2012 Nova Bus LFS Artic Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Problem: Nova Bus (US) Inc. (Nova Bus) is recalling certain 1997-2002, 2005-2024 LFS, 2009-2014, and 2016 - 2024 LFS Artic transit buses. The low brake air pressure warning light may fail to illuminate when the engine is off. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 121, "Air Brake Systems."

Risk: A low brake air pressure warning light that fails to illuminate when the engine is off will not alert the driver to a low brake pressure condition, increasing the risk of a crash if the parking brake is disengaged before starting the engine.

Fix: Nova Bus will update the firmware, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters explaining the safety risk were mailed by July 17, 2026. Owners will receive another notice once remedy becomes available. Owners may contact Nova Bus customer service at 1-450-472-6410. Nova Bus' number for this recall is CR5918. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning October 2, 2026.

Problem: Nova Bus (US) Inc. (Nova) is recalling certain 2010-2020 LFS Artic and 2012-2024 LFS vehicles. The driver's seat belt may not retract properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies."

Risk: A seat belt that does not retract properly may result in a loose seat belt, which can increase the risk of injury in a crash.

Fix: Nova Bus will install additional seat stoppers to the driver's rear partition, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 4, 2025. Nova's number for this recall is CR5635. This recall expands and replaces previous recall number 23V-350. Vehicles that were previously recalled under 23V-350 will need to have the new remedy completed.

Problem: Nova Bus (US) Inc. (Nova) is recalling certain 2010-2021 LFS and 2009-2012 LFS Artic transit buses. These vehicles are equipped with non-standard color auxiliary lights which may impair the effectiveness of the standard lighting equipment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamp, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Risk: The colorful lighting may cause confusion by distracting other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will remove the non-standard color lights, or replace them with white lights, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 31, 2023. Owners may contact Nova's customer service at 1-800-350-6682. Nova's number for this recall is CR5350/5351.

Problem: Nova Bus (Nova) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 Nova LFS and LFS Artic transit buses manufactured from June 18, 2012, through October 19, 2015. The affected transit buses have destinations signs that may not be properly secured and, as a result, the sign may fall.

Risk: If an sign falls, there is an increased risk of injury to anyone under or standing near the sign.

Fix: Nova will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and secure the sign as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on July 20, 2016. Owners may contact Nova customer service at 1-450-472-6410. Nova's recall number for this campaign is CR3539.

Problem: Nova Bus (Nova) is recalling certain model year 2010-2015 Nova LFS Artic transit buses manufactured from September 1, 2010, through April 30, 2015, and equipped with Allison transmissions. The main power cable within the energy guiding system (EGS) may have been incorrectly routed and, as a result, the cable may disconnect.

Risk: If the main power cable disconnects, there will be a loss of power that could disable the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Nova will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the main power cable, re-routing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on April 11, 2016. Owners may contact Nova customer service at 1-450-472-6410. Nova's recall number for this campaign is CR3590.