Recall 22V222 covers 48 2020 Volvo Bus 9700 buses for alternator bearing overheating. Repair will be free at any franchised Volvo Bus dealer once available.
Volvo Bus is recalling 48 2020 9700 motorcoaches because a seized alternator front bearing can overheat while the alternator belt keeps running. An overheated bearing can raise the risk of a fire, and the Volvo Bus dealer repair will be free once the remedy is available.
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What's wrong?
The alternator belt on the 2020 Volvo Bus 9700 is a black rubber belt that keeps the alternator turning while the engine runs. The alternator makes electrical power for the bus and helps keep the battery charged. The alternator front bearing supports the spinning shaft at the front of that unit, so the belt and alternator can rotate smoothly.
On affected buses, a newer, more resistant belt was installed with the newer alternator setup. If the alternator front bearing seizes, the belt is strong enough to keep driving the alternator instead of stopping quickly. That continued movement creates abnormal friction at the seized bearing. The bearing can overheat while the belt keeps operating.
Owners or drivers can hear noise from the alternator front bearing before the failure. The alternator not charging warning light can also come on, which means the alternator is no longer charging the electrical system correctly.
Who's affected?
The engine belt drive and alternator system are both named because the same black rubber belt is involved.
| 2020 Volvo Bus 9700 | Belts and associated pulleys |
|---|---|
| 2020 Volvo Bus 9700 | electrical system |
| Units affected | 48 |
| 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 your specific bus is included.
What's the safety risk?
An overheated alternator bearing increases the risk of a fire. Noise from the alternator bearing or an alternator charging light is a reason to stop using the bus and call the dealer for guidance. Repair will be free at any franchised Volvo Bus dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020 Volvo Bus 9700 is included in this recall.
- Use the owner letter Volvo Bus sent on September 30, 2022, for interim instructions until the final repair opens.
- Call Volvo Bus customer service at 1-866-870-2046 and reference recall number 22V222 when you ask about repair timing.
- Schedule the free alternator-belt replacement once Volvo Bus opens the repair; the new belt fixes the condition that lets the alternator bearing overheat.
- Watch for heat, smoke, or a burning smell near the engine area, and stop using the bus if those signs appear.
What happens at the repair
Once the dealer repair is available, a Volvo Bus technician will replace the alternator belt covered by recall 22V222. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. If you've already paid to replace the defective belt before the recall was released, Volvo Bus says reimbursement is available under the Prevost reimbursement plan. Keep the repair invoice and payment documentation, then contact Volvo Bus customer service or the service desk for claim instructions.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| April 6, 2022 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 3, 2022 | Dealer notification began |
| June 3, 2022 | Dealer notification ended |
| June 3, 2022 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| September 30, 2022 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 22V222?
Recall 22V222 covers 48 2020 Volvo Bus 9700 DOT vehicles with an alternator front bearing that can seize. If the alternator belt keeps running, the bearing can overheat and increase the risk of a fire. Volvo Bus will replace the alternator belt for free.
What should I do if my 2020 Volvo Bus 9700 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 22V222. If it is, contact a franchised Volvo Bus dealer to schedule the alternator belt replacement. Reference recall number 22V222 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost. Volvo Bus will replace the alternator belt free of charge at a franchised Volvo Bus dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is fire. In affected vehicles, the alternator front bearing can seize, and the alternator belt can keep operating. That can overheat the bearing and increase fire risk. Confirm the recall by VIN and arrange the free belt replacement.
When did Volvo Bus notify owners?
Volvo Bus mailed owner notification letters on September 30, 2022. If you own a 2020 Volvo Bus 9700 and never received a letter, check your VIN and call Volvo Bus customer service at 1-866-870-2046 with recall number 22V222.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/22V222000 |
|---|---|
| Volvo Bus customer service | 1-866-870-2046 |
| NHTSA recall # | 22V222 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 22V222000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (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 →