How many recalls does the 2003 Orion VII have?

NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns for the 2003 Orion VII as of October 16, 2026. Each includes the defect description, safety consequence, and the remedy Orion will perform. New recalls can be issued at any time; this page is refreshed from NHTSA daily.

How do I tell if my 2003 Orion VII is affected by a recall?

Enter your 17-character VIN — stamped at the base of the windshield on the driver side and on the door jamb sticker — at nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's VIN lookup shows whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall; the list on this page covers every campaign for the 2003 Orion VII.

Are recall repairs on a 2003 Orion VII free?

Usually. Federal law requires Orion to remedy recalls on the 2003 VII free of charge at an authorized Orion dealer, regardless of how many owners the vehicle has had or how many miles are on the odometer — unless it was first sold more than 15 years before the recall was issued (5 years for tires).

Does a recall on the 2003 Orion VII affect resale value?

An open recall can reduce resale value; a recall that has been repaired (documented in the vehicle history report) generally does not. Before you buy or sell a used 2003 Orion VII, check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm every recall has been remedied.

How many owner complaints are on file for the 2003 Orion VII?

No owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA on the 2003 Orion VII.

NHTSA vehicle safety data

2003 Orion VII Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 2003 Orion VII has 8 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 VII. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

Pre-purchase inspection checklist → Reliability & 5-year cost forecast →

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

NHTSA #13V476000

Reported September 27, 2013 · Daimler Buses North America

Potentially affected: 3,009 vehicles

Defect description

Daimler Buses North America Ltd. (DBNA) is recalling certain model year 2003-2008 Orion V and model year 2002-2010 VII buses equipped with Sure Power equalizers and DC-DC Converters. The specific potting compound used in the equalizers and convertors 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

DBNA will notify owners and Sure Power representatives will change out the equalizer and/or convertor, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during November 2014. Owners may contact DBNA at 1-905-403-1111.

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.

POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY:PEDAL/HAND LEVER(MOTORCYCLE)

NHTSA #10V015000

Reported January 21, 2010 · DAIMLER BUSES NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Potentially affected: 426 vehicles

Defect description

DAIMLER BUSES IS RECALLING CERTAIN ORION TRANSIT BUSES EQUIPPED WITH THE MORSE REMOTE THROTTLE CONTROL. THE MORSE REMOTE THROTTLE CONTROL PANEL IS LOCATED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND A SWITCH ON IT IS LABELED, "THROTTLE"; "OFF" OR "FRONT" AND "ON" OR "REAR" SELECTING THE ACTIVE ENGINE CONTROL STATION. IF A PERSON OPERATING THE ENGINE FROM THE "REAR" POSITION (AT THE ENGINE) FAILS TO PLACE THE SWITCH IN THE "OFF" OR "FRONT" POSITION AND THE ENGINE RPM WAS SET TO ABOVE IDLE DURING MAINTENANCE FOR EXAMPLE, WHEN THE BUS IS STARTED FROM THE DRIVER'S STATION THE ENGINE COULD CHANGE TO THE HIGHER RPM RESULTING IN UNWANTED ENGINE POWER.

Safety consequence

THE BUS COULD ACCELERATE AT A HIGHER RATE THAN ANTICIPATED INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DAIMLER WILL PROVIDE INSTRUCTIONS TO MODIFY THE WIRING TO THE MORSE THROTTLE CONTROL SWITCH. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 1, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLER BUSES AT 1-800-716-7466.

Notes

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> .

INTERIOR LIGHTING

NHTSA #09V413000

Reported October 20, 2009 · DAIMLER BUSES NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Potentially affected: 368 vehicles

Defect description

DAIMLER BUSES OF NORTH AMERICA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2002 THROUGH 2009 ORION TRANSIT BUSES EQUIPPED WITH LUMINATOR HORIZON LED SIDE DESTINATION SIGNS. THE CONNECTOR BOARD CAN CORRODE DUE TO AN ACCUMULATION OF MOISTURE UNDER THE CONNECTOR.

Safety consequence

A SHORT COULD OCCUR, POSSIBLY CAUSING SMOKE AND A FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

ORION WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND THE BUSES WILL BE REPAIRED BY LUMINATOR FREE OF CHARGE. PLEASE SEE LUMINATOR'S DEFECT REPORT 09E-054. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING NOVEMBER 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT LUMINATOR AT 1-972-516-3033 OR ORION AT 1-800-716-7466.

Notes

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

NHTSA #06E028000

Reported April 3, 2006 · DETROIT DIESEL CORP.

Potentially affected: 433 vehicles

Defect description

CERTAIN MY 2000-2005 DETROIT DIESEL SERIES 50G ENGINES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN OCTOBER 2, 2002, AND MARCH 22, 2005, EQUIPPED ON CERTAIN 2002-2004 ORION V AND 2002-2005 ORION VII TRANSIT BUSES. HIGHER THAN EXPECTED TEMPERATURES WILL ALLOW THE LOW PRESSURE NATURAL GAS REGULATOR GASKET TO LEAK COOLANT AND DRIP ONTO THE TERMINALS OF THE BATTERY CHARGING ALTERNATOR.

Safety consequence

THIS CAN RESULT IN A SHORT IN THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT AND THE POTENTIAL FOR AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

DETROIT DIESEL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPAIR THE ENGINES BY REPLACING THE LOW PRESSURE REGULATOR GASKET WITH AN IMPROVED GASKET FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 7, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DETROIT DIESEL AT 313-592-3708.

Notes

DDC RECALL NO. 06C-3.CUSTOMERS MAY 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.

STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

NHTSA #05V282000

Reported June 14, 2005 · ORION BUS INDUSTRIES LTD.

Potentially affected: 1,092 vehicles

Defect description

ON CERTAIN COMMERCIAL BUSES EQUIPPED WITH VAPOR DOOR ASSEMBLIES, THE TWO PIECE CURVED CONNECTING RODS WHEN USED AS AN ELEMENT OF THE DOOR ACTUATION LINKAGE IN CONJUNCTION WITH A VAPOR MEDIUM PNEUMATIC DIFFERENTIAL ENGINE, MAY BE SUBJECT TO FATIGUE FAILURE RESULTING IN BENDING OR BREAKING OF THE CONNECTING ROD.

Safety consequence

A BROKEN CONNECTING ROD CAN ALLOW THE DOOR PANEL TO MOVE FREELY IN AN UNCONTROLLED MANNER, LEAVING PASSENGERS INSIDE THE VEHICLE UNPROTECTED BY THE DOOR PANEL AND ENABLING A PROTRUDING DOOR PANEL TO STRIKE PERSONS OR OBJECTS OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE.

Manufacturer remedy

ORION IS WORKING WITH VAPOR BUS INTERNATIONAL TO NOTIFY OWNERS AND HAVE THE REPAIR PERFORMED ON THEIR VEHICLES. THE REMEDY CONSISTS OF REPLACING THE TWO PIECE CONNECTING ROD WITH A ONE PIECE CONNECTING ROD. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ORION BUS AT 905-403-7832 OR VAPOR AT 847-777-6400.

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.

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL

NHTSA #05V079000

Reported March 2, 2005 · ORION BUS INDUSTRIES LTD.

Potentially affected: 302 vehicles

Defect description

ON CERTAIN TRANSIT BUSES, THE FUEL LIFT PUMP COULD FAIL IN A MANNER WHICH RESULTS IN ENGINE FUEL STARVATION, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A STALL CONDITION. POTENTIAL LIFT PUMP FAILURE MODES INCLUDE: BRUSH WEAR OUT, BUSHING FAILURE, ROTOR TAB INSERT FAILURE, OR ANY OTHER FAILURE MODE THAT WOULD CAUSE THE FUEL PUMPING ELEMENT TO STOP SPINNING.

Safety consequence

IF THE FUEL LIFT PUMP PUMPING ELEMENT STOPS SPINNING AND THE FUEL PUMPING VANES STOP IN A LOCATION WHICH BLOCKS FUEL FLOW THROUGH THE LIFT PUMP, THE ENGINE WILL BE STARVED OF FUEL. FUEL STARVATION COULD CAUSE LOW ENGINE POWER, ENGINE MISFIRE, OR ENGINE STALL. PRIOR TO THE ENGINE STALLING, THE OPERATOR COULD EXPERIENCE LOW ENGINE POWER, ENGINE MISFIRE, AND/OR DASH-MOUNTED FAULT LAMP ILLUMINATION.

Manufacturer remedy

CUMMINS IS CONDUCTING THE OWNER NOTIFICATION AND REMEDY FOR THIS CAMPAIGN. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CUMMINS AT 1-800-343-7357 OR ORION BUS AT 905-403-7807.

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.

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

NHTSA #04V447000

Reported September 13, 2004 · ORION BUS INDUSTRIES LTD.

Potentially affected: 452 vehicles

Defect description

ON CERTAIN BUSES, THE BATTERY STORAGE SLIDING TRAY LOCKING TOGGLE WAS NOT TIGHTENED SUFFICIENTLY. THE BATTERY DOOR CAN OPEN ALLOWING THE BATTERY TRAY TO SLIDE OUT FROM THE STORED POSITION.

Safety consequence

THIS COULD CAUSE AN OBSTACLE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND ADD A LOCKING PIN TO KEEP THE BATTERY TRAY FROM SLIDING. ORION HAS NOT YET PROVIDED AN OWNER NOTIFICATION SCHEDULE FOR THIS CAMPAIGN. CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT ORION AT 1-905-403-7832.

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 #04V411000

Reported August 19, 2004 · ORION BUS INDUSTRIES LTD.

Potentially affected: 252 vehicles

Defect description

CERTAIN BUSES EQUIPPED WITH COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS FUEL CONTAINERS, MODEL ALT823D, P/N 1273147, DO NOT CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 304, 'COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS FUEL CONTAINER INTEGRITY.' THE NGV CONTAINER'S PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES FAIL TO TIMELY AND FULLY ACTIVATE AS REQUIRED BY THE STANDARD.

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 COULD CAUSE SERIOUS INJURIES OR DEATH TO OCCUPANTS OF THE BUS OR TO PERSONS OUTSIDE THE BUS.

Manufacturer remedy

STRUCTURAL COMPOSITES WILL NOTIFY THE ORION BUS OWNERS. STRUCTURAL COMPOSITES HAS NOT YET PROVIDED THE AGENCY WITH A FINALIZED REMEDY. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SCI AT 1-909-444-2503 OR ORION AT 1-905-403-7832.

Notes

HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Other Orion VII model years

Check your 2003 Orion VII VIN

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

Check an Orion VIN