- 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
2002 Orion Vii Problems, complaints & recalls
No owner complaints about the 2002 Orion Vii have been filed with NHTSA. It is covered by 8 recalls, the latest in September 2013 for the electrical system.
NHTSA data checked
CAbout as many problems as a typical Vii year, for its age
- Complaints
- 0
- Recalls
- 8
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
2002 Orion Vii 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
- 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 commercial buses equipped with vapor door assemblies, the two piece curved connecting rods when used as an element of the door actuation linkage in conjunction with a vapor medium pneumatic differential engine, may be subject to fatigue failure resulting in bending or breaking of the connecting rod.
- The risk
- A broken connecting rod can allow the door panel to move freely in an uncontrolled manner, leaving passengers inside the vehicle unprotected by the door panel and enabling a protruding door panel to strike persons or objects outside the vehicle.
- The fix
- Orion is working with vapor bus international to notify owners and have the repair performed on their vehicles. The remedy consists of replacing the two piece connecting rod with a one piece connecting rod. Owners may contact orion bus at 905-403-7832 or vapor at 847-777-6400.
- The problem
- On certain buses, the battery storage sliding tray locking toggle was not tightened sufficiently. The battery door can open allowing the battery tray to slide out from the stored position.
- The risk
- This could cause an obstacle, which could result in a crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect and add a locking pin to keep the battery tray from sliding. Orion has not yet provided an owner notification schedule for this campaign. Customers may also contact orion at 1-905-403-7832.
- The problem
- Certain buses equipped with compressed natural gas fuel containers, model alt823d, p/n 1273147, do not conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 304, 'Compressed natural gas fuel container integrity.' The ngv container's pressure relief devices fail to timely and fully activate as required by the standard.
- The risk
- In the event of a vehicle fire with the fuel system roof enclosure removed or opened, the fuel container's pressure relief devices may not activate as they are designed to do and the fuel container could rupture and explode. Such an explosion could cause serious injuries or death to occupants of the bus or to persons outside the bus.
- The fix
- Structural composites will notify the orion bus owners. Structural composites has not yet provided the agency with a finalized remedy. Owners should contact sci at 1-909-444-2503 or orion at 1-905-403-7832.
- The problem
- Certain compressed natural gas fuel containers, model alt823d, p/n 1273147, equipped on certain 2003 and 2004 orion vii buses. The nvg container's pressure relief devices fail to timely and fully activate as required by federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 304, Compressed natural gas fuel container integrity.
- The risk
- In the event of a vehicle fire with the fuel system roof enclosure removed or opened, the fuel container's pressure relief devices may not activate as they are designed to do and the fuel container could rupture and explode. Such an explosion, if it were to occur, could cause serious injuries or death to occupants of the bus or to persons outside the bus.
- The fix
- Structural composites will replace the pressure relief valve free of charge. Structural composites is expected to notify the owners of affected orion vii buses in june 2004. The recall began february 2005.
What owners say
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No complaints about the 2002 Orion Vii 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 Vii: every year compared
All Vii years2002 Orion Vii vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 Orion Vii | 0 | 8 | C | |
| 2002 Orion V | 1 | 7 | D | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2002 Orion Vii
Does the 2002 Orion Vii have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 8 recalls for the 2002 Orion Vii: electrical system (September 2013); pedal / hand lever(motorcycle) (January 2010); interior lighting (October 2009); engine (April 2006) 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 2002 Orion Vii had?
None have been filed with NHTSA so far.
Is the 2002 Orion Vii a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 51 out of 100 (grade C: about as many problems as a typical Orion Vii 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 Vii years have the most complaints?
2007 (1), 2009 (1). See every Orion Vii year compared.
What should I do if my 2002 Orion Vii 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