Recall 22V148 affects 92 2020-2021 Vicinity VI38 vehicles for steering gear box damage. Repair is free at any franchised Vicinity dealer.
Vicinity is recalling 92 2020-2021 VI38 vehicles because the power steering gear box can become damaged, resulting in loss of steering control. That loss of steering control increases the risk of a crash, and Vicinity dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The power steering gear box on the 2020-2021 Vicinity VI38 buses helps turn steering wheel input into movement at the front wheels. The steering mounting bracket and mounting tabs hold that gear box in place so steering force goes into the axle instead of into the gear box housing.
On affected buses, the steering box setup and independent front suspension alignment were not set correctly during installation. The steering relief plungers were set wrong, and the wheel cut angles exceeded specification. At full-lock, the steering box can bottom out and send shock load directly into the gear box. That load can damage the gear box or fracture the mounting tabs, which can lead to loss of steering control.
Owners or operators can notice noisy steering, poor steering response, or a complete loss of steering. Treat new steering noise or weak steering performance as a warning sign and have the bus inspected before it stays in service.
Who's affected?
Two model years are listed for the VI38, both tied to the same steering gear mounting bracket.
| 2020 Vicinity VI38 | steering gear |
|---|---|
| 2021 Vicinity VI38 | steering gear |
| Units affected | 92 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 20 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?
Loss of steering control raises crash risk. Noisy steering, poor steering response, or full steering loss are warning signs. If steering feels wrong, stop driving when safe and call the dealer before using the vehicle again. Schedule the recall repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Vicinity dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020-2021 Vicinity VI38 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Vicinity dealer to schedule the free steering gear box inspection and replacement that addresses loss of steering control.
- Bring the owner letter if Vicinity mailed one. If not, reference recall number 22V148 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the dealer inspects the steering gear box or completes the repair.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Vicinity technician inspects the steering gear box assembly and replaces it when the inspection finds damage. The inspection, replacement parts, and labor are free under the recall. Out-of-pocket repair costs already paid are handled through Vicinity's existing warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program. Vicinity says prior customer costs for inspection or steering gear box replacement have been claimed and reimbursed under warranty. Ask the service desk how the VMC Warranty Guide applies to any prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| March 11, 2022 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 11, 2022 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| April 15, 2022 | Dealer notification ended |
| April 15, 2022 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| April 27, 2022 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 22V148?
Recall 22V148 covers 92 2020-2021 Vicinity VI38 vehicles with a steering gear box that can become damaged and lead to loss of steering control. Vicinity dealers will inspect the steering gear box assembly and replace it for free when replacement is needed.
What should I do if my 2020-2021 Vicinity VI38 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 22V148. If it is, contact a franchised Vicinity dealer to schedule the steering gear box inspection. Reference recall number 22V148 or Vicinity Campaign 000-043 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Vicinity will inspect and replace the steering gear box assembly, when replacement is needed, free of charge at a franchised Vicinity dealer.
What is the safety risk in recall 22V148?
The safety risk is loss of steering control. Vicinity reported that the power steering gear box can become damaged, and loss of steering control increases crash risk. The dealer remedy is to inspect the steering gear box assembly and replace it for free when needed.
When were Vicinity VI38 owners notified?
Owner notification letters were scheduled for March 2022. If you bought the vehicle used or never received a notice, check your VIN and give the dealer recall number 22V148 or Vicinity Campaign 000-043.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/22V148000 |
|---|---|
| Vicinity customer service | 1-604-607-4000 |
| NHTSA recall # | 22V148 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 22V148000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (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 →