NHTSA vehicle safety data

2001 MCI E4500 Recalls & Complaints

The 2001 MCI E4500 has 8 NHTSA recall campaigns and 1 owner complaint on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized MCI dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2001 MCI E4500. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

2001 MCI E4500 owner complaints

Owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA about the 2001 MCI E4500, describing incidents dated May 11, 2011.

Most-cited components

  • Electrical System 1 complaint

The complaint on file reports a fire (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

  • ODI #10563238 · Filed

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MCI E4500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V498000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE CONTACT NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY STATED THAT THEY DID NOT KNOW WHERE TO DIRECT THE CONTACT IN ORDER TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. IN MAY 2011, THE CONTACTS VEHICLE…

Read the full complaint

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2001 MCI E4500 in 1 investigation. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

Incorrect Front Door Glaze Material/FMVSS 205

NHTSA #25V853000 · Structure — Body — Door · NHTSA notice

Reported December 10, 2025 · Motor Coach Industries, Inc

Potentially affected: 15,454 vehicles

Repair completion: 0.03% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 22-005 · Owners notified February 4, 2026

Defect description

Motor Coach Industries (MCI) is recalling certain 102DL3, 102D3, MC12PTV, E4500, D4000, 102D3ISTV, D4500, J4500, D4000ISTV, D4005, D4505, and J3500 transit buses. Please refer to MCI's recall report for specific model year information. The front door lower curb view glazing material is incorrect. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 205, "Glazing Materials."

Safety consequence

The incorrect window glazing material may reduce the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

MCI will replace the glass, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 4, 2026. Owners may contact MCI customer service at 1-800-241-2947. MCI's number for this recall is 22-005.

Loss of Steering Control

NHTSA #19V027000 · Steering — Hydraulic Power Assist System · NHTSA notice

Reported January 7, 2019 · Motor Coach Industries

Potentially affected: 2,089 vehicles

Repair completion: 13.24% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign SB 469 · Owners notified May 14, 2021 · Vehicles built May 1, 1997 – May 13, 2014 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Motor Coach Industries (MCI) is recalling certain 2001-2015 J4500 and 1997-2013 102EL3/E4500 coaches equipped with a hydraulic rear axle (tag axle) steering system. The axle's alignment and low hydraulic pressure in the steering system may cause the steering system to lock, causing a loss of steering control at highway speeds.

Safety consequence

Loss of steering control may increase the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

MCI will inspect and repair axle alignment, as necessary, free of charge. MCI issued owners an interim notification on March 26, 2019. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 14, 2021. Owners may contact MCI customer service at 1-800-241-2947. MCI's number for this recall is SB 469.

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.

Battery Equalizers/DC-DC Converters-Possible Fire

NHTSA #13V498000 · Electrical System · NHTSA notice

Reported October 17, 2013 · Motor Coach Industries

Potentially affected: 10,016 vehicles

Repair completion: 34.55% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 401 · Owners notified February 4, 2014

Defect description

Motor Coach Industries (MCI) is recalling certain model year 2000-2012 D, E, G and J series coaches manufactured January 2000 through June 2011 and 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.

Safety consequence

Once electrically conductive, the material is capable of melting and burning, increasing the risk of a fire.

Manufacturer remedy

MCI will notify owners, and Sure Power will replace the equalizers, free of charge. Owners may contact MCI at 1-847-285-2000. This campaign is MCI service bulletin 401.

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.

SE-GI WINDOW DEBONDING

NHTSA #10V373000 · Visibility — Glass, Side/Rear · NHTSA notice

Reported August 11, 2010 · MOTOR COACH INDUSTRIES, INC

Potentially affected: 1,087 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign 348 · Owners notified August 23, 2010

Defect description

MCI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2001-2004 E4500, MODEL YEAR 2002-2006 E4500C, MODEL YEAR 2001-2005 J4500, AND MODEL YEAR 2006 J4500C MOTOR COACHES EQUIPPED WITH SE-GI PASSENGER WINDOWS. THE ADHESIVE BOND BETWEEN THE WINDOW GLASS AND THE ALUMINUM WINDOW FRAME ON THE AFFECTED COACHES MAY DEGRADE.

Safety consequence

IF THE WINDOW GLASS BECOMES PARTIALLY OR COMPLETELY DEBONDED FROM ITS FRAME, THE WINDOW GLASS MAY DETACH AND FALL FROM THE COACH AND CAUSE PERSONAL INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT, TEST, AND REPAIR, AS NECESSARY, THE SE-GI WINDOW ASSEMBLIES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 23, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MCI CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-241-2947.

Notes

MCI SAFETY RECALL NO. 348.OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .

WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTORS

NHTSA #10V135000 · Visibility — Windshield Wiper/Washer — Motor · NHTSA notice

Reported April 6, 2010 · MOTOR COACH INDUSTRIES, INC

Potentially affected: 1,261 vehicles

Owners notified July 31, 2010 · Vehicles built May 1, 1999 – July 31, 2001 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

MCI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1999-2001, 2007-2011 E4500 AND MODEL YEAR 2001-2011 J4500 COACHES EQUIPPED WITH DOGA WINDSHIELD MOTORS. THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR MAY FAIL TO OPERATE PROPERLY WHILE THE WIPER SYSTEM IS FUNCTIONING. IF THIS OCCURS, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS MAY OPERATE INTERMITTENTLY, OPERATE AT A SINGLE SPEED ONLY, OR COMPLETELY STOP OPERATING.

Safety consequence

IF THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOP FUNCTIONING, THE DRIVER'S CLEAR FIELD OF VIEW MAY BE REDUCED INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL FURNISH THE PARTS AND LABOR REQUIRED TO IMPLEMENT THE DOGA-RECOMMENDED REMEDIES ON THE AFFECTED COACHES. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JULY 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MCI CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-241-2947.

Notes

MCI RECALL NO. 344.OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .

SHIFTER INDICATOR INTERFERENCE/ZF

NHTSA #08V603000 · Equipment · NHTSA notice

Reported November 21, 2008 · MOTOR COACH INDUSTRIES, INC

Potentially affected: 1,893 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign 308 · Owners notified December 17, 2008

Defect description

MCI IS RECALLING 1,893 MY 2002-2008 D MODEL AND MY 2001-2008 E AND J4500 MOTOR COACHES EQUIPPED WITH ZF TRANSMISSIONS. THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR THE SHIFT SELECTOR TO MALFUNCTION AS A RESULT OF A CELL PHONE OR RADIO BEING PLACED IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO THE SHIFTER CONTROL PAD.

Safety consequence

WHEN THIS HAPPENS, THE SHIFT SELECTOR MAY MOVE INTO REVERSE WITHOUT DRIVER KNOWLEDGE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

MCI IS WORKING WITH ZF AND HAS CREATED A SOFTWARE UPDATE THAT PROTECTS AGAINST THE POTENTIAL FOR TRANSIENT ANALOG OR DIGITAL SIGNAL INTERFERENCE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING NOVEMBER 2008. .OWNERS MAY CONTACT MCI AT 1-800-333-0371 AND ZF AT 1-734-416-6200.

Notes

MCI RECALL NO. 308.CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

DEFROSTER SPEED CONTROLLERS/CARRIER

NHTSA #06V241000 · Visibility — Defroster/Defogger/HVAC System · NHTSA notice

Reported July 6, 2006 · MOTOR COACH INDUSTRIES, INC

Potentially affected: 1,768 vehicles

Owners notified July 20, 2006 · Vehicles built March 1, 2001 – August 30, 2004 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

ON CERTAIN MOTOR COACHES EQUIPPED WITH A SLIDE SWITCH TO CONTROL THE DEFROSTER BLOWER SPEED, THERE IS A SPEED CONTROLLER FOR EACH OF THE TWO DEFROSTER FAN MOTORS. THE SPEED CONTROLLER MAY FAIL CAUSING THE FAN MOTOR TO OPERATE CONTINUOUSLY IN THE "HIGH" SPEED MODE, AND THE CARRIER SLIDE SWITCH MAY FAIL TO REDUCE OR OTHERWISE CONTROL THE FAN MOTOR SPEED.

Safety consequence

THE SPEED CONTROLLER MAY OVERHEAT AND RESULT IN A THERMAL EVEN, SUCH AS SMOKING OR POSSIBLE FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DEFROSTER SPEED CONTROLLER FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 20, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MOTOR COACH AT 1-800-241-2947.

Notes

CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

TURBOCHARGER FAILURE/POSSIBLE FIRE/SERIES 60/DDC

NHTSA #06V140000 · Engine and Engine Cooling — Engine — Diesel · NHTSA notice

Reported April 27, 2006 · MOTOR COACH INDUSTRIES, INC

Potentially affected: 4,765 vehicles

Vehicles built December 10, 2000 – June 10, 2005 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

ON CERTAIN MOTOR COACHES EQUIPPED WITH DETROIT DIESEL SERIES 60 ENGINES, THE TURBOCHARGER COMPRESSORS CAN FAIL.

Safety consequence

A FIRE CAN RESULT SHOULD THE TURBOCHARGER FAIL.

Manufacturer remedy

DETROIT DIESEL IS CONDUCTING THIS RECALL (PLEASE SEE 06E019000) AND WILL REMEDY THESE MOTOR COACHES. THE ENGINES WILL BE REPAIRED FREE OF CHARGE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DETROIT DIESEL AT 313-592-3708 OR MOTOR COACH AT 866-624-2622.

Notes

CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

Other MCI E4500 model years

Check your 2001 MCI E4500 VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your MCI E4500 at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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