ARBOC SPIRIT OF INDEPENDENCE Recall: ARBOC Specialty Vehicles, LLC - Loss of power (Jul 2026)
ARBOC Specialty Vehicles, LLC is recalling certain 2017–2026 ARBOC SPIRIT OF INDEPENDENCE. ARBOC Specialty Vehicles, LLC (ARBOC) is recalling certain 2017-2026 Spirit of Independence transit buses. The wrong size washers may have been installed on the rear spring hanger bolts. The rear spring hanger may detach from the frame, increasing the risk of a crash.
What you should do
- Read the official announcement before driving. A stall at speed or in traffic can cause a crash. Arrange the free repair promptly.
- Dealers will install the correct washers, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 18, 2026. Owners may contact ARBOC customer service at 1-866-953-5555.
Check your vehicle
Compare the year, make and model on your vehicle against every row below.
| Make | Model | Model years |
|---|---|---|
| ARBOC | SPIRIT OF INDEPENDENCE | 2017–2026 |
What happened
ARBOC Specialty Vehicles, LLC (ARBOC) is recalling certain 2017-2026 Spirit of Independence transit buses. The wrong size washers may have been installed on the rear spring hanger bolts.
Recall facts
- Manufacturer
- ARBOC Specialty Vehicles, LLC
- Component
- SUSPENSION
- Vehicles affected
- 502
- NHTSA campaign
- 26V479000
- Severity
- High
From the official announcement
Manufacturer InformationPopulation
Manufacturer Name:ARBOC Specialty Vehicles,
LLC
Address:51165 Greenfield Parkway
Middlebury IN, 46540
Total number of potentially involved:502
Estimated percentage with defect:100%
Vehicle Information
Vehicle 1:2017-2026 ARBOC SPIRIT OF INDEPENDENCE
Product Category:Buses, Medium & Heavy Vehicles
Product Type:Transit Bus
Fuel / Propulsion:
Production Dates:Jan 16, 2017 - Jul 17, 2026
Number of potentially involved:502
Descriptive Information:
Based off of current manufacturing processes.
Defect / Noncompliance Description
Description of the defect or noncompliance:
Incorrect washer installed during production on rear spring hanger bolts.
FMVSS1:
FMVSS2:
Description of the safety risk, including crash, fire, death, injury:
May cause rear spring hanger to become disconnected from the frame, increasing the risk of a crash.
Description of the cause:
U.S. Department
of Transportation
National Highway
Traffic Safety
Administration
Part 573 Safety Recall Report26V479
Manufacturer Name:ARBOC Specialty Vehicles, LLC
Submission Date:Jul 24, 2026
NHTSA Recall No.:26V479
Manufacturer Recall No.:
The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR § 573
OMB Control No.:2127-0004
Manufacturing error.
Identification of any warning that can occur:
Noises from the rear of the vehicle or ill handling.
Component Manufacturer
Tier of Supplier:
Supplier Type:
Name:
Address:
Country:
Involved Components
Component Name 1:Washer
Component Description:SAE Flat Washer
Component Part Number:1202090
Chronology
1. 10-Jul-2026: Phone call received/Text message of pictures from a dealer.
2. 13-Jul - 15-Jul-2026: ARBOC SV did research of past and current production process and design.
3. 17-Jul-2026: A Special Safety Meeting was held. Concurr…
Common questions
Which vehicles are affected?
- 2017–2026 ARBOC SPIRIT OF INDEPENDENCE
502 vehicles are affected.
What is the danger?
The rear spring hanger may detach from the frame, increasing the risk of a crash.
What should I do?
Dealers will install the correct washers, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 18, 2026. Owners may contact ARBOC customer service at 1-866-953-5555.
Where can I find more information?
Read the official NHTSA recall announcement, or browse all current vehicle recalls.