1997–1999 General Coach Elf, 1997–1999 General Coach Lotran Recall: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TRANSIT COACHES
NHTSA campaign 01V361000 · Suspension · filed Nov 28, 2001 · verified Jul 30, 2026
The defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TRANSIT COACHES. THE TRAILING ARM SHAFT ON THE REAR AXLE COULD SHEAR OFF AT A LOCATION BETWEEN THE INSIDE BEARING AND THE AXLE TUBE. THIS DEFECT DOES NOT ARISE UNTIL THE MILEAGE ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLE IS IN EXCESS OF 60,000 MILES. IN ADDITION, THE DEFECT APPEARS TO ARISE ONLY IN THE EVENT THAT THE DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE HITS A CURB OR OTHER OBJECT WITH THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL. WHEN THE DEFECT OCCURS, THE TRAILING ARM AND THE MECHANISMS ATTACHED TO IT, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE WHEEL, LODGE UPWARD INTO THE WHEEL WELL OF THE VEHICLE AND STOP THE ROTATION OF THE TIRE.
The risk
IN TURN, THE DISLODGED WHEEL BREAKS THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE LINE AND THE AIR SUPPLY LINE TO THE PARKING BRAKE AND THE REAR AIR SUSPENSION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
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
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR AXLE OF THE VEHICLE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 6, 2001. 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 GENERAL COACH AT 1-800-842-0622.
ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Affected vehicles
| Make | Model | Model years |
|---|---|---|
| General Coach | Elf | 1997, 1998, 1999 |
| General Coach | Lotran | 1997, 1998, 1999 |
Related recalls
Other campaigns involving General Coach vehicles
All General Coach Elf recalls → · All General Coach recalls →
Source: NHTSA recall database, campaign 01V361000. Data last verified Jul 30, 2026.