Recall 23V350 affects 166 2012-2022 Nova Bus Lfs buses for a driver-seat-belt retraction defect. Repair is free at any franchised Nova Bus dealer.
Nova Bus is recalling 166 2012-2022 Lfs vehicles because the driver's seat belt has a retraction defect that leaves the belt loose. A loose belt increases the risk of injury in a crash, and Nova Bus dealers will replace the driver's seat belt assembly 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?
On 2012-2022 Nova Bus Lfs buses, the driver's seat belt is integrated into the driver seat. The belt assembly holds the driver in position and retracts extra webbing after the belt is buckled, so the belt sits snug against the driver instead of staying loose.
On affected buses, certain driver seat and seat belt configurations were not checked closely enough for interference during integration. The seat back recline angle and nearby rear partition area can interfere with the belt path. When that happens, the retractor does not pull the belt webbing back as designed, leaving slack in a safety system that must meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 209.
The warning sign is slack after the belt is buckled. If the driver's belt feels loose or does not tighten back against the body, the retractor is not working the way it should.
Who's affected?
Spans the 2012-2022 Lfs model years, with the same front seat-belt component across the included buses.
| 2021 Nova Bus Lfs | seat belt |
|---|---|
| 2020 Nova Bus Lfs | seat belt |
| 2019 Nova Bus Lfs | seat belt |
| 2018 Nova Bus Lfs | seat belt |
| 2017 Nova Bus Lfs | seat belt |
| 2012 Nova Bus Lfs | seat belt |
| 2015 Nova Bus Lfs | seat belt |
| 2014 Nova Bus Lfs | seat belt |
| 2013 Nova Bus Lfs | seat belt |
| 2016 Nova Bus Lfs | seat belt |
| 2022 Nova Bus Lfs | seat belt |
| Units affected | 166 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the recall, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific bus is included.
What's the safety risk?
A driver seat belt that fails to retract properly can leave the belt loose after buckling. A loose belt increases the risk of injury in a crash because it cannot hold the driver as intended. If the belt feels loose, schedule the dealer repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Nova Bus dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2012-2022 Nova Bus Lfs is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Nova Bus dealer to schedule the free driver-seat adjustment or spacer installation that helps the seat belt retract properly.
- Bring the recall notice if Nova Bus mailed one. If not, reference recall number 23V350 when you call.
- Inspect the driver's seat belt before each trip and stop using the driver's seat if the belt does not retract or sits loose.
- Call Nova Bus customer service at 1-800-350-6682 with questions about Nova Bus recall CR5419.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Nova Bus technician checks the driver's seat position and seat belt routing, then adjusts the recline angle of the seat back rest or installs a spacer on the driver's seat if needed. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. If you've already paid before the recall notice for a repair tied to this seat belt retraction issue, Nova Bus's standard reimbursement plan covers documented expenses. Ask Nova Bus customer service how to submit your repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| May 17, 2023 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 7, 2023 | Dealer notification began |
| July 7, 2023 | Dealer notification ended |
| July 7, 2023 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| July 14, 2023 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 23V350?
Recall 23V350 covers 166 2012-2022 Nova Bus Lfs vehicles with a driver's seat belt that does not retract properly, failing Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 209. A loose belt can increase injury risk in a crash. Nova Bus dealers will adjust the seat-back rest angle or add a driver's-seat spacer for free.
What should I do if my 2012-2022 Nova Bus Lfs is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 23V350. If it is, contact a franchised Nova Bus dealer to schedule the seat-belt repair. Reference recall number 23V350 and Nova Bus recall number CR5419 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair recall defects at no cost, and Nova Bus will provide this repair free of charge. Dealers will adjust the seat-back rest recline angle or add a spacer on the driver's seat as needed.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is a loose driver's seat belt during a crash. If the belt does not retract properly, it fails to fit the driver as intended, which can increase the risk of injury. The repair corrects the seat position or spacing so the belt retracts properly.
When were owners notified about recall 23V350?
Nova Bus mailed owner notification letters on July 14, 2023. If you own or operate a 2012-2022 Nova Bus Lfs and never received a letter, check your VIN and call Nova customer service at 1-800-350-6682 with recall number CR5419.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/23V350000 |
|---|---|
| Nova Bus customer service | 1-800-350-6682 |
| NHTSA recall # | 23V350 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 23V350000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (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 →