NHTSA lists 1 complaints for the 2003 MCI J4500, 0 of them mention a crash and 0 mention a fire. 0 complaints mention an injury, with 0 injuries and 0 deaths reported.
Data build 2026-10-08.
NHTSA lists this vehicle as MCI J4500.
Model-generated complaint tags: This model year has not been tagged.
Recalls
See new recalls and investigations this week.
9 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: 2019-01-07. Systems: STEERING.
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 number for this recall is SB 469.
Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.
Date: 2013-10-17. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
Defect: Motor Coach Industries (MCI) is recalling certain model year 2000-2012 D, E, G and J series coaches manufactured January 2000 through June 2011 and 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 (excerpt)
Consequence: Once electrically conductive, the material is capable of melting and burning, increasing the risk of a fire. (excerpt)
Remedy: MCI will notify owners, and Sure Power will replace the equalizers, free of charge. Owners may contact MCI at 1-847-285-2000. This campaign is MCI service bulletin 401. (excerpt)
Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.
Date: 2011-10-26. Systems: ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC).
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 CHARACTERIS (excerpt)
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. (excerpt)
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. (excerpt)
Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.
Date: 2010-08-11. Systems: VISIBILITY.
Defect: MCI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2001-2004 E4500, MODEL YEAR 2002-2006 E4500C, MODEL YEAR 2001-2005 J4500, AND MODEL YEAR 2006 J4500C MOTOR COACHES EQUIPPED WITH SE-GI PASSENGER WINDOWS. THE ADHESIVE BOND BETWEEN THE WINDOW GLASS AND THE ALUMINUM WINDOW FRAME ON THE AFFECTED COACHES MAY DEGRADE.
Consequence: IF THE WINDOW GLASS BECOMES PARTIALLY OR COMPLETELY DEBONDED FROM ITS FRAME, THE WINDOW GLASS MAY DETACH AND FALL FROM THE COACH AND CAUSE PERSONAL INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT, TEST, AND REPAIR, AS NECESSARY, THE SE-GI WINDOW ASSEMBLIES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 23, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MCI CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-241-2947.
Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.
Date: 2010-04-06. Systems: VISIBILITY.
Defect: MCI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1999-2001, 2007-2011 E4500 AND MODEL YEAR 2001-2011 J4500 COACHES EQUIPPED WITH DOGA WINDSHIELD MOTORS. THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR MAY FAIL TO OPERATE PROPERLY WHILE THE WIPER SYSTEM IS FUNCTIONING. IF THIS OCCURS, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS MAY OPERATE INTERMITTENTLY, OPERATE AT A SINGLE SPEED ONLY, OR COMPLETELY STOP OPERATING.
Consequence: IF THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOP FUNCTIONING, THE DRIVER'S CLEAR FIELD OF VIEW MAY BE REDUCED INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL FURNISH THE PARTS AND LABOR REQUIRED TO IMPLEMENT THE DOGA-RECOMMENDED REMEDIES ON THE AFFECTED COACHES. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JULY 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MCI CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-241-2947.
Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.
Date: 2008-11-21. Systems: EQUIPMENT.
Defect: MCI IS RECALLING 1,893 MY 2002-2008 D MODEL AND MY 2001-2008 E AND J4500 MOTOR COACHES EQUIPPED WITH ZF TRANSMISSIONS. THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR THE SHIFT SELECTOR TO MALFUNCTION AS A RESULT OF A CELL PHONE OR RADIO BEING PLACED IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO THE SHIFTER CONTROL PAD.
Consequence: WHEN THIS HAPPENS, THE SHIFT SELECTOR MAY MOVE INTO REVERSE WITHOUT DRIVER KNOWLEDGE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: MCI IS WORKING WITH ZF AND HAS CREATED A SOFTWARE UPDATE THAT PROTECTS AGAINST THE POTENTIAL FOR TRANSIENT ANALOG OR DIGITAL SIGNAL INTERFERENCE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING NOVEMBER 2008. .OWNERS MAY CONTACT MCI AT 1-800-333-0371 AND ZF AT 1-734-416-6200.
Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.
Date: 2006-07-06. Systems: VISIBILITY.
Defect: ON CERTAIN MOTOR COACHES EQUIPPED WITH A SLIDE SWITCH TO CONTROL THE DEFROSTER BLOWER SPEED, THERE IS A SPEED CONTROLLER FOR EACH OF THE TWO DEFROSTER FAN MOTORS. THE SPEED CONTROLLER MAY FAIL CAUSING THE FAN MOTOR TO OPERATE CONTINUOUSLY IN THE "HIGH" SPEED MODE, AND THE CARRIER SLIDE SWITCH MAY FAIL TO REDUCE OR OTHERWISE CONTROL THE FAN MOTOR SPEED.
Consequence: THE SPEED CONTROLLER MAY OVERHEAT AND RESULT IN A THERMAL EVEN, SUCH AS SMOKING OR POSSIBLE FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DEFROSTER SPEED CONTROLLER FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 20, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MOTOR COACH AT 1-800-241-2947.
Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.
Date: 2006-04-27. Systems: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING.
Defect: ON CERTAIN MOTOR COACHES EQUIPPED WITH DETROIT DIESEL SERIES 60 ENGINES, THE TURBOCHARGER COMPRESSORS CAN FAIL.
Consequence: A FIRE CAN RESULT SHOULD THE TURBOCHARGER FAIL.
Remedy: DETROIT DIESEL IS CONDUCTING THIS RECALL (PLEASE SEE 06E019000) AND WILL REMEDY THESE MOTOR COACHES. THE ENGINES WILL BE REPAIRED FREE OF CHARGE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DETROIT DIESEL AT 313-592-3708 OR MOTOR COACH AT 866-624-2622.
Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.
Manufacturer communications
23 manufacturer communications.
Communications by system| System | Count |
|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 5 |
|---|
| POWER TRAIN | 4 |
|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 3 |
|---|
| EQUIPMENT | 3 |
|---|
| EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY | 3 |
|---|
| SERVICE BRAKES, AIR | 3 |
|---|
| STRUCTURE | 2 |
|---|
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 2 |
|---|
10222404
Date: 2022-09-07. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
MCI has released Technical Service Information Bulletin (TSIB) 22-12 to address concerns with water ingress in remote switch box. The TSIB provides guidance on how to rework the box to inhibit water intrusion and connector corrosion
10194925
Date: 2021-05-03. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: STRUCTURE.
Technical Service Information Bulletin issued as a reminder to customers of specifically equipped older motor coaches, who performed Service Bulletin 348 in conjunction with NHTSA Recall 10V-373, to continue to inspect the SE-GI side windows for de-bonding as indicated in the maintenance manual, and
10172528
Date: 2020-03-18. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, EQUIPMENT.
DDC Field service campaign for GHG17 Detroit DD13 engines requiring software reprogramming and new emission label replacement. This field service applies only to MCI (Motor Coach Industries) vehicles.
10152973
Date: 2018-12-20. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: STEERING.
This Service Bulletin informs affected owners of 1997-2013 E4500 and 2001-2015 J4500 model coaches equipped with Rear Axle Steering (RAS) system of the importance of maintaining tag axle caster, and provides the procedure to adjust the caster, if necessary.
10117380
Date: 2017-03-02. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: POWER TRAIN, WHEELS.
This Service Bulletin informs affected customers that ZF Friedrichshafen AG has released a Service Information bulletin regarding checking axle hubs and wheel heads if an ABS tell-tale lamp is activated during coach operation on MCI J model coaches, and that immediate action is required in such even
10117379
Date: 2017-03-01. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING.
This Service Bulletin informs affected customers of the maintenance procedures for the Torca Accuseal clamp utilized on the connection between the after-treatment system (selective catalyst reduction device) and tailpipe; that the clamp is a one time usage clamp; and that a new clamp must be utiliz
10119170
Date: 2014-12-18. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
This Service Bulletin informs affected customers that MCI has created a procedure to replace a failed Solid State Relay Module (SRM) on model year 2003-2006 MCI J4500 model coaches, and that replacement parts to remedy the affected coaches will be made available.
10119144
Date: 2012-12-21. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY.
This Service Bulletin informs affected customers that MCI was notified by Shaw Development that the diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) tank cap requires routine cleaning to prevent the potential for crystallization build up at the vent, which may result in potential vacuum issues which could result in colla
10045859
Date: 2012-09-21. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: STRUCTURE.
MOTOR COACH INC: DRIVE AXLE SUSPENSION SUPPORT STRUCTURE MAY ACCUMULATE WATER CAUSING SUPPORT STRUCTURE DAMAGE DUE TO EXPANSION, IN FREEZING TEMPERATURES, WHILE COACH IS BEING OPERATED. MODELS E4500, J4500. NO MODEL YEARS LISTED. *PE UPDATED 12/10/12. *PE
10042911
Date: 2011-12-14. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: POWER TRAIN.
MOTOR COACH INDUSTRIES: ON SOME COACHES, WATER MAY MIGRATE ONTO/INTO THE TRANSMISSION AND/OR THE FILL TUBE, THROUGH THE BREATHER VENT THAT IS LOCATED ON TOP OF TRANSMISSION. NO MODEL YEARS LISTED. *PE