NHTSA vehicle safety data
2003 Orion Orion VII Recalls, Ratings & Complaints
The 2003 Orion Orion VII has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns and 0 owner complaints on file as of October 16, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Orion dealer.
NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2003 Orion Orion VII. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
NHTSA #04V543000Reported November 12, 2004 · ORION BUS INDUSTRIES LTD.
Potentially affected: 545 vehicles
Defect description
ON CERTAIN BUSES EQUIPPED WITH COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS FUEL CONTAINERS, THE THERMAL PROPERTIES OF THE ORIGINAL EXHAUST BLANKET WERE INSUFFICIENTLY ACHIEVED WITH THE COMPONENT SUPPLIED. THE PERFORMANCE OF THE EXHAUST TEMPERATURE AND THE EXHAUST BLANKET WERE INCORRECTLY EVALUATED FOR THE SUPPLIED BLANKET.
Safety consequence
THE EXHAUST BLANKET CAN BE DEGRADED AND LOSE INSULATING VALUE. SURROUNDING COMPONENTS CAN DEGRADE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND CAN MALFUNCTION DUE TO THE EFFECT ON WIRES AND HOSES.
Manufacturer remedy
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REPLACEMENT EXHAUST BLANKET. THE RECALL BEGAN JULY 17, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT ORION AT 905-403-7832
Notes
CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN
NHTSA #04V544000Reported November 11, 2004 · ORION BUS INDUSTRIES LTD.
Potentially affected: 663 vehicles
Defect description
ON CERTAIN BUSES EQUIPPED WITH COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS OR DIESEL ENGINES, THE HYDRAULIC COOLING FAN MOTOR PIPES CAN LEAK.
Safety consequence
A HYDRAULIC LEAK WHICH IS NOT ATTENDED TO READILY MAY CONTINUE TO PROVIDE EXPOSED OIL IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
Manufacturer remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HYDRAULIC PIPES WITH FLEXIBLE HOSES. AN INTERIM OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTER WAS MAILED ON MAY 17, 2005. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 30, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT ORION AT 905-403-7832.
Notes
CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE
NHTSA #04E038000Reported May 20, 2004 · STRUCTURAL COMPOSITES INDUSTRIES
Potentially affected: 2,030 vehicles
Defect description
CERTAIN COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS FUEL CONTAINERS, MODEL ALT823D, P/N 1273147, EQUIPPED ON CERTAIN 2003 AND 2004 ORION VII BUSES. THE NVG CONTAINER'S PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES FAIL TO TIMELY AND FULLY ACTIVATE AS REQUIRED BY FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 304, COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS FUEL CONTAINER INTEGRITY.
Safety consequence
IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE FIRE WITH THE FUEL SYSTEM ROOF ENCLOSURE REMOVED OR OPENED, THE FUEL CONTAINER'S PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES MAY NOT ACTIVATE AS THEY ARE DESIGNED TO DO AND THE FUEL CONTAINER COULD RUPTURE AND EXPLODE. SUCH AN EXPLOSION, IF IT WERE TO OCCUR, COULD CAUSE SERIOUS INJURIES OR DEATH TO OCCUPANTS OF THE BUS OR TO PERSONS OUTSIDE THE BUS.
Manufacturer remedy
STRUCTURAL COMPOSITES WILL REPLACE THE PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE FREE OF CHARGE. STRUCTURAL COMPOSITES IS EXPECTED TO NOTIFY THE OWNERS OF AFFECTED ORION VII BUSES IN JUNE 2004. THE RECALL BEGAN FEBRUARY 2005.
Notes
ALSO, CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Other Orion Orion VII model years
Check your 2003 Orion Orion VII VIN
Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Orion Orion VII at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.
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