Recall 25V176 affects 6,988 2025-2026 Ic Bus Cesb school buses for low-beam failure. Repair is free at any franchised Ic Bus dealer.
Ic Bus is recalling 6,988 2025-2026 Cesb school buses with halogen headlights because the low beams turn off when the high beams are activated. That lighting failure can reduce visibility and increase crash risk, and Ic Bus dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The headlight software on the 2025-2026 Ic Bus Cesb controls how the halogen headlamps switch between low beams and high beams. Low beams light the road close to the bus and limit glare for oncoming traffic. High beams aim farther ahead for darker roads, and the lighting system is supposed to keep the required forward visibility when the driver changes beam settings.
On affected school buses, the programming was not set up to keep the low beams on when the high beams are selected. The high beams still activate, but the low beams shut off at the same time. That programming error is why these buses do not meet FMVSS 108 for lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
The driver can notice the problem when high beams are turned on. Objects that were visible in the low-beam pattern are no longer clear, so the road area close to the bus looks darker than expected.
Who's affected?
VINs became searchable on May 19, 2025.
| 2025 Ic Bus Cesb | Headlights |
|---|---|
| 2026 Ic Bus Cesb | Headlights |
| Units affected | 6,988 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 1 field incident 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?
Low beam failure can reduce visibility and increase the risk of a crash. When high beams are on, objects normally visible with low beams can disappear from view. If that happens, slow down, choose a safe place to stop, and schedule the software update soon. Repair is free at any franchised Ic Bus dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2025-2026 Ic Bus Cesb is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ic Bus dealer to schedule the free BCM software update that keeps the low beams on when high beams are activated.
- Bring the recall notice if International mailed one. If not, reference recall number 25V176 when you call.
- Use extra care at night until the update is complete, since low-beam headlight failure reduces visibility.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Ic Bus technician updates the body control module software so the headlight system keeps the correct beam behavior. The software update and labor are free under the recall. International's standard reimbursement plan applies for eligible repairs paid before the recall notice. Use the instructions included with the owner letter to submit documentation for reimbursement, or ask the service desk which paperwork International needs for campaign 25V176.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| March 20, 2025 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 28, 2025 | Owner notification mailed |
| May 12, 2025 | Dealer notification began |
| May 12, 2025 | Dealer notification ended |
| May 19, 2025 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| May 19, 2025 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 25V176?
Recall 25V176 covers 6,988 2025-2026 Ic Bus Cesb school buses with halogen headlights. When high beams are activated, the low beams turn off, which fails FMVSS 108 and can reduce visibility. Ic Bus dealers will update the body control module software for free.
What should I do if my 2025-2026 Ic Bus Cesb is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 25V176. If it is, contact a franchised Ic Bus dealer to schedule the body control module software update. Reference recall number 25V176 and Ic Bus recall number 25502 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to fix the defect at no cost, and the recall remedy says dealers will update the body control module software free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at a franchised Ic Bus dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced visibility when the low beams turn off after high beams are activated. On a school bus, reduced headlight visibility increases crash risk. The fix is a free body control module software update at a franchised Ic Bus dealer.
When were owners notified about recall 25V176?
Owner notification letters were mailed April 28, 2025. If you manage or own a 2025-2026 Ic Bus Cesb and did not receive a letter, check your VIN and call an Ic Bus dealer with recall number 25V176.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/25V176000 |
|---|---|
| Ic Bus customer service | 1-800-448-7825 |
| NHTSA recall # | 25V176 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 25V176000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (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 →