2007–2009 Blue Bird L4RE, 2000–2011 NABI BRT, 2000–2011 NABI CLFW and 2 other models Recall: Specific potting compound used in the subject products for insulation was…
NHTSA campaign 13V457000 · Electrical System · filed Sep 19, 2013 · verified Jul 30, 2026
The defect
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.
The risk
Once electrically conductive, the material is capable of melting and burning, increasing the risk of a fire.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →The fix — what to do
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.
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.
Affected vehicles
| Make | Model | Model years |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Bird | L4RE | 2007, 2008, 2009 |
| NABI | BRT | 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 |
| NABI | CLFW | 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 |
| NABI | LFW | 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 |
| Optima | Opus | 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 |
Related recalls
More Blue Bird L4RE recalls
Other campaigns involving Blue Bird vehicles
Source: NHTSA recall database, campaign 13V457000 (manufacturer number 20136). Data last verified Jul 30, 2026.