NHTSA vehicle safety data
2003 MCI E4500 Recalls & Complaints
The 2003 MCI E4500 has 9 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 2003 MCI E4500. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
2003 MCI E4500 owner complaints
Owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA about the 2003 MCI E4500, describing incidents dated January 17, 2014.
Most-cited components
- Electrical System 1 complaint
Newest complaints
ODI #10563242 · Filed
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MCI E4500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V498000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY DID NOT KNOW WHERE TO DIRECT THE CONTACT IN ORDER TO HAVE THE RECALL REPAIR PERFORMED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT…
NHTSA defect investigations
NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2003 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.
- Engineering Analysis EA12-007: MCI Drive Shaft Safety Loop Failures
Closed December 3, 2015
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.
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM MODULE
NHTSA #11V524000 · Electronic Stability Control (ESC) · NHTSA notice
Reported October 26, 2011 · MOTOR COACH INDUSTRIES, INC
Potentially affected: 1,962 vehicles
Owners notified January 4, 2012
Defect description
MOTOR COACH INDUSTRIES (MCI) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2003, AND 2007-2012 E AND J MODELS ALONG WITH MODEL YEAR 2007-2012 D4000, D4005, D4500, D4505, D4000ISTV MOTOR COACHES EQUIPPED WITH MERITOR WABCO ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) MODULES, MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 2002, THROUGH OCTOBER 2011. UNDER CERTAIN ROAD AND DRIVING CONDITIONS, VEHICLE BODY ROLL AND ROAD INCLINATION CHARACTERISTICS MAY ADVERSELY AFFECT THE SLIP ANGLE CALCULATION OF THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) SYSTEM. THIS MIGHT CAUSE THE ESC TO PERCEIVE AN OVER STEERING SITUATION AND THEREFORE APPLY THE OUTER WHEEL BRAKE ON THE FRONT AXLE UNTIL THE VEHICLE IS PERCEIVED TO BE STABLE.
Safety consequence
IF THE DRIVER IS SLOW TO REACT DURING THIS ESC INTERVENTION, THE VEHICLE MAY DEVIATE FROM THE INTENDED LINE OF TRAVEL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Manufacturer remedy
MCI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE CONTROL MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 4, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MCI CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-241-2947.
Notes
MCI SAFETY RECALL NUMBER IS 371.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> .
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> .
STEERING ANGLE SENSOR FAILURE/MERITOR WABCO
NHTSA #09V196000 · Steering · NHTSA notice
Reported June 1, 2009 · MOTOR COACH INDUSTRIES, INC
Potentially affected: 502 vehicles
Manufacturer campaign 327 & 328 · Owners notified July 10, 2009 · Vehicles built October 1, 2002 – October 31, 2002 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
MCI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 AND 2009 MOTOR COACHES, MODEL J4500 MANUFACTURED BETWEEN OCTOBER 2007 AND APRIL 2009; 2009 MOTOR COACHES MODELS D4000ISTV, D4005, D4500, AND D4505 MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JANUARY AND JULY 2009; 2010 D4500 COACHES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN DECEMBER 2008 AND APRIL 2009; 2009 E4500 COACHES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JANUARY AND APRIL 2009; AND ONE 2003 E4500 COACH MANUFACTURED IN OCTOBER 2002. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN EQUIPPED WITH MERITOR WABCO STEERING ANGLE SENSORS (SAS) WHICH CAN DEVELOP INTERNAL FRICTION BETWEEN THE SENSOR GEARS AND THE SENSOR HOUSING AS A RESULT OF EXTERNAL FORCES EXPERIENCED ON THE VEHICLE INCLUDING VIBRATION. IF DEVELOPED FRICTION IS GREAT ENOUGH, THE DRIVING TAB OF THE SAS CAN SHEER AS THE DRIVER TURNS THE STEERING WHEEL.
Safety consequence
WITH A BROKEN SAS DRIVING TAB, THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) WILL NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY, WHICH COULD POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Manufacturer remedy
MCI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND THE VEHICLES WILL BE REPAIRED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 10, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MCI AT 1-800-241-2947.
Notes
MCI'S RECALL CAMPAIGN NOS. 327 (D MODEL SERIES) AND 328 (J MODEL SERIES).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 2003 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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