Vehicle recall 13V457000 · September 19, 2013
Nabi BRT, Nabi Clfw and 3 more models
The specific potting compound used in the subject products for insulation was found to be capable of conducting electricity after being exposed to heat.
Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.
- Summary
- North American Bus Industries (NABI) is recalling certain model year 2000-2011 LFW, CLFW, BRT, 2007-2009 Blue Bird L4RE, and 2000-2009 Optima Opus transit buses 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.
- Consequence
- Once electrically conductive, the material is capable of melting and burning, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- NABI will notify owners, and dealers will replace the equalizers, free of charge. An interim letter was mailed to owners on January 27, 2014. Owners may contact NABI at 1-256-831-4296. NABI's recall number is 20136.
- 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.
Recall details
- NHTSA campaign
- 13V457000
- Reported to NHTSA
- September 19, 2013
- Filed by
- North American Bus Industries, Inc.
- Manufacturer campaign
- 20136
- Vehicles potentially affected
- 4,061
- Initiated by
- the manufacturer
- Components
- Electrical system
Vehicles covered
As listed by NHTSA. A recall usually covers only some vehicles of each model and year, often a production date range.
- Blue Bird L4RE (2007-2009): 2009, 2008, 2007
- Nabi BRT (2000-2011): 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000
- Nabi Clfw (2000-2011): 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000
- Nabi LFW (2000-2011): 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000
- Optima Opus (2000-2009): 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000
Has your Blue Bird been repaired?
Recalls here come from NHTSA’s records for the model and year. Not every vehicle of a model is included in every recall, and this site can’t see whether a repair has been done. Only a VIN lookup can tell you that.
NHTSA’s VIN search doesn’t show recalls that were already repaired, recalls more than 15 years old, or some small manufacturers’ recalls. A Blue Bird dealer can also check your VIN. Recall repairs are free.