Recall 24V781 covers 25 2021-2024 Motiv E-450 BEV Chassis School Bus vehicles for loose 12-volt control cables. Motiv field support repairs it for free.
Motiv is recalling 25 2021-2024 E-450 BEV Chassis School Bus vehicles because a wire connection point in the Gen 4 EPIC powertrain can loosen and interrupt 12-volt control power to the high voltage batteries. That interruption can cause a loss of drive power and increase crash risk; Motiv dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The 12-volt power cable assembly on 2021-2024 Motiv E-450 BEV Chassis School Bus vehicles feeds control power to the high-voltage battery system. That lower-voltage control circuit lets the electric powertrain keep the main battery contactors and propulsion controls active while the bus is operating.
On affected buses, the connector and cable assembly has a socket grid that can be partially collapsed. That damage lets the connection loosen or open, which interrupts 12-volt control power to the high-voltage batteries. When that control power drops out, the batteries stop supporting propulsion control and the bus can lose propulsion while driving.
There is no warning sign before failure. The reported problem was a loss of propulsion while driving, so the first thing an operator notices can be the bus losing drive power.
Who's affected?
Covers the same electric propulsion system cable assembly across four model years.
| 2024 Motiv E-450 BEV Chassis School Bus | electric propulsion system |
|---|---|
| 2023 Motiv E-450 BEV Chassis School Bus | electric propulsion system |
| 2022 Motiv E-450 BEV Chassis School Bus | electric propulsion system |
| 2021 Motiv E-450 BEV Chassis School Bus | electric propulsion system |
| Units affected | 25 |
| 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?
Interruption of 12-volt control power can cut drive power and increase crash risk. There is no warning sign before failure, so treat any sudden loss of propulsion as a reason to stop in a safe place and contact Motiv. Repair is free at any franchised Motiv dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2021-2024 Motiv E-450 BEV Chassis School Bus is included in this recall.
- Contact Motiv customer service at 1-650-458-4804 to schedule the free 12-volt control cable inspection and replacement that fixes the loose control-power connection.
- Reference recall number 24V781 when you call, and ask whether a Motiv field support technician will handle the repair at your location.
- Keep the bus out of passenger service until the repair is complete if it loses drive power or shows control-power problems.
- Bring the owner notice if Motiv mailed one, or give the service team the VIN and recall number 24V781.
What happens at the repair
A Motiv field support technician inspects the 12-volt control cable connection that supplies control power to the high-voltage battery system. If the connection or cable needs correction, the technician replaces the 12-volt control cable, free of charge. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. If you already paid for a repair tied to this defect, Motiv will reimburse reasonable repair costs. Contact Motiv customer service and have your prior repair invoice or other documentation ready so the cost can be reviewed.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| October 18, 2024 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 11, 2024 | Dealer notification began |
| December 11, 2024 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| December 11, 2024 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| December 13, 2024 | Dealer notification ended |
| December 23, 2024 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 24V781?
Recall 24V781 covers 25 2021-2024 Motiv E-450 BEV Chassis School Bus vehicles equipped with a Gen 4 EPIC powertrain. A loose 12-volt control cable connection can interrupt control power to the high-voltage batteries, causing loss of drive power and raising crash risk.
What should I do if my 2021-2024 Motiv E-450 BEV Chassis School Bus is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific school bus is included in recall 24V781. If it is, contact Motiv customer service at 1-650-458-4804 to arrange the inspection. Motiv field support technicians will replace the 12-volt control cable as needed for free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to fix the defect at no cost to the owner. Motiv field support technicians will inspect the 12-volt control cable and replace it as needed free of charge.
What is the safety risk with recall 24V781?
The safety risk is loss of drive power. If the 12-volt control cable connection loosens, control power to the high-voltage batteries can stop, and the school bus can lose propulsion. That raises crash risk, so confirm the VIN and arrange the free inspection.
When were owners notified about recall 24V781?
Motiv mailed owner notification letters on December 23, 2024. If you manage a used or transferred school bus and never received a letter, check your VIN and reference recall 24V781 when you contact Motiv customer service.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/24V781000 |
|---|---|
| Motiv customer service | 1-650-458-4804 |
| NHTSA recall # | 24V781 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 24V781000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (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 →