The problem
Daimler Buses North America (DBNA) is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 Orion V and model year 2005-2006 Orion VII transit buses equipped with John Deere Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) turbocharged engines. The turbine or compressor wheel may fail, resulting in subsequent damage to the engine and/or an oil leak.
The risk
Failure of the turbine or compressor wheel may result in smoke, fire, and stalling, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
DBNA will notify owners. The remedy for this issue is still under development. The safety recall began on September 28, 2012. Owners may contact Daimler Buses North America at 1-800-882-8054.
Contacts
Customers may contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); or go to http://www.safercar.gov.
What to do
- Check your VIN. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls - it shows whether this recall applies to your vehicle and whether the repair has been done.
- Call a dealer. Any authorized Orion dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 12V447000.
- Ask about parts and a loaner. If parts aren't available yet, ask what to do in the meantime.
- Keep your paperwork. If you paid for this repair before the recall, you may be able to get reimbursed - here's how.