NHTSA vehicle safety data
2021 MCI J3500 Recalls, Ratings & Complaints
The 2021 MCI J3500 has 4 NHTSA recall campaigns and 0 owner complaints on file as of October 16, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized MCI dealer.
NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2021 MCI J3500. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
NHTSA #25V853000Reported December 10, 2025 · Motor Coach Industries, Inc
Potentially affected: 15,454 vehicles
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.
EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL:CARRIER/RACK
NHTSA #23V240000Reported April 5, 2023 · Motor Coach Industries
Potentially affected: 140 vehicles
Defect description
Motor Coach Industries (MCI) is recalling certain 2019-2021 D45CRTLE, J3500, and J4500 coaches, equipped with a rear-mounted bike rack. The vehicle's rear lighting may be obstructed when bikes are installed on the bike rack. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Safety consequence
Obstructed rear lighting may reduce the visibility of the vehicle to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer remedy
MCI will provide instructions and a kit to add lighting to the rear-mounted bike rack, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 31, 2023. Owners may contact MCI customer service at 1-800-241-2947.
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.nhtsa.gov.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
NHTSA #21V748000Reported September 24, 2021 · Motor Coach Industries
Potentially affected: 2,455 vehicles
Defect description
Motor Coach Industries (MCI) is recalling certain 2018 D4000, 2018-2020 D4005, D4000ISTV, 2017-2020 D4500, D4505, 2018-2021 J3500, 2017-2021 J4500, 2020 D4520, and 2018-2021 D45CRTLE motorcoaches. The Main Distribution Panel (MDP) located within the battery compartment contains a circuit board that may fail.
Safety consequence
MDP circuit board failure can result in a fire or an unexpected vehicle shutdown, increasing the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer remedy
MCI Service Centers will remove the MDP and install a new main disconnect and circuit breaker panel, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 12, 2021. Owners may contact MCI's customer service at 1-800-241-2947. MCI's number for this recall is R21-010.
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.nhtsa.gov.
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:FUEL RAIL
NHTSA #21V364000Reported May 18, 2021 · Motor Coach Industries
Potentially affected: 1,845 vehicles
Defect description
Motor Coach Industries (MCI) is recalling certain 2017-2018 D4000, 2017-2019 D4005, D4000ISTV, D4505, 2017-2020 D4500, J4500, 2018-2020 D45CRTLE, and 2018-2021 J3500 vehicles. The sealing washer may not seat correctly in the pilot bore holes, allowing the high pressure fuel rail assembly to leak.
Safety consequence
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Manufacturer remedy
Dealers will inspect the rail threads, and replace the rail as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 28, 2021. Owners may contact MCI customer service at 1-800-241-2947. MCI's number for this recall is R21-009.
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.
Other MCI J3500 model years
Check your 2021 MCI J3500 VIN
Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your MCI J3500 at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.
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