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Optima Opus Recall 13V457: Electrical System

NHTSA campaign 13V457, reported September 19, 2013, 4,061 vehicles potentially affected.

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The repair is normally free at an authorized dealer.

Official recall notice

Safety recall 13V457North American Bus Industries, Inc.
Component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem
North American Bus Industries (NABI) is recalling certain model year 2000-2011 LFW, CLFW, BRT, 2007-2009 Blue Bird L4RE, and 2000-2009 Optima Opus transit buses equipped with Sure Power battery equalizers containing a particular epoxy sealing, aka 'potting', compound. The specific potting compound used in the subject products for insulation was found to be capable of conducting electricity after being exposed to heat.
Risk
Once electrically conductive, the material is capable of melting and burning, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy
NABI will notify owners, and dealers will replace the equalizers, free of charge. An interim letter was mailed to owners on January 27, 2014. Owners may contact NABI at 1-256-831-4296. NABI's recall number is 20136.
Notes
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.

Affected vehicles

Blue Bird L4RE200720082009
Nabi BRT200020012002200320042005200620072008200920102011
Nabi Clfw200020012002200320042005200620072008200920102011
Nabi LFW200020012002200320042005200620072008200920102011
Optima Opus2000200120022003200420052006200720082009