1998–2000 Orion II, 1998–2000 Orion V, 1998–2000 Orion VI Recall: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TRANSIT BUSES EQUIPPED WITH VANNER 60 SERIES BATTERY…
NHTSA campaign 01V033005 · Electrical System · filed Jan 29, 2001 · verified Jul 30, 2026
The defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TRANSIT BUSES EQUIPPED WITH VANNER 60 SERIES BATTERY EQUALIZERS. THE EQUALIZER COULD FAIL TO OPERATE PROPERLY AND CAUSE MALFUNCTION OF THE BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM.
The risk
WITHOUT FUSING, THE EQUALIZER MAY MELT, BURN, OR SMOKE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE OR A SMOKE FILLED BUS, THUS NECESSITATING A PASSENGER EVACUATION OF THE BUS. THE FAILURE MODE CAN CAUSE OPERATOR DISTRACTION, AND/OR POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →The fix — what to do
ORION WILL NOTIFY OWNERS TO INSPECT THEIR BUSES FOR CERTAIN EQUALIZERS BY THE DATE CODE. THE AFFECTED EQUALIZERS WILL BE REPLACED BY VANNER. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT VANNER AT 1-800-227-6937.
ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Affected vehicles
Related recalls
More Orion II recalls
- 1992–1998 Orion II and 3 other models — Power Train
- 1998–2004 Orion II and 1 other model — ON CERTAIN TRANSIT BUSES, THE FUEL LIFT PUMP COULD FAIL IN…
- 2000–2001 Orion II — CERTAIN ORION BUSES EQUIPPED WITH SURE-LOK WHEELCHAIR…
- 1995–2001 Orion II and 2 other models — CERTAIN TRANSIT BUSES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS…
- 1999 Freightliner Argosy and 18 other models — VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TRUCKS, SCHOOL BUS AND MOTOR HOME…
Other campaigns involving Orion vehicles
Source: NHTSA recall database, campaign 01V033005. Data last verified Jul 30, 2026.