CarRecallWatchThe 2023 Nova Bus LFS has 34 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 2 complaints with NHTSA.
The most-reported problem area is Steering (2 reports).
2023 Nova Bus LFS recalls
Fuel Hose May Separate, Causing Leak and Fire Risk
Certain Nova Bus LFS and LFS Artic transit buses from 2022 through 2024 have remote fuel filter hoses that may separate from the fitting.
Bike Rack Can Detach and Become a Road Hazard
The mounting screws securing the bike rack may be too short.
Bus Coolant Sensor May Falsely Shut Off Engine
A coolant sensor in certain transit buses can send a false signal, causing the engine to shut down unexpectedly while the bus is operating.
Low air brake warning light may not illuminate when engine is off
Certain Nova Bus LFS transit buses may have a low brake air pressure warning light that fails to illuminate when the engine is off.
Driver Door Panel May Reduce Visibility and Crash Risk
Some transit buses may have a driver's speaker hole door built without the required DOT code mark on its glazing material.
Bus Control Unit May Shut Down, Causing Loss of Drive Power
A telemetry control unit installed alongside the vehicle monitoring system can receive more data than it can handle.
Driver seat belt may not release properly in a crash
Certain Nova Bus LFS and LFS Artic transit buses may have a driver's seat belt tension-reliving device that can fail to disengage without manual intervention.
Steering wheel may turn unintentionally, raising crash risk
The electric power steering system on certain 2020-2023 transit buses may be missing a check valve.
Turn signal indicator may stay on when signals are off
A firmware error in the digital display can cause the instrument panel turn signal indicator lights to stay solidly lit even when the turn signals are off.
Wiring Error Can Cause Loss of Drive Power and Crash Risk
The engine wiring harness on certain transit buses may be the wrong length.
Loose Battery Hardware Can Short Circuit and Cause Fire
Certain transit buses have high-voltage traction batteries that may contain loose hardware.
Wheelchair Tie-Downs May Not Restrain Riders in a Crash
Some 2022-2024 Nova Bus LFS buses may have had their wheelchair securement system installed with the attachment points in the wrong locations.
Coolant Sensor May Falsely Signal Engine Shutdown
A coolant sensor in certain Nova Bus LFS and LFS Artic buses can send a false signal, which may cause the engine to shut down unexpectedly while the bus is in operation.
Driver's seat belt may not retract, raising injury risk
Certain Nova Bus LFS and LFS Artic buses from model years 2010 through 2020 (LFS Artic) and 2012 through 2024 (LFS) have a driver's front seat belt that may not retract properly.
Software error can cut drive power, raising crash risk
Certain 2022 and 2023 Nova Bus LFS buses may have a software error that can cause the Vehicle Control Unit (VCU) to crash.
Bus Heater Can Short Out, Fire Risk; Windshield Defrost May Fail
Certain Nova Bus LFS and LFS Artic buses may have an auxiliary heater module that allows contaminants to enter the electronic controller.
Bus Dash May Hide Speed and Warnings, Risking Crashes
Certain 2023 and 2024 Nova Bus LFS and LFS Artic buses have defective instrument panel firmware.
Bus Windows May Reduce Driver Visibility, Raising Crash Risk
Certain Nova Bus LFS and LFS Artic buses from model years 2019 through 2023 may have glass windows whose glazing material can reduce the driver's visibility.
Air leak can engage parking brake without brake lights
Certain Nova Bus LFS and LFS Artic buses from model years 2021 through 2024 may develop an air leak in the parking brake valve.
Misaligned Wipers Can Hit Each Other and Block Vision
Windshield wiper arms on certain buses may be incorrectly aligned, causing the wiper blades to collide with each other.
Loose Ground Can Stall Engine or Cause Fire
A ground connection on the bus bar in the HVAC roof unit may not be secured properly.
Fuel hose may detach and leak, risking fire
Insufficient crimping on the secondary fuel filter hoses can allow them to disconnect and leak diesel fuel.
Coolant hose can leak and stall bus engine
The engine coolant return hose on these buses may fail, causing a coolant leak.
Loose Alternator Cable Nut Can Cause Electrical Fire
The alternator power cable nut on certain transit buses may not have been tightened properly during assembly.
Battery disconnect switch may not work, raising shock risk
Some transit buses built in 2022 and 2023 may be missing electrical components needed for the battery disconnect switch to function.
Front Air Suspension Hardware May Separate, Risking Crash
Certain 2023 Nova Bus LFS buses may have front air spring suspension hardware that can separate from the attachment plate.
Sun Visor Can Detach and Block Driver's View
The sun visor on certain 2023 transit buses may detach and fall from its bracket.
Turn Signals May Cut Out, Raising Crash Risk
Certain 2021-2023 LFS transit buses are equipped with a directional foot switch that may intermittently fail, causing the turn signals to stop working.
Roof AC Unit Brackets May Fail, Risking Detachment
Certain 2020-2023 LFS and LFS Artic transit buses may have brackets holding the Mobile Climate Control HVAC unit that could fail.
Electrical short can overheat fuse holder and cause fire
Certain Nova Bus LFS and LFS Artic transit buses may have a 24-volt power cable and a grounded mounting fastener that secures the fuse holder that can short circuit.
Battery Inserts May Break, Causing Short Circuit and Fire Risk
Certain 2022 and 2023 Nova Bus LFS battery electric transit buses may have rivnut threaded inserts inside the high-voltage traction battery that were over-tightened.
Power Steering Hose Can Detach, Causing Sudden Loss of Steering Assist
Certain 2022-2023 transit buses may have had a power steering hose assembled incorrectly during manufacturing.
Transit Bus Driveshaft Can Separate, Causing Power Loss
Some transit buses may have a transmission yoke that can separate, causing the driveshaft to come loose and the bus to suddenly lose drive power.
Battery Coolant Line May Short Circuit, Raising Fire Risk
Certain 2022 and 2023 Nova Bus LFS battery electric transit buses may have a coolant line in the high voltage battery pack that is not fully seated and locked.
Most common 2023 Nova Bus LFS problems
Problem areas named in the 2 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Steering | 2 |
What owners report
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
2023 Nova Bus LFS questions
Does the 2023 Nova Bus LFS have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 34 safety recalls for the 2023 Nova Bus LFS: Fuel Hose May Separate, Causing Leak and Fire Risk; Bike Rack Can Detach and Become a Road Hazard; Bus Coolant Sensor May Falsely Shut Off Engine; Low air brake warning light may not illuminate when engine is off; Driver Door Panel May Reduce Visibility and Crash Risk. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2023 Nova Bus LFS?
Based on 2 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Steering (2).
How do I check if a recall on my 2023 Nova Bus LFS has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.