What Nova Bus LFS owners have reported to NHTSA, the service bulletins the manufacturer sent dealers, and any federal defect investigations, by model year. See Nova Bus LFS safety recalls or check your VIN.
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA, by the model year of the vehicle. A high count can also mean a popular year, so compare it with how many were sold.
| Year | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injured | Deaths | TSBs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| 2023 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 39 |
| 2022 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 59 |
| 2021 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 102 |
| 2020 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 70 |
| 2019 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 103 |
| 2018 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 128 |
| 2017 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 103 |
| 2016 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 160 |
| 2015 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 123 |
| 2014 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 137 |
| 2013 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 188 |
| 2012 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 223 |
| 2011 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 213 |
| 2010 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 127 |
The vehicle systems named most often in Nova Bus LFS complaints (one complaint can name several).
In the owners’ own words, as filed with NHTSA. Unverified reports; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.
This NOVA BUS form build series LF26 a 2023 model year had a failure at the steering gear box as the previous complaint the sector shaft was found to have too much play causing the seal to leak hydraulic steering oil which poses a sever risk to the safety of the operator, the passengers, and the public Again we have had a high failure rate on this and other NOVA buses Build series LB77, LE92 and LF26 2019, 2022, and 2023 model years. 18 steering boxes replaced just in 2025 among the fleet of NOVA buses. Others in 2024! Box manufactuer TRW NOVA part number N100487 We have had to source boxes elswhere to meet demand due to parts not being available from NOVA all of th time when needed.
NOVA BUS's in this model year and build series LF26 Unit numbers 2301-2309 have expierienced a high failure rat of the steering gear box. These units are exibiting play in the sector shaft at an ealry age and the play is causing fluid leaks of the steering hydryaulic oil that poses a severe safety risk to the operator, passengers, and the public in and around the vehicles while being driven. We have been replacing the steering boxes as the failure is noted. Parts availability from NOVA has been poor. This bus had the box replaced on 9/2/2025 at 83,361 miles These are heavy duty transit buses with a life expectancy of 12 plus years
Repair instructions and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about known issues. A TSB is not a recall, and the repair is usually free only while the car is under warranty; ask your dealer for the bulletin number.
The HVAC generator engine pulley has bolts that are too long.
The rear door operator is missing one bolt and washer.
One fire suppression system pipe may be installed backwards and interfere with an alternator cable, creating friction that could damage one or both components.
Rear Door Electrical Operator. Incorrectly adjusted door stops could mislead the system by indicating incomplete closure of the door.
Failure of camera bracket will cause the camera to swing while bus is in motion.
Water Sensor in E-Steering Compartment.
Water Sensor in E-Steering Compartment.
Restricted access to the Modular Propulsion Control System (MPCS) makes decommissioning difficult and presents a risk of damaging the HV cables during handling or testing.
The transmission oil sampler line might be routed above the transmission oil dipstick tube, bringing it too close to the turbo. Heat from the turbo can damage the sample line.
Non-conforming Exterior speakers.
Battery Unbalanced Light Logic with AGM Battery.
The Parker PHD70 display might freeze or not work properly.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation public data (complaints, manufacturer communications, investigations), model years 2010 and later. Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA.
In complaints filed with NHTSA for model years 2010–2024, owners most often name: steering. 2 complaints are on record.
No. A complaint is an unverified report from an owner. A technical service bulletin (TSB) is the manufacturer telling dealers how to fix a known issue; it is not a safety recall and is usually covered only under warranty. A recall is a formal safety action, and its repair is free.
File a vehicle safety complaint at NHTSA.gov. NHTSA reads every report, and patterns of complaints are what open defect investigations and, eventually, recalls.