The problem
Motor Coach Industries (MCI) is recalling certain model year 2017 J4500 motorcoaches manufactured March 14, 2016, to August 23, 2016. The affected vehicles may experience a multiplexing programming error that will not provide any visual or audible warnings if the vehicle's primary service brake air reservoir system has low pressure. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 121, "Air Brake Systems."
The risk
If the driver is unaware that the service brakes have low air pressure, the brakes may apply automatically, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
MCI will notify owners, and dealers will correct the programming of the multiplexing system, free of charge. The recall began on October 18, 2016. Owners may contact MCI customer service at 1-800-241-2947. MCI's number for this recall is SB 439.
Contacts
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.
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 Mci dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 16V702000.
- 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.