Recall 25V646 covers 11,952 2024-2026 Ic Bus Cesb school buses for air-line damage that can activate parking brakes. Free dealer repair once available.
Ic Bus is recalling 11,952 2024-2026 Cesb school buses under recall 25V646 because a tire can contact and damage the air dryer discharge line. That air leak can trigger the parking brake while the bus is moving, which increases crash risk. The dealer repair will be free once Ic Bus makes it available.
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What's wrong?
The air dryer discharge line on the 2024-2026 Ic Bus Cesb school bus is a nylon air line tied into the air brake system. The air dryer removes moisture from compressed air before that air supports brake operation, and the discharge line carries air away from the dryer through the right side of the engine compartment.
On affected buses, the line routing leaves the discharge line too close to the right, passenger-side tire. During a full right turn, the tire can rub the line near the fender. That contact wears into the nylon tube and opens an air leak. As air pressure drops, the parking brake can activate without the driver intending it.
A driver can notice low air system pressure alarms or a low pressure reading on the gauge cluster. There can also be an audible air leak from the right passenger-side fender area.
Who's affected?
The recall spans the 2024, 2025, and 2026 model years, all tied to the same air parking brake component.
| 2024 Ic Bus Cesb | Air |
|---|---|
| 2025 Ic Bus Cesb | Air |
| 2026 Ic Bus Cesb | Air |
| Units affected | 11,952 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 20 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?
Unexpected parking-brake activation while driving increases the risk of a crash. Warning signs include low air system pressure alarms, air pressure readings on the gauge cluster, or an audible air leak near the right passenger-side fender. If any of those signs appear, stop in a safe place and call the dealer before continuing. Repair will be free at any franchised Ic Bus dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2024-2026 Ic Bus Cesb is included in this recall.
- Use the Ic Bus owner letter mailed November 17, 2025, to confirm current instructions before scheduling dealer work.
- Contact a franchised Ic Bus dealer about inspection timing for the air-dryer discharge line repair, which fixes tire contact that damages the line and activates the parking brake.
- Reference recall number 25V646 when you call Ic Bus customer service or the dealer.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete, and leave extra following distance in case the parking brake activates unexpectedly.
What happens at the repair
The final dealer repair is still being developed. Once it opens, an Ic Bus technician will inspect the air dryer discharge line routing, replace any damaged lines, and reroute the lines so tire contact does not damage them again. Parts and labor will be free under the recall. International uses its general reimbursement plan for this campaign. If you already paid out of pocket for a related line repair, keep your receipts and ask the service desk or International customer service how to submit the documentation.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| September 25, 2025 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 17, 2025 | Dealer notification began |
| November 17, 2025 | Dealer notification ended |
| November 17, 2025 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 25V646?
Recall 25V646 covers 11,952 2024-2026 Ic Bus Cesb school buses. A tire can contact and damage the air dryer discharge line, causing an air leak and unintended parking brake activation while driving. Ic Bus dealers will inspect, replace, and reroute the lines as necessary for free.
What should I do if my 2024-2026 Ic Bus Cesb is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific school bus is included in recall 25V646. If it is, contact a franchised Ic Bus dealer and ask about inspection, line replacement, and rerouting. Reference recall number 25V646000 or Ic Bus recall number 25517 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Ic Bus says dealers will inspect, replace, and reroute the affected lines as necessary free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is unintended parking brake activation while driving. If the damaged air dryer discharge line leaks air, the parking brake can activate without the driver intending it, increasing crash risk. The repair path is dealer inspection, line replacement, and rerouting where needed.
When were owners notified about this recall?
Ic Bus mailed owner notification letters on November 17, 2025. If you bought the bus used or did not receive a letter, check your VIN and call a franchised Ic Bus dealer with recall number 25V646000 or Ic Bus recall number 25517.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/25V646000 |
|---|---|
| Ic Bus customer service | 1-800-448-7825 |
| NHTSA recall # | 25V646 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 25V646000 |
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 19, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →