5220/5221/5222 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Nova Bus will provide instructions to update the vehicle multiplex software and door system ECM software, and install the dedicated wire kit, free of charge.
Is it safe to keep using the bus before the repair?
The recall risk is tied to the rear passenger door opening or closing unexpectedly when the bus stops. If your VIN is included, coordinate service with Nova Bus and brief drivers to watch door behavior closely until the software updates and wire kit installation are complete.
When were owners notified about recall 21V929?
Nova Bus mailed owner notification letters on December 15, 2021. If you manage a 2021 Nova Bus Lfs and did not receive a letter, check your VIN and contact Nova Bus customer service at 1-800-350-6682 with recall number CR5220/5221/5222.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V929000 |
|---|---|
| Nova Bus customer service | 1-800-350-6682 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V929 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V929000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (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 →