Recall 26V111 affects 4,393 2023-2027 Ic Bus Cesb school buses for incorrect brake-line hardware. Repair is free at any franchised Ic Bus dealer.
Ic Bus is recalling 4,393 2023-2027 Cesb school buses because incorrect brake-line hardware can damage the lines and cause a brake fluid leak. A brake fluid leak can extend stopping distance and raise crash risk, and Ic Bus dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The hydraulic brake line on the 2023-2027 Ic Bus Cesb school bus carries pressurized brake fluid from the master cylinder into the braking system. When the driver presses the pedal, that fluid pressure helps apply the brakes. The line has to stay secured so it does not rub against nearby moving parts.
On affected buses, incorrect mounting hardware was used on the brake line retainer, the bracket that holds the line in position. That hardware deformed the retainer and let it lose tension. Once the line is no longer held in place, it can move out of the retainer and contact the steering shaft, which can damage the line and cause a brake fluid leak.
There is no warning sign before failure. Treat any braking change or visible brake fluid leak as a reason to stop using the bus and have the brake lines inspected before it returns to service.
Who's affected?
Spans the 2023-2027 model years for the Cesb, all tied to the same hydraulic brake hose.
| 2023 Ic Bus Cesb | hydraulic brake hose |
|---|---|
| 2024 Ic Bus Cesb | hydraulic brake hose |
| 2025 Ic Bus Cesb | hydraulic brake hose |
| 2026 Ic Bus Cesb | hydraulic brake hose |
| 2027 Ic Bus Cesb | hydraulic brake hose |
| Units affected | 4,393 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 5 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?
A brake fluid leak can lengthen stopping distance and increase the risk of a crash. Until the bus is inspected, give extra following distance, avoid unnecessary trips, and schedule the dealer repair promptly. Repair is free at any franchised Ic Bus dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2023-2027 Ic Bus Cesb is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ic Bus dealer to schedule the free brake-line inspection and replacement that fixes brake-line damage and leaks from incorrect hardware.
- Bring the recall notice if Ic Bus mailed one. If not, reference recall number 26V111 when you call.
- Call Ic Bus customer service at 1-800-448-7825 with questions about scheduling or parts availability.
- Limit trips until the repair is complete, and leave extra stopping distance if the bus has to be moved.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Ic Bus technician inspects the brake lines and brake line retainers, then replaces any damaged lines or incorrect retainers that need replacement. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. The manufacturer used its general reimbursement plan for this campaign. If you already paid out of pocket for brake line or retainer work tied to this condition, bring documentation to the service desk or contact customer service to ask how to file a claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| February 26, 2026 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 20, 2026 | Dealer notification began |
| April 20, 2026 | Dealer notification ended |
| April 20, 2026 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 26V111?
Recall 26V111 covers 4,393 2023-2027 Ic Bus Cesb school buses with brake lines installed with incorrect hardware. The hardware can damage the brake lines and cause a brake fluid leak, which can lengthen stopping distance. Ic Bus dealers will inspect and replace the brake lines and retainers for free.
What should I do if my 2023-2027 Ic Bus Cesb is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific school bus is included in recall 26V111. If it is, contact a franchised Ic Bus dealer to schedule the brake line and retainer inspection. Reference recall number 26V111 and the manufacturer's recall number 26502 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Ic Bus dealers will inspect the brake lines and brake line retainers, then replace the affected parts for free when the recall applies to that VIN.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is longer stopping distance from a brake fluid leak. Incorrect brake line hardware can damage the brake lines, and leaking brake fluid can make the bus require more distance to stop. That increases crash risk, so confirmed buses should be scheduled for the free dealer repair.
When were owners notified about recall 26V111?
Owner notification letters were scheduled for April 27, 2026. A mailed letter is helpful, but the VIN is what confirms coverage for a specific school bus. If the bus is included, the dealer repair path is inspection and replacement of the affected brake lines and retainers for free.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/26V111000 |
|---|---|
| Ic Bus customer service | 1-800-448-7825 |
| NHTSA recall # | 26V111 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 26V111000 |
Source documents
-
Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (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 →