Recall 25V138 covers 40 2017-2023 Motiv school buses for a loose TPS power-wire connector pin. Motiv field support repairs it free.
Motiv is recalling 40 2017-2023 school buses, including the F-59 BEV Chassis School Bus, because a throttle position sensor power wire connector pin can loosen and interrupt the signal to the powertrain control module. Loss of drive power increases crash risk, and Motiv dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The throttle position sensor tells the powertrain control module how much throttle the driver is requesting. In these 2017-2023 Motiv school buses, that signal passes through a PCM connector, an electrical plug that links the sensor wiring to the computer that controls drive power. When the connection is solid, the powertrain computer receives a clear throttle signal and commands propulsion normally.
The problem is inside that connector. During manufacturing, a wire strip tool left too little exposed wire, and the terminal was crimped incorrectly in the connector socket. That bad crimp lets the pin loosen, which breaks the TPS signal before it reaches the powertrain control module. When the computer loses that signal, the bus loses drive power.
There is no warning sign before failure. A bus driver is not given a specific light, sound, or pedal change before the connection drops and propulsion is lost.
Who's affected?
Spans 6 school-bus configurations from 2017-2023, all tied to the same PCM connector assembly.
| 2023 Motiv F-59 BEV Chassis School Bus | Throttle position sensor (tps) |
|---|---|
| 2023 Motiv F-59 BEV Chassis School Bus | wiring |
| 2023 Motiv F-53 BEV Chassis School Bus | Throttle position sensor (tps) |
| 2023 Motiv F-53 BEV Chassis School Bus | wiring |
| 2020 Motiv F-53 School Bus | Throttle position sensor (tps) |
| 2020 Motiv F-53 School Bus | wiring |
| 2022 Motiv E-450 BEV Chassis School Bus | Throttle position sensor (tps) |
| 2022 Motiv E-450 BEV Chassis School Bus | wiring |
| 2017 Motiv EPIC4 E450 BEV School Bus | Throttle position sensor (tps) |
| 2017 Motiv EPIC4 E450 BEV School Bus | wiring |
| 2018 Motiv EPIC4 E450 BEV School Bus | Throttle position sensor (tps) |
| 2022 Motiv F-59 BEV Chassis School Bus | Throttle position sensor (tps) |
| 2018 Motiv EPIC4 E450 BEV School Bus | wiring |
| 2022 Motiv F-59 BEV Chassis School Bus | wiring |
| 2017 Motiv F-59 School Bus | Throttle position sensor (tps) |
| 2017 Motiv F-59 School Bus | wiring |
| 2022 Motiv F-53 BEV Chassis School Bus | Throttle position sensor (tps) |
| 2018 Motiv F-59 School Bus | Throttle position sensor (tps) |
| 2022 Motiv F-53 BEV Chassis School Bus | wiring |
| 2018 Motiv F-59 School Bus | wiring |
| 2021 Motiv E-450 BEV Chassis School Bus | Throttle position sensor (tps) |
| 2021 Motiv E-450 BEV Chassis School Bus | wiring |
| 2021 Motiv F-59 School Bus | Throttle position sensor (tps) |
| 2021 Motiv F-59 School Bus | wiring |
| 2021 Motiv F-53 BEV Chassis School Bus | Throttle position sensor (tps) |
| 2023 Motiv E-450 BEV Chassis School Bus | Throttle position sensor (tps) |
| 2021 Motiv F-53 BEV Chassis School Bus | wiring |
| 2023 Motiv E-450 BEV Chassis School Bus | wiring |
| 2019 Motiv E-450 BEV Chassis School Bus | Throttle position sensor (tps) |
| 2019 Motiv E-450 BEV Chassis School Bus | wiring |
| 2019 Motiv F-59 BEV Chassis School Bus | Throttle position sensor (tps) |
| 2019 Motiv F-59 BEV Chassis School Bus | wiring |
| 2020 Motiv E-450 BEV Chassis School Bus | Throttle position sensor (tps) |
| 2020 Motiv E-450 BEV Chassis School Bus | wiring |
| 2020 Motiv F-59 BEV Chassis School Bus | Throttle position sensor (tps) |
| 2020 Motiv F-59 BEV Chassis School Bus | wiring |
| Units affected | 40 |
| 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?
Losing drive power in traffic raises the risk of a crash. There is no warning sign before failure, so schedule the repair soon if your VIN is included and avoid putting the vehicle back into regular service before it is inspected. Repair is free at any franchised Motiv dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017-2023 Motiv F-59 BEV Chassis School Bus, F-53 BEV Chassis School Bus, F-53 School Bus, E-450 BEV Chassis School Bus, EPIC4 E450 BEV School Bus, or F-59 School Bus is included in this recall.
- Contact Motiv customer service at 1-650-458-4804 to schedule the free repair.
- Schedule the PCM connector inspection and repair or replacement that fixes the loose throttle position sensor power-wire connection and loss of drive power.
- Bring the recall notice if Motiv mailed one, and reference recall number 25V138 when you schedule service.
- Avoid putting the bus back into service after any loss of drive power until Motiv completes the repair.
What happens at the repair
Motiv field support technicians inspect the powertrain control module connector tied to the throttle position sensor signal. If the connector or pin fit is loose, they repair the connector or replace the PCM connector. The recall repair is free, including parts and labor. Because the remedy is available, contact Motiv or the servicing dealer to arrange the field support repair for an included vehicle.
Timeline
| March 3, 2025 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 23, 2025 | Owner notification mailed |
| May 1, 2025 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| May 1, 2025 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 25V138?
Recall 25V138 covers 40 2017-2023 Motiv school buses with Gen 4 or Gen 5 EPIC powertrains. A throttle position sensor power wire connector pin can loosen, causing loss of signal to the powertrain control module and loss of drive power. Motiv field support technicians will inspect and repair or replace the PCM connector for free.
What should I do if my 2017-2023 Motiv school bus is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm the bus is included in recall 25V138. If it is, contact Motiv customer service at 1-650-458-4804 or your Motiv service contact to arrange the inspection and PCM connector repair or replacement. Reference recall number 25V138 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Motiv field support technicians will inspect the connector and repair or replace the PCM connector free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of drive power. If the throttle position sensor power wire connector loses signal to the powertrain control module, the bus can lose propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash.
When were owners notified about recall 25V138?
Motiv mailed owner notification letters on April 23, 2025. If you manage one of these buses and did not receive a letter, check your VIN and contact Motiv customer service at 1-650-458-4804 with recall number 25V138.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/25V138000 |
|---|---|
| Motiv customer service | 1-650-458-4804 |
| NHTSA recall # | 25V138 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 25V138000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (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 19, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →