IC Bus EVSB Electric School Bus Recall 2026 – Drive Motor May Detach

International Motors, LLC has issued a safety recall affecting 125 units of the 2026-2027 IC Bus EVSB electric school bus. The recall, announced on May 28, 2026, concerns a critical defect in which the drive motor mounting bracket bolts may have been improperly tightened during manufacturing, creating the potential for the drive motor to detach from the vehicle while in operation.

What Products Are Being Recalled?

The recall covers the following vehicles:

• Make: IC Bus
• Model: EVSB (Electric School Bus)
• Model Years: 2026 and 2027
• Total Units Affected: 125 vehicles

The EVSB is an all-electric school bus designed to transport children safely. This recall applies exclusively to units where the drive motor mounting bracket bolts were not tightened to the required specification during assembly.

Why Was This Recall Issued?

International Motors identified that the mounting bracket bolts securing the drive motor may have been improperly tightened during the manufacturing process. If the bolts are insufficiently tightened, the drive motor can detach from the vehicle while it is in motion. A detached drive motor landing on a roadway poses a serious hazard to other vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists sharing the road, significantly increasing the risk of a crash or injury. The component has been classified under the electrical system for recall purposes. NHTSA assigned this campaign the number 26V348000, and International Motors has assigned its own internal reference number 26507 to this action.

Who Is Affected?

This recall affects owners and operators of 2026 and 2027 model year IC Bus EVSB electric school buses — a total of 125 vehicles. Given that these are school buses, the primary users are school districts, transportation authorities, and bus fleet operators across the United States. Parents, school administrators, and transportation managers responsible for student safety should be aware of this recall and ensure that any affected vehicles are taken out of service or inspected promptly.

• Owners of 2026 IC Bus EVSB units
• Owners of 2027 IC Bus EVSB units
• School districts and fleet operators managing affected vehicles

What Should You Do?

If you own or operate an affected IC Bus EVSB school bus, follow these steps immediately:

• Check your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): VINs involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning July 20, 2026.
• Watch for owner notification letters: International Motors is expected to mail owner notification letters by July 27, 2026.
• Contact your authorized dealer: Schedule a service appointment with an authorized IC Bus dealer. Technicians will inspect and either tighten or replace the drive motor mounting bolts as necessary — this repair will be performed at no charge to the owner.
• Contact International Motors directly: Reach International Motors customer service at 1-800-448-7825 for further assistance or to confirm whether your vehicle is included in the recall.
• Do not delay: Given the safety risk a detached drive motor poses to road users and school children, prompt action is strongly advised.

Official Statement

According to the official NHTSA recall report, International Motors, LLC stated: ‘International Motors, LLC (International) is recalling certain 2026-2027 IC Bus EVSB school buses. The mounting bracket bolts may have been improperly tightened, allowing the drive motor to detach.’ The company has committed to resolving the issue through its dealer network at no cost to vehicle owners. This recall underscores the importance of rigorous quality control during the assembly of electric vehicle drivetrains, particularly in vehicles designed to transport children. Owners and fleet operators are urged to act without delay to ensure the safety of passengers and all road users.