The problem
Motor Coach Industries (MCI) is recalling certain 2014-2017 J4500 motor coaches equipped with ZF front axles. In the affected vehicles, the front brake hose routing clamps may have been over-tightened, possibly damaging the brake hose wall reinforcement. If the brake hose wall reinforcement is damaged, the brake hose may leak. 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 front brake hoses leak, the distance needed to stop the vehicle may be lengthened, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
MCI will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the clamp tightness, replacing any damaged brake hoses, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on July 14, 2017. Owners may contact MCI customer service at 1-800-241-2947. MCI's number for this recall is SB 454.
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 17V360000.
- 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.