Complaints over time
Complaints about the 2018 NEW Flyer Xcelsior by year filed
Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Model year
2018 NEW Flyer Xcelsior
Bus, diesel, built in United States. Owner complaints on file from May 20, 2026 to May 20, 2026.
Recall campaigns covering this model year12,354 vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints1Not enough peers on file
Severity index100.02018 buss average 50.0
First 24 months0Complaints in its first two years
Components
100% of complaints about the 2018 NEW Flyer Xcelsior name electrical system
Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls
One recall campaign covers the 2018 NEW Flyer Xcelsior
Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.
| Campaign | Filed | Subject | Component | Vehicles | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25V-542 | Aug 22, 2025 | Buses may have been built without enough emergency exits or the exits may be in an incorrect location | Structure | 2,354 | Not stated |
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints
What owners reported about the 2018 NEW Flyer Xcelsior
The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.
1 complaint on file, page 1 of 1.
- Filed May 20, 2026Failure Apr 6, 2026Greensboro, NCElectrical system, Engine, Unknown or otherFire
Greensboro Transit Agency (GTA), operated by RATP Dev USA, is formally notifying you of an engine compartment fire involving one of our transit vehicles. Vehicle Information: •Fleet Number: 764 •Manufacturer: New Flyer •Vehicle Type: Heavy-Duty Transit Bus •Incident Date: [XXX] •Location: Greensboro, North Carolina Summary of Incident: While in revenue service, the operator reported hearing an abnormal noise and observed white smoke coming from the rear engine compartment area. The operator safely evacuated passengers and emergency responders arrived quickly to suppress the fire. No injuries or fatalities occurred. A third-party fire investigation was conducted by Halsey King & Associates. Based on the preliminary findings, the fire is believed to have originated from a catastrophic failure of the Thermo King A/C compressor clutch bearing assembly. The bearing reportedly overheated, seized, and caused the compressor belt to ignite while still being driven by the engine. The investigation identified evidence consistent with: •A seized A/C compressor clutch bearing •Extreme heat generation within the clutch assembly •Belt ignition and progression of fire through engine compartment components At this time, our maintenance records do not indicate any previously documented defects associated with this specific Thermo King assembly prior to the incident. Our fleet currently has inspection and preventive maintenance procedures in place related to belt alignment, pulley alignment, belt tension, clutch air gap measurement, and related A/C system inspections. We are providing this notification for awareness, documentation, and any further review deemed appropriate. Please let us know if additional information, photographs, maintenance records, or investigative documentation are required. Respectfully, [XXX] Assistant General Manager / Maintenance Director Greensboro Transit Agency RATP Dev USA [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint 11738944
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations
NHTSA has not opened an investigation on this model year
Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins
9 manufacturer communications cover this model year
Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall.
- TSIB 26-08 Aug 14, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
This bulletin introduces new improved banjo bolts for buses equipped with a Haldex tandem air dryers. The updated banjo bolts feature enhanced corrosion resistance and are designed to replace the current banjo bolts to help minimize corrosion-related issue… - TSIB 26-06 May 1, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Bulletin to follow when replacing LV batteries on buses equipped with certain Vanner battery equalizers. - TSIB 22-07 Sep 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
This Technical Service Information Bulletin (TSIB) - New Flyer has developed several maintenance updates for Xcelsior buses specifically equipped with the optional Powerex electric air compressors. This TSIB introduces field modifications in order to simpli… - SMB194 May 10, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
This service manual bulletin is an update to the 6,000 mile Preventative Maintenance inspection and lubrication requirements for the front stabilizer bar on all Xcelsior model buses. - TSIB 21-03 Apr 23, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Technical Service Information Bulletin revising the lubrication schedule for the scroll bearing on specifically equipped vehicles with the Powerex direct drive electric air compressor. - TSIB 21-02 Apr 19, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Technical Services Information Bulletin describing how to inspect specifically equipped vehicles, for possible pinch points on the Modine radiator fan harness routing. - SMB195 Apr 12, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
This Service Manual Bulletin provides additional information regarding the 6,000 mile Preventative Maintenance requirements for the low voltage battery system. - SMB179 Apr 17, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Service Manual Bulletin - revised troubleshooting charts for MGM E-Stroke brake monitoring system - ITS58508 Dec 31, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
This Maintenance Instruction Describes How to Retrofit Upgraded PEM Electric Drive Motor Mount Hardware and Fuel Cell Mounting Hardware.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.