NHTSA Recall 13V457000: Electrical system
North American Bus Industries, Inc. reported this safety recall to NHTSA on , covering an estimated 4,061 vehicles. It affects 5 models including the Blue Bird L4RE.
| NHTSA campaign | 13V457000 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer campaign | 20136 |
| Component | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM |
| Report received | September 19, 2013 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Defect
North American Bus Industries (NABI) is recalling certain model year 2000-2011 LFW, CLFW, BRT, 2007-2009 Blue Bird L4RE, and 2000-2009 Optima Opus transit buses equipped with Sure Power battery equalizers containing a particular epoxy sealing, aka 'potting', compound. The specific potting compound used in the subject products for insulation was found to be capable of conducting electricity after being exposed to heat.
Safety risk
Once electrically conductive, the material is capable of melting and burning, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy
NABI will notify owners, and dealers will replace the equalizers, free of charge. An interim letter was mailed to owners on January 27, 2014. Owners may contact NABI at 1-256-831-4296. NABI's recall number is 20136.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Vehicles covered by recall 13V457000
| Make and model | Model years |
|---|---|
| Blue Bird L4RE | 2007, 2008, 2009 |
| Nabi Brt | 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 |
| Nabi Clfw | 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 |
| Nabi Lfw | 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 |
| Optima Opus | 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 |
Being listed here means the campaign covers the model year, not that every car was built with the defect or is still unrepaired. Enter your VIN above to check your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are free at authorised dealers. Source: NHTSA, October 2026.