2012 MCI J4500 — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

1

Owner Complaint

7

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

14

Service Bulletins

0

Investigations

Overview of the 2012 MCI J4500

The 2012 MCI J4500 has received a total of 1 safety complaint filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 15 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR. 14 technical service bulletins have been issued by Motor Coach Industries, Inc for this model year. The most commonly reported problem area is the Engine And Engine Cooling (1 complaint).

Recalls for the 2012 MCI J4500

NHTSA has recorded 15 recalls for the 2012 MCI J4500, potentially affecting up to 131,329 vehicles.

Recall 25V853000 — VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR

| 15,454 vehicles affected

Defect: Motor Coach Industries (MCI) is recalling certain 102DL3, 102D3, MC12PTV, E4500, D4000, 102D3ISTV, D4500, J4500, D4000ISTV, D4005, D4505, and J3500 transit buses. Please refer to MCI's recall report for specific model year information. The front door lower curb view glazing material is incorrect. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 205, "Glazing...

Consequence: The incorrect window glazing material may reduce the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: MCI will replace the glass, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 4, 2026. Owners may contact MCI customer service at 1-800-241-2947. MCI's number for this recall is 22-005.

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Recall 25V853000 — VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR

| 15,454 vehicles affected

Defect: Motor Coach Industries (MCI) is recalling certain 102DL3, 102D3, MC12PTV, E4500, D4000, 102D3ISTV, D4500, J4500, D4000ISTV, D4005, D4505, and J3500 transit buses. Please refer to MCI's recall report for specific model year information. The front door lower curb view glazing material is incorrect. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 205, "Glazing...

Consequence: The incorrect window glazing material may reduce the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: MCI will replace the glass, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 4, 2026. Owners may contact MCI customer service at 1-800-241-2947. MCI's number for this recall is 22-005.

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Recall 25V853000 — VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR

| 15,454 vehicles affected

Defect: Motor Coach Industries (MCI) is recalling certain 102DL3, 102D3, MC12PTV, E4500, D4000, 102D3ISTV, D4500, J4500, D4000ISTV, D4005, D4505, and J3500 transit buses. Please refer to MCI's recall report for specific model year information. The front door lower curb view glazing material is incorrect. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 205, "Glazing...

Consequence: The incorrect window glazing material may reduce the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: MCI will replace the glass, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 4, 2026. Owners may contact MCI customer service at 1-800-241-2947. MCI's number for this recall is 22-005.

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Recall 25V853000 — VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR

| 15,454 vehicles affected

Defect: Motor Coach Industries (MCI) is recalling certain 102DL3, 102D3, MC12PTV, E4500, D4000, 102D3ISTV, D4500, J4500, D4000ISTV, D4005, D4505, and J3500 transit buses. Please refer to MCI's recall report for specific model year information. The front door lower curb view glazing material is incorrect. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 205, "Glazing...

Consequence: The incorrect window glazing material may reduce the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: MCI will replace the glass, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 4, 2026. Owners may contact MCI customer service at 1-800-241-2947. MCI's number for this recall is 22-005.

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Recall 25V853000 — STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

| 15,454 vehicles affected

Defect: Motor Coach Industries (MCI) is recalling certain 102DL3, 102D3, MC12PTV, E4500, D4000, 102D3ISTV, D4500, J4500, D4000ISTV, D4005, D4505, and J3500 transit buses. Please refer to MCI's recall report for specific model year information. The front door lower curb view glazing material is incorrect. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 205, "Glazing...

Consequence: The incorrect window glazing material may reduce the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: MCI will replace the glass, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 4, 2026. Owners may contact MCI customer service at 1-800-241-2947. MCI's number for this recall is 22-005.

View full details →

Recall 25V853000 — STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

| 15,454 vehicles affected

Defect: Motor Coach Industries (MCI) is recalling certain 102DL3, 102D3, MC12PTV, E4500, D4000, 102D3ISTV, D4500, J4500, D4000ISTV, D4005, D4505, and J3500 transit buses. Please refer to MCI's recall report for specific model year information. The front door lower curb view glazing material is incorrect. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 205, "Glazing...

Consequence: The incorrect window glazing material may reduce the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: MCI will replace the glass, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 4, 2026. Owners may contact MCI customer service at 1-800-241-2947. MCI's number for this recall is 22-005.

View full details →

Recall 25V853000 — STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

| 15,454 vehicles affected

Defect: Motor Coach Industries (MCI) is recalling certain 102DL3, 102D3, MC12PTV, E4500, D4000, 102D3ISTV, D4500, J4500, D4000ISTV, D4005, D4505, and J3500 transit buses. Please refer to MCI's recall report for specific model year information. The front door lower curb view glazing material is incorrect. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 205, "Glazing...

Consequence: The incorrect window glazing material may reduce the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: MCI will replace the glass, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 4, 2026. Owners may contact MCI customer service at 1-800-241-2947. MCI's number for this recall is 22-005.

View full details →

Recall 25V853000 — STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

| 15,454 vehicles affected

Defect: Motor Coach Industries (MCI) is recalling certain 102DL3, 102D3, MC12PTV, E4500, D4000, 102D3ISTV, D4500, J4500, D4000ISTV, D4005, D4505, and J3500 transit buses. Please refer to MCI's recall report for specific model year information. The front door lower curb view glazing material is incorrect. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 205, "Glazing...

Consequence: The incorrect window glazing material may reduce the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: MCI will replace the glass, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 4, 2026. Owners may contact MCI customer service at 1-800-241-2947. MCI's number for this recall is 22-005.

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Recall 21V737000 — EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY:WHEELCHAIR LIFT/RAMP

| 510 vehicles affected

Defect: Motor Coach Industries (MCI) is recalling certain 2005-2009 E4500 and 2005-2012 J4500 motorcoaches equipped with Ricon Baylift Wheelchair Lifts. When the lift's outer barrier is fully deployed, it may not withstand a sufficient amount of force, which could cause it to fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number...

Consequence: In the event that a mobility device pushes into the outer barrier, the barrier may fail, increasing the risk of injury for the lift occupant.

Remedy: Ricon will reinforce the outer barrier with additional supports, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 18, 2021. Owners may contact the Ricon's Customer Service at (800) 322-2884, or email Ricon’s Recall Coordinator, at [email protected] or by...

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Recall 19V027000 — STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

| 2,089 vehicles affected

Defect: Motor Coach Industries (MCI) is recalling certain 2001-2015 J4500 and 1997-2013 102EL3/E4500 coaches equipped with a hydraulic rear axle (tag axle) steering system. The axle's alignment and low hydraulic pressure in the steering system may cause the steering system to lock, causing a loss of steering control at highway speeds.

Consequence: Loss of steering control may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: MCI will inspect and repair axle alignment, as necessary, free of charge. MCI issued owners an interim notification on March 26, 2019. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 14, 2021. Owners may contact MCI customer service at 1-800-241-2947. MCI's...

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Recall 16V020000 — SEATS

| 607 vehicles affected

Defect: Motor Coach Industries (MCI) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 and 2015 J4500 coaches manufactured November 18, 2011, to July 10, 2015, 2011-2012 and 2014-2015 D4000 coaches manufactured manufactured September 24, 2010, to September 5, 2015, 2011-2013 and 2015-2016 D4005 coaches manufactured January 17, 2011, to November 23, 2015, 2012-2014 and 2016 D4000ISTV coaches manufactured July 18, 2012, to December...

Consequence: If the seatbelt anchorage assembly separates from the J-Bracket, the bus driver may not be properly restrained in the event of a crash increasing their risk of injury.

Remedy: MCI will notify owners and dealers will inspect the seats and determined if welds are missing. Any J-Bracket that is missing welds will be removed and replaced, free of charge. The recall began on February 15, 2016. Owners may contact...

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Recall 14V172000 — SEATS

| 957 vehicles affected

Defect: Motor Coach Industries (MCI) is recalling certain model year 2009-2014 E4500 and J4500 motorcoaches manufactured October 2008 through October 2013, and equipped with passenger seats with 3-point seat belts. The seat track for the second row passenger seats may be missing a weld at the end of the seat track where it enters the frame structure.

Consequence: In the event of a crash, the seat may detach from its floor mounting, increasing the risk of injury to the occupant.

Remedy: MCI will notify owners, and dealers will modify the seat anchorage, free of charge. The recall began on May 9, 2014. Owners may contact MCI at 1-800-241-2947. MCI's number for this recall is 408.

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Recall 14V172000 — SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE

| 957 vehicles affected

Defect: Motor Coach Industries (MCI) is recalling certain model year 2009-2014 E4500 and J4500 motorcoaches manufactured October 2008 through October 2013, and equipped with passenger seats with 3-point seat belts. The seat track for the second row passenger seats may be missing a weld at the end of the seat track where it enters the frame structure.

Consequence: In the event of a crash, the seat may detach from its floor mounting, increasing the risk of injury to the occupant.

Remedy: MCI will notify owners, and dealers will modify the seat anchorage, free of charge. The recall began on May 9, 2014. Owners may contact MCI at 1-800-241-2947. MCI's number for this recall is 408.

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Recall 12V135000 — VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR

| 615 vehicles affected

Defect: MOTOR COACH INDUSTRIES, INC (MCI) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009-2012 J MOTOR COACHES. DUE TO INADEQUATE BONDING, THE TRANSOM WINDOWS (THE REAR-MOST WINDOWS ON EACH SIDE), MAY DETACH FROM THE COACH.

Consequence: A TRANSOM WINDOW MAY DETACH WITHOUT WARNING, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.

Remedy: MCI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSTALL MECHANICAL RETENTION CLIPS ON THE TRANSOM WINDOWS, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 5, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MCI AT 1-800-241-2947.

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Recall 11V524000 — ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

| 1,962 vehicles affected

Defect: MOTOR COACH INDUSTRIES (MCI) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2003, AND 2007-2012 E AND J MODELS ALONG WITH MODEL YEAR 2007-2012 D4000, D4005, D4500, D4505, D4000ISTV MOTOR COACHES EQUIPPED WITH MERITOR WABCO ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) MODULES, MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 2002, THROUGH OCTOBER 2011. UNDER CERTAIN ROAD AND DRIVING CONDITIONS, VEHICLE BODY ROLL AND ROAD INCLINATION CHARACTERISTICS MAY ADVERSELY AFFECT...

Consequence: IF THE DRIVER IS SLOW TO REACT DURING THIS ESC INTERVENTION, THE VEHICLE MAY DEVIATE FROM THE INTENDED LINE OF TRAVEL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: MCI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE CONTROL MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 4, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MCI CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-241-2947.

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Owner Complaints for the 2012 MCI J4500

1 complaint has been filed with NHTSA for the 2012 MCI J4500. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Most Recent Complaints

#10514462 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | | N/A miles
THIS PROBLEM EXISTS ON AT LEAST 4 OUT OF 10, MCI MOTOR-COACHES MANUFACTURED FROM 2006 TO 2013. THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN REPORTED NOR INVESTIGATED BECAUSE IT REMAINS UN-DETECTED DURING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, COMPUTER DIAGNOSTICS OR BY ANY COMPANY MECHANICS. THE ISSUE ONLY BECOMES APPARENT AFTER SEVERAL HOURS OF CONTINUOUS DRIVING A (MINIMUM OF 400 MILES ) MCI PASSENGER MOTOR-COACH. NO FACILITY OR MECHANIC WILL DRIVE THE VEHICLE FOR THE EXTENDED AMOUNT OF TIME TO DETECT THE PROBLEM. THERE IS ALSO NO EQUIPMENT/MONITOR AVAILABLE TO MONITOR OR EVALUATE THE AIR QUALITY IN THE DRIVER CABIN AREA. THE DRIVER AREA BEGINS TO SMELL OF ANTIFREEZE VAPORS/TOXIC FUMES THAT HAVE ESCAPED INTO THE DRIVER COCKPIT. THERE IS NO OBVIOUS LEAKS OF ANY COOLANT/ANTIFREEZE IN THE DRIVER AREA AND THE DRIVER AC/HEATER CORE APPEARS TO HAVE NO LEAKS YET THE TOXIC FUMES/VAPORS ARE SEEPING INTO THE DRIVER CABIN. THE DRIVERS ARE FORCED TO COPE WITH CONTINUOUS EXPOSURE OF THE DANGEROUS FUMES/VAPORS THAT NOT ONLY AFFECT THE ENTIRE ENVIRONMENT AND AIR QUALITY BUT THE HEALTH OF THE DRIVER AND POSSIBLY THE GENERAL PUBLIC/PASSENGERS. *TR

Safety Rating for the 2012 MCI J4500

NHTSA has not yet tested the 2012 MCI J4500 in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 2012 MCI J4500

Motor Coach Industries, Inc has issued 14 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2012 MCI J4500. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

SB 419 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OTHER FUEL TYPES:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER

This Service Bulletin informs affected customers that MCI was notified by Cummins Inc. that it has issued a campaign to address ISX high pressure fuel pump ceramic plunger fractures as well as the potential of damage to the roller/tappet assembly on model year 2011-2013 MCI D model coaches and model...

SB-417 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL

MCI: DUE TO VENDOR PROGRAMMING, TO PREVENT FAULT CODES AND PERFORMANCE ISSUES, THE SOFTWARE FOR ENGINE WILL BE REPROGRAM AND FUEL MAPS. MODEL J4500 SERIES. NO MODEL YEARS LISTED. *PE

SB 3083 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

This Service Bulletin informs affected customers that MCI was notified by Mobile Climate Control (MCC) regarding a potential issue with the wiring in the condenser compartment. The absence of heat shrink on a crimp connector in the condenser compartment could result in corrosion of the wires on model year 2012-2013...

SB 402 — ENGINE

This Service Bulletin informs affected customers that the incorrect diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) nozzle supply hose and metering unit fitting was utilized on model year 2012-2013 MCI J4500 model coaches equipped with a DD13 2010 EPA engine which could result in leaking DEF, the check engine tell-tale light illuminating on...

SB 399 — ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL:AUTOMATIC (ASC)

This Service Bulletin informs affected customers that the electronic control unit (ECU), which controls the antilock braking system (ABS) on the trailing (tag) axle, was installed incorrectly at the production plant on coaches equipped with a rear axle steering (RAS) tag axle could result in unnecessary yaw corrections by the...

SB-3080 — PARKING BRAKE

MCI: INFORMATION PROCEDURE OUTLINING OPERATIONAL CHECKS FOR PARK BRAKE AUTOMATIC ACTUATION OPERATION AND PRIMARY BRAKE SYSTEM ON CERTAIN COACHES. MODELS E4500 SERIES, J4500 SERIES. NO MODEL YEARS LISTED. *PE

SB-394 — EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

MCI: THRESHOLD WARNING SYSTEM WILL HAVE AN IMPROVED CONTINUOUS, AUDIBLE WARNING BEEP, UNDER CONDITIONS OF STATIONARY OBJECT IN DOORWAY OF WHEELCHAIR LIFT AND/OR MOVING PERSON. MODEL J4500. NO MODEL YEARS LISTED. *PE

SB-394 — EQUIPMENT

MCI: THRESHOLD WARNING SYSTEM WILL HAVE AN IMPROVED CONTINUOUS, AUDIBLE WARNING BEEP, UNDER CONDITIONS OF STATIONARY OBJECT IN DOORWAY OF WHEELCHAIR LIFT AND/OR MOVING PERSON. MODEL J4500. NO MODEL YEARS LISTED. *PE

SB 394 — STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

This Service Bulletin informs affected customers that the wheelchair lift threshold warning system (TWS) function requires improvement on model year 2012-2013 MCI J4500 model coaches equipped with the Actia multiplex system. The threshold warning system as currently installed will beep, but will not continuously beep when the wheelchair lift platform...

SB-389 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR

MOTOR COACH IND.: THE ALTERNATOR BEARING FAILS ON EXISTING RETENTION NUT DUE TO FAILURE OF PROPER TORQUE UTILIZED FOR LEECE NEVILLE ALTERNATOR PULLEY. MODELS D, E4500, J4500. NO MODEL YEARS LISTED. *PE

Showing 10 of 14 technical service bulletins.

NHTSA Investigations for the 2012 MCI J4500

There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.

Other Model Years of the MCI J4500

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