2008 Orion V: complaints, problems and recalls

Reported: 2008-09-29 (September 29, 2008)

DAIMLER BUSES IS RECALLING 175 MY 2004-2008 ORION V AND VII BUSES EQUIPPED WITH A CUMMINS ISL DIESEL ENGINES. DUE TO VARIOUS ALTERNATOR CABLE ROUTING CONFIGURATIONS, IT MAY BE POSSIBLE FOR THE CABLE TO RUB ON ENGINE COMPONENTS.

Consequence: WHEN THE CABLE RUBBING IS NOT DETECTED DURING REGULAR MAINTENANCE INSPECTIONS, THE INSULATION CAN RUB TO EXPOSE THE ELECTRIFIED CABLE. ARCING CAN CAUSE A FIRE TO OCCUR.

Remedy: DAIMLER BUSES WILL REROUTE THE ALTERNATOR CABLE TO ENSURE THAT THE CABLE DOES NOT CONTACT ENGINE COMPONENTS. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE JANUARY 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLER BUSES AT 1-800-716-7466.

Reported: 2009-10-20 (October 20, 2009)

DAIMLER BUSES IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2000 THROUGH 2008 ORION TRANSIT BUSES EQUIPPED WITH LIFT-U WHEELCHAIR LIFTS. THE LIFTS ARE EQUIPPED WITH A LOGIC BOARD ASSEMBLY FOR THE WHEELCHAIR LIFT CONTROL BOX, P/NOS. 373-0226 AND 373-0265. THE OUTBOARD RAMP BARRIER COULD FOLD IN TOWARD A LIFT PASSENGER AND PINCH, PRESS, OR CRUSH THE PASSENGER'S FEET.

Consequence: THE LIFT PASSENGER COULD BE SERIOUSLY INJURED.

Remedy: ORION WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND THE REPAIRS WILL BE MADE BY LIFT-U FREE OF CHARGE. PLEASE SEE LIFT-U'S DEFECT REPORT 09E-051. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 29, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT LIFT-U AT 1-209-838-2400 OR ORION AT 1-800-716-7466.

Reported: 2010-01-21 (January 21, 2010)

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.

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

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.

Reported: 2012-09-13 (September 13, 2012)

Daimler Buses North America (DBNA) is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 Orion V and model year 2005-2006 Orion VII transit buses equipped with John Deere Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) turbocharged engines. The turbine or compressor wheel may fail, resulting in subsequent damage to the engine and/or an oil leak.

Consequence: Failure of the turbine or compressor wheel may result in smoke, fire, and stalling, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: DBNA will notify owners. The remedy for this issue is still under development. The safety recall began on September 28, 2012. Owners may contact Daimler Buses North America at 1-800-882-8054.

Reported: 2013-09-27 (September 27, 2013)

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.

Consequence: Once electrically conductive, the material is capable of melting and burning, increasing the risk of a fire.

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.