Recall 23V277 covers 40 2012-2014 Nova Bus Lfs transit buses with emergency exit window defects. Repair is free at any franchised Nova Bus dealer.
Nova Bus is recalling 40 2012-2014 Lfs transit buses under recall 23V277 because the recall covers emergency exit window releases, labels, and openings that do not meet the federal bus emergency-exit standard. In an emergency, that can delay escape through the window exit and raise the risk of injury; Nova Bus dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The emergency exit window on 2012-2014 Nova Bus Lfs transit buses is supposed to give passengers and crew a marked escape path when the normal doors are blocked. The release handle and label tell a rider where to push or pull, and the window opening must be large enough to meet the bus emergency-exit standard.
On affected buses, certain combinations of perimeter seats, emergency windows, and chime cord installations put the emergency window release and label in the wrong location. The window opening also does not provide enough clear space. That leaves the bus out of compliance with FMVSS 217, the federal rule for bus emergency exits and window retention and release.
There is no warning sign before failure. A driver, fleet technician, or passenger will not hear a noise or see a dashboard light from this condition; it is a physical layout problem that shows up when the emergency exit area is inspected.
Who's affected?
Spans the 2012, 2013, and 2014 model years, all involving the same emergency exit window component.
| 2013 Nova Bus Lfs | body or structural component |
|---|---|
| 2014 Nova Bus Lfs | body or structural component |
| 2012 Nova Bus Lfs | body or structural component |
| Units affected | 40 |
| 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?
In an emergency, incorrect window exit release placement, incorrect label instructions, or an insufficient opening can prevent or delay emergency exit use, increasing injury risk. There is no warning sign before an emergency exit is needed, so schedule the recall work promptly and brief operators on the issue. Repair is free at any franchised Nova Bus dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2012-2014 Nova Bus Lfs is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Nova Bus dealer to schedule the free emergency-exit-window repair that moves or removes the misplaced release, label, and stop-request hardware.
- Bring the owner letter if you have it. If not, reference recall number 23V277 and Nova Bus recall CR5415 when you call.
- Keep affected buses out of passenger service until the emergency exit window release, label, and opening are repaired.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Nova Bus technician either removes the emergency exit window feature or relocates the release mechanism, label, and chime cord stop-request system, as needed. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. Nova Bus uses its general reimbursement plan on file for owners who already paid for related repairs before the recall notice. Bring repair documentation to the service desk or contact Nova customer service to start a claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| April 18, 2023 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 9, 2023 | Dealer notification began |
| June 9, 2023 | Dealer notification ended |
| June 9, 2023 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| June 12, 2023 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 23V277?
Recall 23V277 covers 40 2012-2014 Nova Bus Lfs transit buses with emergency exit window release, label, or opening issues. The exit release or instructions can be in the wrong place, or the opening can be too small. Nova Bus will correct the exit setup for free.
What should I do if my 2012-2014 Nova Bus Lfs is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm the specific bus is included in recall 23V277. If it is, contact Nova Bus customer service at 1-800-350-6682 or a Nova Bus service location to arrange the emergency exit window remedy. Reference recall CR5415 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 remove the emergency exit window feature, relocate the release mechanism, label, or chime cord stop-request system as needed, free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is delayed emergency exit use. If the window release or label is in the wrong place, or the opening is too small, passengers can have trouble using that emergency exit during an emergency, increasing the risk of injury.
When were owners notified about recall 23V277?
Nova Bus mailed owner notification letters on June 12, 2023. If you manage or own a 2012-2014 Nova Bus Lfs and did not receive a letter, check your VIN and reference recall CR5415 when contacting Nova Bus customer service.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/23V277000 |
|---|---|
| Nova Bus customer service | 1-800-350-6682 |
| NHTSA recall # | 23V277 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 23V277000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (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 →