Recall 23V452 affects 65 2021-2025 Lion Lionc school buses for loose high-voltage hardware. Repair is free at any franchised Lion dealer.
Lion is recalling 65 2021-2025 Lionc school buses because loose hardware inside the high-voltage distribution unit or direct current junction box can contact electrical terminals and cause a short circuit. That short circuit can cut steering assistance or drive power and reduce braking power, increasing crash risk; Lion dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The high-voltage distribution unit and direct current junction box on 2021-2025 Lion Lionc school buses route battery power through the electric drive system. These enclosures hold electrical terminals and hardware that must stay fixed so high-voltage parts remain separated and insulated.
In affected buses, hardware inside the HVDU or DCJB enclosure can loosen. Once loose, that hardware can touch electrical terminals and create a short circuit. Lion's filing says the hardware configuration is the problem, and the repair updates the hardware and the torque used to secure it.
There is no warning sign before failure. For an owner or fleet manager, the issue is not a visible wear item on the body or cabin; it is inside the high-voltage electrical enclosure. A bus that is included in this recall needs the enclosure hardware checked and updated by a Lion service provider so loose parts cannot move into the terminals.
Who's affected?
Covers the Lionc bus across the 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025 model years, all tied to the same high-voltage distribution and junction box enclosure.
| 2023 Lion Lionc | electrical system |
|---|---|
| 2022 Lion Lionc | electrical system |
| 2021 Lion Lionc | electrical system |
| 2025 Lion Lionc | electrical system |
| 2024 Lion Lionc | electrical system |
| Units affected | 65 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no 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?
A short circuit can shut down the high-voltage circuit. That loss can take away steering assist or drive power and reduce braking power, which increases crash risk. If the vehicle loses assist, power, or braking response, stop in a safe place and contact Lion. Repair is free at any franchised Lion dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2021-2025 Lion Lionc school bus is included in this recall.
- Contact Lion customer service to schedule the free hardware replacement that secures loose hardware inside the high-voltage distribution unit or direct current junction box.
- Reference recall number 23V452 when you call, and ask when a Lion technician can complete the repair.
- Bring the recall notice if Lion mailed one to your school district or fleet office.
- Avoid using the bus for student routes if steering assist, drive power, or braking power changes before the repair.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Lion technician replaces the loose hardware inside the high voltage distribution unit or direct current junction box enclosure so it cannot contact electrical terminals. The recall repair is available now, and parts and labor are covered by Lion. If you already paid for repair or replacement tied to this defect, Lion's reimbursement plan gives you a path to claim those charges. Bring your repair paperwork to the service desk or contact Lion customer service and ask how to submit the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| June 28, 2023 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 21, 2023 | Owner notification mailed |
| August 21, 2023 | Dealer notification began |
| August 21, 2023 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| August 25, 2023 | Dealer notification ended |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 23V452?
Recall 23V452 covers 65 2021-2025 Lion Lionc school buses with loose hardware inside the high-voltage distribution unit or direct current junction box. The hardware can contact electrical terminals and cause a short circuit. Lion technicians will replace the hardware for free.
What should I do if my 2021-2025 Lion Lionc is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific school bus is included in recall 23V452. If it is, contact a Lion service location or Lion customer service at 1-855-546-6706 to arrange the free hardware replacement. Reference Lion recall number R2023-007b when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Lion will replace the affected hardware free of charge. The recall remedy is available through Lion technicians, so ask how your bus should be scheduled for service.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is a high-voltage short circuit that can shut down the high-voltage circuit. That can reduce steering assistance, drive power, and braking power, which increases crash risk. If the bus shows electrical or drive-power problems, keep it out of passenger service and call Lion.
When were owners notified about recall 23V452?
Lion mailed owner notification letters on August 21, 2023. If you manage a 2021-2025 Lion Lionc school bus and never received a letter, check your VIN and contact Lion customer service with recall number 23V452 or R2023-007b.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/23V452000 |
|---|---|
| Lion customer service | 1-855-546-6706 |
| NHTSA recall # | 23V452 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 23V452000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (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 →