Recall 24V518 affects 900 2021-2024 Nova Bus Lfs and Lfs Artic buses for parking-brake air leaks. Repair is free at any franchised Nova Bus dealer.
Nova Bus is recalling 900 2021-2024 Lfs and Lfs Artic buses because an air leak in the parking brake valve can engage the parking brake without turning on the brake lights. A bus that stops suddenly without brake lights raises crash risk, and Nova Bus dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The parking brake valve on the affected 2021-2024 Nova Bus Lfs and 2021-2023 Lfs Artic buses is part of the air brake system. Its job is to hold and release air pressure so the parking brake stays released while the bus is moving and applies when the driver commands it. The brake lights are tied to normal braking signals, so other road users get warning when braking is intentional.
On affected buses, a connector on the parking brake valve was assembled with incorrect torque. That loose or improperly tightened connection can let air leak from the valve. When pressure drops, the parking brake can engage without the driver applying it, and the brake lights do not turn on to warn traffic behind the bus.
There is no warning sign before failure. A driver should not expect a warning light, sound, or gradual change before the parking brake engages.
Who's affected?
Spans Lfs and Lfs Artic buses across the 2021-2024 model years, all tied to the same parking brake valve component. VINs have been searchable since September 6, 2024.
| 2023 Nova Bus Lfs | Air |
|---|---|
| 2022 Nova Bus Lfs | Air |
| 2021 Nova Bus Lfs | Air |
| 2021 Nova Bus Lfs Artic | Air |
| 2022 Nova Bus Lfs Artic | Air |
| 2023 Nova Bus Lfs Artic | Air |
| 2024 Nova Bus Lfs | Air |
| Units affected | 900 |
| 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 bus that stops suddenly without activating brake lights gives following traffic less time to react and increases the risk of a crash. There is no warning before it happens, so operators should report any sudden stopping event and schedule the recall repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Nova Bus dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2021-2024 Nova Bus Lfs or Lfs Artic is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Nova Bus dealer to schedule the free inspection and parking-brake air-line tightening that addresses air leaks that can engage the parking brake without brake lights.
- Bring the owner notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 24V518 when you call.
- Tell the dealer about any unexpected parking-brake engagement before the inspection.
- Keep drivers alert for sudden parking-brake engagement until the free repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Nova Bus technician inspects the parking brake air line connections and tightens any loose connections. The recall repair is free, including parts and labor. If you already paid out of pocket for a parking brake air line or valve repair before the recall notice, Nova Bus's general reimbursement plan addresses documented expenses. Bring repair invoices and proof of payment when you contact Nova Bus customer service or the dealer.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| July 8, 2024 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 10, 2024 | Dealer notification began |
| July 10, 2024 | Dealer notification ended |
| July 24, 2024 | Owner notification mailed |
| September 6, 2024 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| September 6, 2024 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 24V518?
Recall 24V518 covers 900 2021-2024 Nova Bus Lfs and Lfs Artic buses with a parking brake air line issue. An air leak in the parking brake valve can unintentionally engage the parking brake without brake lights, increasing crash risk. Nova Bus will inspect and tighten the connections for free.
What should I do if my 2021-2024 Nova Bus Lfs or Lfs Artic is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 24V518. If it is, contact Nova Bus customer service at 1-800-350-6682 or your Nova Bus service contact to arrange the parking brake air line inspection and tightening. Reference Nova Bus recall number CR5615 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 parking brake air line connections free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for buses included in recall 24V518.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is a sudden stop without brake lights. If the parking brake unintentionally engages and following drivers do not see brake lights, the chance of a rear-end crash increases. Confirm the VIN, then arrange the free Nova Bus repair if the bus is included.
When were owners notified about recall 24V518?
Nova Bus mailed owner notification letters on July 24, 2024. The letter gives owners the recall instructions and identifies Nova Bus recall number CR5615. If you did not receive a letter, use the VIN check and call Nova Bus customer service at 1-800-350-6682.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/24V518000 |
|---|---|
| Nova Bus customer service | 1-800-350-6682 |
| NHTSA recall # | 24V518 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 24V518000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (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 →