No complaints are listed for the 2021 MCI J3500. NHTSA's API and bulk file list none in this build.
Data build 2026-10-09.
NHTSA lists this vehicle as MCI J3500.
Model-generated complaint tags: No complaints are listed for tagging.
Recalls
See new recalls and investigations this week.
4 recalls.
Date: 2025-12-10. Systems: STRUCTURE, VISIBILITY.
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, (excerpt)
Consequence: The incorrect window glazing material may reduce the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash. (excerpt)
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. (excerpt)
Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.
Date: 2023-04-05. Systems: EQUIPMENT.
Defect: Motor Coach Industries (MCI) is recalling certain 2019-2021 D45CRTLE, J3500, and J4500 coaches, equipped with a rear-mounted bike rack. The vehicle's rear lighting may be obstructed when bikes are installed on the bike rack. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence: Obstructed rear lighting may reduce the visibility of the vehicle to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: MCI will provide instructions and a kit to add lighting to the rear-mounted bike rack, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 31, 2023. Owners may contact MCI customer service at 1-800-241-2947.
Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.
Date: 2021-09-24. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
Defect: Motor Coach Industries (MCI) is recalling certain 2018 D4000, 2018-2020 D4005, D4000ISTV, 2017-2020 D4500, D4505, 2018-2021 J3500, 2017-2021 J4500, 2020 D4520, and 2018-2021 D45CRTLE motorcoaches. The Main Distribution Panel (MDP) located within the battery compartment contains a circuit board that may fail.
Consequence: MDP circuit board failure can result in a fire or an unexpected vehicle shutdown, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: MCI Service Centers will remove the MDP and install a new main disconnect and circuit breaker panel, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 12, 2021. Owners may contact MCI's customer service at 1-800-241-2947. MCI's number for this recall is R21-010.
Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.
Date: 2021-05-18. Systems: FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL.
Defect: Motor Coach Industries (MCI) is recalling certain 2017-2018 D4000, 2017-2019 D4005, D4000ISTV, D4505, 2017-2020 D4500, J4500, 2018-2020 D45CRTLE, and 2018-2021 J3500 vehicles. The sealing washer may not seat correctly in the pilot bore holes, allowing the high pressure fuel rail assembly to leak.
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rail threads, and replace the rail as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 28, 2021. Owners may contact MCI customer service at 1-800-241-2947. MCI's number for this recall is R21-009.
Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.
Manufacturer communications
17 manufacturer communications.
Communications by system| System | Count |
|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 10 |
|---|
| ENGINE | 3 |
|---|
| EQUIPMENT | 3 |
|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 2 |
|---|
| STRUCTURE | 2 |
|---|
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 1 |
|---|
| SEATS | 1 |
|---|
| SERVICE BRAKES | 1 |
|---|
11036144
Date: 2026-08-11. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES.
This bulletin is to provide instructions for clearing DTC 1067 FMI 7 (Pressure Sensor Not Calibrated) and FMI 11 (Primary and Secondary Circuit Pressure Sensor (PS1/PS2) Plausibility Error - BS Pressure), when required to prevent the loss of Adaptive Cruise Control functionality and the illuminatio
11032280
Date: 2026-05-06. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
This TSIB provides information to provide a software update. Some coaches using MCC HVAC Eco-Tempo ECU # 07-10-009 software T35-1581 / V1.04 may be experiencing random fault codes due to MCC software errors.
11030369
Date: 2026-03-20. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM.
Instructions to remove DEF sensor bypass calibration from engine ECM and new sensor installation AR - 22inch DEF tank - CA emissions.
11029031
Date: 2026-02-09. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: STEERING, SUSPENSION.
This TSIB is to inform customers the recommended steering axle cleaning/greasing instructions to prevent damage on axle components due to displacement of grease from the bearings, lubrication reduction and accelerate wear for coaches with independent front suspension.
11012982
Date: 2025-01-21. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE.
Instructions for relocating the idler pulley and adding a longer belt to improve reliability.
11013616
Date: 2025-01-09. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
Instructions outlining the steps to replace the existing harness with mini fuses to a more robust design and heavier duty fuses.
11011092
Date: 2024-11-05. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER.
Information to owners showing the proper procedure for checking the oil level in a BITZER HVAC compressor.
11008602
Date: 2024-09-04. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
Service Bulletin issued to relocate the alternator belt idler pulley and change the belt layout for improved performance.
10248311
Date: 2023-12-08. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
Instruction to Service ITS60877 provides instructions to relocate an impact sensor in baggage bay to reduce nuisance activations.
10240348
Date: 2023-07-18. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STRUCTURE.
Instructions to improve sealing in the front junction box.