RoadVitals

2003 Orion Vii Recalls

Safety recall campaigns filed with NHTSA that cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
Recall campaignsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
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Newest Sep 27, 2013
Carrying an NHTSA advisoryCampaigns where NHTSA told owners not to drive the vehicle, or to park it outside, until the repair is done.
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Open investigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
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1 investigation on file

Recall campaigns

8 campaigns cover this model year — what the defect is, what it could cause, and what the remedy is

13V476000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Sep 27, 2013
3,009 units potentially affected
The defect: 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 remedy: 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.
Daimler Buses North AmericaView on NHTSA.gov
10V015000

POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY:PEDAL/HAND LEVER(MOTORCYCLE)

Jan 21, 2010
426 units potentially affected
The defect: 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 remedy: 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.
DAIMLER BUSES NORTH AMERICA, INC.View on NHTSA.gov
09V413000

INTERIOR LIGHTING

Oct 20, 2009
368 units potentially affected
The defect: 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 remedy: 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.
DAIMLER BUSES NORTH AMERICA, INC.View on NHTSA.gov
06E028000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

Apr 3, 2006
433 units potentially affected
The defect: 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 remedy: 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.
DETROIT DIESEL CORP.Manufacturer number 06C-3View on NHTSA.gov
05V282000

STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

Jun 14, 2005
1,092 units potentially affected
The defect: 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 remedy: 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.
ORION BUS INDUSTRIES LTD.View on NHTSA.gov
05V079000

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL

Mar 2, 2005
302 units potentially affected
The defect: ON CERTAIN TRANSIT BUSES, THE FUEL LIFT PUMP COULD FAIL IN A MANNER WHICH RESULTS IN ENGINE FUEL STARVATION, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A STALL CONDITION. POTENTIAL LIFT PUMP FAILURE MODES INCLUDE: BRUSH WEAR OUT, BUSHING FAILURE, ROTOR TAB INSERT FAILURE, OR ANY OTHER FAILURE MODE THAT WOULD CAUSE THE FUEL PUMPING ELEMENT TO STOP SPINNING.
The risk: IF THE FUEL LIFT PUMP PUMPING ELEMENT STOPS SPINNING AND THE FUEL PUMPING VANES STOP IN A LOCATION WHICH BLOCKS FUEL FLOW THROUGH THE LIFT PUMP, THE ENGINE WILL BE STARVED OF FUEL. FUEL STARVATION COULD CAUSE LOW ENGINE POWER, ENGINE MISFIRE, OR ENGINE STALL. PRIOR TO THE ENGINE STALLING, THE OPERATOR COULD EXPERIENCE LOW ENGINE POWER, ENGINE MISFIRE, AND/OR DASH-MOUNTED FAULT LAMP ILLUMINATION.
The remedy: CUMMINS IS CONDUCTING THE OWNER NOTIFICATION AND REMEDY FOR THIS CAMPAIGN. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CUMMINS AT 1-800-343-7357 OR ORION BUS AT 905-403-7807.
ORION BUS INDUSTRIES LTD.View on NHTSA.gov
04V447000

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

Sep 13, 2004
452 units potentially affected
The defect: 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 remedy: 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.
ORION BUS INDUSTRIES LTD.View on NHTSA.gov
04V411000

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE

Aug 19, 2004
252 units potentially affected
The defect: 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 remedy: 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.
ORION BUS INDUSTRIES LTD.View on NHTSA.gov

What a recall is

Safety recall
A safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
Safety investigation
NHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
Manufacturer communication
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect, and it is not a recall.

PE04074ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

HYDRAULIC FAN FITTINGS LEAKING

Opened Nov 2, 2004
Closed Dec 17, 2004

THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED AFTER ODI VISITED A TRANSIT FLEET FACILITY AND OBSERVED A BUS THAT HAD EXPERIENCED AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.AFTER INSPECTING SIMILAR MODEL BUSES, SIX OTHER BUSES WERE FOUND TO HAVE LEAKING HYDRAULIC HOSES, RESULTING IN OILSPRAYINGINTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND ONTO HOT ENGINE EXHAUST COMPONENTS. ODI OPENED THE INVESTIGATION TO GATHER SPECIFIC INFORMATION CONCERNING THE HOSES, FITTINGSAND TO UNDERSTAND THE INFLUENCE OF HYDRAULIC LEAKAGE AS A CATALYST FOR BUS FIRES. AS A RESULT OF ODI?S INVESTIGATION, ORION HAS AGREED TO INITATE A SAFETY RECALL TO REPLACE THE ORIGINAL RIGID PIPE DESIGN WITH A FLEXIBLE HOSE DESIGN.A COPY OF THE RECALL IS ATTACHED. THIS ACTION RESOLVES THE ISSUES RAISED BY THIS INVESTIGATION. ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FANLed to recall 04V544000

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources