- The problem
- Daimler Buses North America Ltd. (DBNA) is recalling certain model year 2003-2008 Orion V and model year 2002-2010 VII buses equipped with Sure Power equalizers and DC-DC Converters. The specific potting compound used in the equalizers and convertors for insulation was found to be capable of conducting electricity after being exposed to heat.
- The risk
- Once electrically conductive, the material is capable of melting and burning, increasing the risk of a fire.
- The fix
- DBNA will notify owners and Sure Power representatives will change out the equalizer and/or convertor, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during November 2014. Owners may contact DBNA at 1-905-403-1111.
Vehicle safety record
2003 Orion V Problems, complaints & recalls
No owner complaints about the 2003 Orion V have been filed with NHTSA. It is covered by 8 recalls, the latest in September 2013 for the electrical system.
NHTSA data checked
DMore problems than a typical V year, for its age
- Complaints
- 0
- Recalls
- 8
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
2003 Orion V recalls 8
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- Daimler buses is recalling certain orion transit buses equipped with the morse remote throttle control. The morse remote throttle control panel is located in the engine compartment and a switch on it is labeled, "throttle"; "off" or "front" and "on" or "rear" selecting the active engine control station. If a person operating the engine from the "rear" position (at the engine) fails to place the switch in the "off" or "front" position and the engine rpm was set to above idle during maintenance for example, when the bus is started from the driver's station the engine could change to the higher rpm resulting in unwanted engine power.
- The risk
- The bus could accelerate at a higher rate than anticipated increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Daimler will provide instructions to modify the wiring to the morse throttle control switch. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on april 1, 2010. Owners may contact daimler buses at 1-800-716-7466.
- The problem
- Daimler buses of north america is recalling certain model year 2002 through 2009 orion transit buses equipped with luminator horizon led side destination signs. The connector board can corrode due to an accumulation of moisture under the connector.
- The risk
- A short could occur, possibly causing smoke and a fire.
- The fix
- Orion will notify owners and the buses will be repaired by luminator free of charge. Please see luminator's defect report 09e-054. The safety recall is expected to begin during november 2009. Owners may contact luminator at 1-972-516-3033 or orion at 1-800-716-7466.
- The problem
- Daimler buses is recalling certain model year 2000 through 2008 orion transit buses equipped with lift-u wheelchair lifts. The lifts are equipped with a logic board assembly for the wheelchair lift control box, p/nos. 373-0226 And 373-0265. The outboard ramp barrier could fold in toward a lift passenger and pinch, press, or crush the passenger's feet.
- The risk
- THE LIFT PASSENGER COULD BE SERIOUSLY INJURED.
- The fix
- Orion will notify owners and the repairs will be made by lift-u free of charge. Please see lift-u's defect report 09e-051. The safety recall began on october 29, 2009. Owners may contact lift-u at 1-209-838-2400 or orion at 1-800-716-7466.
- The problem
- On certain buses equipped with detroit diesel series 50g engines, higher than expected temperatures will allow the low pressure natural gas regulator gasket to leak coolant and drip onto the terminals of the battery charging alternator.
- The risk
- This can result in a short in the electrical circuit and the potential for an engine compartment fire.
- The fix
- Detroit diesel is conducting the recall (please see 06e028000) and will repair the engines by replacing the low pressure regulator gasket free of charge. Owners may contact detroit diesel at 1-313-592-3708 or orion bus at 905-403-7832.
- The problem
- Certain my 2000-2005 detroit diesel series 50g engines manufactured between october 2, 2002, and march 22, 2005, equipped on certain 2002-2004 orion v and 2002-2005 orion vii transit buses. Higher than expected temperatures will allow the low pressure natural gas regulator gasket to leak coolant and drip onto the terminals of the battery charging alternator.
- The risk
- This can result in a short in the electrical circuit and the potential for an engine compartment fire.
- The fix
- Detroit diesel will notify owners and repair the engines by replacing the low pressure regulator gasket with an improved gasket free of charge. The recall began on april 7, 2006. Owners may contact detroit diesel at 313-592-3708.
- The problem
- On certain buses, an incorrect window retention clip was installed allowing the emergency exit window to open with little outward force.
- The risk
- A passenger could fall out of the bus increasing the risk of injury.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the window retention clips. The recall began on march 4, 2005. All owners have been contacted. Owners may contact orion at 1-905-403-7832.
- The problem
- Certain transit buses fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 217, "Bus emergency exits and window retention and release." During subsequent closing of an emergency exit the moving window frame interferes with the jam frame stop located in mid span along the lower edge of the window frame.
- The risk
- During the use of an emergency exit window, a window may not open after applying the required forces allowing a person to escape in the event of an emergency.
- The fix
- Dealers will install two aluminum blocks each attached by two screws. The moving window frame will not interfere with the jam frame stop. The recall began may 1, 2005. Owners should contact orion at 905-403-7832, ext. 3335.
What owners say
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No complaints about the 2003 Orion V yet
No owner has filed a complaint about this vehicle with NHTSA. If yours has a problem, share it here and report it to NHTSA.
Orion V: every year compared
All V yearsQuestions about the 2003 Orion V
Does the 2003 Orion V have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 8 recalls for the 2003 Orion V: electrical system (September 2013); pedal / hand lever(motorcycle) (January 2010); interior lighting (October 2009); equipment adaptive / mobility (October 2009) and more. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
How many complaints has the 2003 Orion V had?
None have been filed with NHTSA so far.
Is the 2003 Orion V a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 33 out of 100 (grade D: more problems than a typical Orion V year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Orion V years have the most complaints?
2000 (1), 2002 (1). See every Orion V year compared.
What should I do if my 2003 Orion V has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data