Recall 24V203 covers 608 2021-2023 Nova Bus Lfs and Lfs Artic buses for a loose alternator cable nut. Free repair at a franchised Nova Bus dealer.
Nova Bus is recalling 608 2021-2023 Lfs and Lfs Artic buses under recall 24V203 because the alternator power cable nut was not tightened properly. A loose nut can cause electrical arcing and increase the risk of a fire, and Nova Bus dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The alternator power cable on 2021-2023 Nova Bus Lfs and Lfs Artic buses carries high electrical current between the charging system and the bus electrical system. The alternator generates power while the engine runs, and the cable connection has to stay tight so current moves through the metal contact instead of jumping across a gap. That tight connection depends on the retaining nut being torqued correctly.
On affected buses, the alternator power cable nut was not tightened to the required torque. Nova Bus traced the issue to assembly instructions that did not clearly state the torque requirement for the EMP alternator installation. A loose connection lets current arc at the cable terminal, which can damage the connection and create heat at the alternator power cable. The corrected repair applies the proper torque to that cable assembly.
There is no warning sign before failure. A driver or technician should not expect a dashboard message, sound, or change in operation before the alternator cable connection has already begun to arc.
Who's affected?
Covers the Lfs and Lfs Artic bus lines across the 2021-2023 model years, all with the same electrical system component.
| 2023 Nova Bus Lfs | electrical system |
|---|---|
| 2022 Nova Bus Lfs | electrical system |
| 2021 Nova Bus Lfs | electrical system |
| 2021 Nova Bus Lfs Artic | electrical system |
| 2022 Nova Bus Lfs Artic | electrical system |
| Units affected | 608 |
| 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 this recall applies to your specific bus.
What's the safety risk?
A loose power cable nut can create electrical arcing and raise the risk of a fire. There is no warning sign before the issue occurs, so schedule the recall inspection soon and avoid ignoring electrical smells, smoke, or heat near the affected area. Repair is free at any franchised Nova Bus dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2021-2023 Nova Bus Lfs or Lfs Artic bus is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Nova Bus dealer to schedule the free alternator power-cable nut inspection and tightening that fixes the loose alternator connection.
- Bring the owner notice if you have it, and reference recall number 24V203 when you call.
- Ask the dealer whether the bus should stay out of service until the alternator cable nut is inspected.
- Call Nova Bus customer service at 1-800-350-6682 with questions about Nova Bus recall CR5570.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Nova Bus technician inspects the alternator power cable connection and tightens the power cable nut if it is loose. The inspection and any tightening needed are free under recall 24V203, including parts and labor tied to the repair. If you paid for the same repair before the owner notice, Nova Bus handles documented pre-notice expenses through its standard reimbursement plan. Bring repair paperwork and payment documentation to the service desk, or contact Nova Bus customer service for the claim process.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| March 17, 2024 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 20, 2024 | Dealer notification began |
| March 20, 2024 | Dealer notification ended |
| April 10, 2024 | Owner notification mailed |
| May 16, 2024 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| May 16, 2024 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 24V203?
Recall 24V203 covers 608 2021-2023 Nova Bus Lfs and Lfs Artic buses with an alternator power cable nut that was not tightened properly. A loose nut can cause electrical arcing and increase fire risk. Nova Bus will inspect and tighten the nut for free.
What should I do if my 2021-2023 Nova Bus Lfs or Lfs Artic is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 24V203. If it is, contact Nova Bus customer service at 1-800-350-6682 or a Nova Bus service location to arrange the free inspection and tightening. Reference Nova Bus recall number CR5570 when you call.
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 tighten the alternator power cable nut as needed free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is fire. The alternator power cable nut was not tightened properly, which can let the connection loosen and cause electrical arcing. If your VIN is included, arrange the free Nova Bus inspection and tightening before the bus stays in service.
When were owners notified about recall 24V203?
Nova Bus mailed owner notification letters on April 10, 2024. If you bought the bus used or did not receive a letter, check your VIN and reference recall 24V203 or Nova Bus recall number CR5570 when contacting service.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/24V203000 |
|---|---|
| Nova Bus customer service | 1-800-350-6682 |
| NHTSA recall # | 24V203 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 24V203000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (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 →