Recall 23V481 affects 196 2022-2023 Nova Bus Lfs transit buses for power steering hose detachment. Repair is free at any franchised Nova Bus dealer.
Nova Bus is recalling 196 2022-2023 Lfs transit buses because the power steering hose was not assembled correctly. The hose fitting can detach and cause sudden loss of power steering assist, increasing crash risk; Nova Bus dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The power steering hose assembly on 2022-2023 Nova Bus Lfs transit buses carries pressurized power steering fluid between the steering pump, lines, and steering gear. That pressure gives the driver steering assist, so turning the wheel takes less effort during low-speed moves, stops, and route service.
On affected buses, the hose was built with incorrect fittings from a different supplier. The fitting is the metal end that locks the hose to the rest of the steering system. If that fitting detaches, power steering fluid escapes and hydraulic pressure drops. The driver still has a mechanical steering connection, but the power assist is lost and steering effort rises sharply.
A power steering oil leak can be the warning sign before the hose separates. Drivers or maintenance staff should treat visible steering fluid near the hose, fitting, or under the bus as a sign that the hose assembly needs inspection. Defective hoses are identified by a blue ring on the fitting, while certified replacement hoses use the proper fittings.
Who's affected?
Covers the 2022 and 2023 Lfs model years, with the same power steering hose assembly listed for both.
| 2023 Nova Bus Lfs | power steering system |
|---|---|
| 2022 Nova Bus Lfs | power steering system |
| Units affected | 196 |
| 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?
Sudden loss of power steering assist can make the bus harder to steer and increase the risk of a crash. A visible power steering oil leak is a warning sign, so schedule inspection promptly and avoid putting the bus back in service until it is checked. Repair is free at any franchised Nova Bus dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2022-2023 Nova Bus Lfs is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Nova Bus dealer to schedule the free power-steering hose inspection and replacement that fixes the hose fitting detachment risk.
- Bring the owner notice if Nova Bus mailed one, or reference recall number 23V481 when you call.
- Call Nova Bus customer service at 1-800-350-6682 with questions about recall 23V481.
- Use caution until the repair is complete, since sudden loss of power steering assist can make the bus harder to control.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Nova Bus technician inspects the power steering hoses and replaces any hose that was assembled incorrectly or shows the covered fitting problem. The recall repair is free, including parts and labor. If you already paid out of pocket for a related power steering hose repair before the recall notice, Nova Bus's standard reimbursement plan covers documented expenses. Bring repair invoices or other paperwork to the service desk so the claim can be matched to this recall.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| July 12, 2023 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 4, 2023 | Dealer notification began |
| August 4, 2023 | Dealer notification ended |
| August 4, 2023 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| August 10, 2023 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 23V481?
Recall 23V481 covers 196 2022-2023 Nova Bus Lfs transit buses with power steering hoses that were not assembled correctly. The hose fitting can detach, causing sudden loss of power steering assist and increasing crash risk. Nova Bus will inspect and replace the hoses for free.
What should I do if my 2022-2023 Nova Bus Lfs is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 23V481. If it is, contact a franchised Nova Bus dealer or Nova customer service at 1-800-350-6682 to arrange the power steering hose inspection and replacement. Owner letters were mailed August 10, 2023.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Nova Bus will inspect and replace the affected power steering hoses free of charge through the recall remedy.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is a sudden loss of power steering assist. If the hose fitting detaches, steering effort increases and the driver has less assist when controlling the bus, which can increase crash risk. The recall repair addresses the hose assembly problem.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/23V481000 |
|---|---|
| Nova Bus customer service | 1-800-350-6682 |
| NHTSA recall # | 23V481 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 23V481000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (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 →