Front Axle Module Welds May Crack – 2021 Van Hool TDX25 Motorcoaches

SEOCONTENT-START

SB2180_US_en_2022-07-15 Page 1 of 2 ADDRESSEES : Owners and operators of vehicles listed under “Application” ABC Customer Care and Parts Source VEHICLE MODEL : TDX25US MANUAL CHAPTER : 10.38 Body and body accessories – Body structure BULLETIN TYPE : Safety Recall NHTSA 22V-502 DATE : July 15th, 2022 SUBJECT : To inspect front axle subframe for not properly executed welds CONDITIONS : – APPLICATION: The safety recall campaign, subject of this bulletin, is applicable to the vehicles below: Model VIN Number of vehicles TDX25US 8916689185, 89200, 8920289248 68 DESCRIPTION: On the above mentioned vehicles, there is a possibility that some welds on the front axle subframe are not properly executed. Reinforcements parts must be installed in order to strengthen the front axle subframe. It is of the upmost importance that your vehicle is being inspected as soon as possible by ABC Companies. Continued on next page SERVICE BULLETIN SB2180 Figure 1: View on LHS of front axle subframe SB2180_US_en_2022-07-15 Page 2 of 2 Van Hool apologizes for the inconvenience caused by this safety recall and wishes to thank you in advance for your cooperation and attention to this matter. WHAT TO EXPECT FROM ABC COMPANIES?  ABC Companies will contact you as soon as possible to make an appointment with regard to safety recall “SB2180”.  ABC Companies will after inspection decide which further action must be taken. Repair instructions are included in work procedure WP1641. WHAT DO WE EXPECT FROM YOU? We expect you to cooperate with this safety recall when contacted about this subject. If you fail to do so, you risk to be held totally responsible. HELP DESK If there are any questions, please call ABC Customer Care & Parts Source toll-free for guidance on 1-877-427-7278. Listen for the prompts for warranty and select that option. DISCLAIMER: The procedures contained herein are not exclusive. Van Hool cannot possibly know, evaluate, or advise the transportation industry of all conceivable ways in which a procedure may be undertaken or of the possible consequences of each such procedure. Other procedures may be as good, or better, depending upon the particular circumstances involved. Each carrier who uses the procedures herein must first satisfy itself thoroughly that neither the safety of its employees or agents, nor the safety or usefulness of any products, will be jeopardized by any procedure selected. VAN HOOL CUSTOMER PORTAL: Consult the customer portal regularly for the latest service documentation. In addition to the maintenance manual, you will also find the operating manual and the spare parts catalogue of your vehicle on the customer portal. The customer portal is accessible through www.vanhool.be, and only with a code (password) from Van Hool. If you do not have a password yet, request it by using the link on the Van Hool website. INFORMATION HANDLING: Important additions and modifications regarding technical information not yet included in the manual will be communicated through Service Bulletins.

**************************************************************************************************************

IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL This notice applies to your vehicle (s) listed on the attached VIN List. This notice is sent to you in accordance with the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. July 27, 2022 Subject: NHTSA Recall Campaign 22V502 / Van Hool S6 2180 Defect: Welds on Front Axle Module Are Cracking Affected units: Certain Van Hool Motorcoaches model year 2021 Van Hool NV has decided that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in the affected motorcoaches: some welds of the front axle subframe module are not properly executed (incomplete penetration and fusion). The improperly executed welds may result in gradual cracking of welds in the front axle module, and as a result, it may not be able to hold the weight/forces It is intended for. If the cracks are far advanced this may finally impact the steering mechanism. A loss of steering control can increase the risk of a crash. To remedy this issue, Van Hool is recalling all potentialfy affected motorcoaches for inspection and repair. If any welds are cracked, repair will be required prior to any further use of the vehicle. Welds which are not properly executed have to be removed and rewelded. Extra reinforcement plates will be welded to the front axle module on specified positions on all vehicles included in the recall population. See service bulletin SB2180. The remedy repair will be conducted free of charge. Please contact ABC Bus Inc., our designated agent in the United States, to schedule the inspection and repair and to ensure that parts are available. ABC Bus Inc., 17469 West Colonial Drive, Winter Garden, FL 34787 The replacement will take approximately 48 hours of work spread over 2-3 days and will be performed at no cost for parts or labor to you. If you believe that Van Hool NV and ABC Bus Inc. have failed to remedy the defect without charge, you may submit a complaint to the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, S.E., Washington, D. C. 20590 or call the toll free Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327- 4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or go to http://www.safercar.gov. Federal regulations require that any vehicle lessor receiving this recall notice must forward a copy of this notice to the lessee within ten days. If you had this repair performed before you received this letter, you may be eligible to receive reimbursement for the cost of the pre-notification remedy of the problem associated with this recall. If any additional Information Is needed, please feel free to contact ABC Bus Inc. at (407) 656 7977 or 1- 877-427-7278 (toll free). Van Hool NV and ABC Bus Inc. apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, however this action is taken in the interest of your safety and continued satisfaction with our vehicles. 17469 West Colon/al Drive • WlnterGarcJen, FL 34787 800.222.2871 • 407.856. 7977 • Faes/mite 407,905.7010 www.ebe-compenles.com IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL This notice applies to your vehicle (s) listed on the attached VIN List. This notice is sent to you in accordance with the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. July 27, 2022 Subject: NHTSA Recall Campaign 22V502 / Van Hool S82180 Defect: Welds on Front Axle Module Are Cracking Affected units: Certain Van Hool Motorcoaches model year 2021 Van Hool NV has decided that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in the affected motorcoaches: some welds of the front axle subframe module are not properly executed (incomplete penetration and fusion). The improperly executed welds may result in gradual cracking of welds in the front axle module, and as a result, it may not be able to hold the weight/forces it is intended for. If the cracks are far advanced this may finally Impact the steering mechanism. A loss of steering control can increase the risk of a crash. To remedy this issue, Van Hoof is recalling all potentially affected motorcoaches for inspection and repair. If any welds are cracked, repair will be required prior to any further use of the vehicle. Welds which are not properly executed have to be removed and rewelded. Extra reinforcement plates will be welded to the front axle module on specified positions on all vehicles included in the recall population. See service bulletin SB2180. The remedy repair will be concJ.ucted free of charge. Please contact ABC Bus Inc., our designated agent in the United States, to schedule the inspection and repair and to ensure that parts are available. ABC Bus Inc., 17469 West Colonial Drive, Winter Garden, FL 34787 The replacement will take approximately 48 hours of work spread over 2-3 days and will be performed at no cost for parts or labor to you. If you believe that Van Hool NV and ABC Bus Inc. have failed to remedy the defect without charge, you may submit a complaint to the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, S.E., Washington, D. C. 20590 or call the toll free Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327- 4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or go to http://www.safercar.gov. Federal regulations require that any vehicle lessor receiving this recall notice must forward a copy of this notice to the lessee within ten days. If you had this repair performed before you received this fetter, you may be eligible to receive reimbursement for the cost of the pre-notification remedy of the problem associated with this recall. If any additional information Is needed, please feel free to contact ABC Bus Inc. at (407) 656 7977 or 1- 877-427-7278 (toll free). Van Hool NV and ABC Bus Inc. apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, however this action is taken in the interest of your safety and continued satisfaction with our vehicles. 17469 West Colonial Drive ■ Winter Garden, FL 34787 800.222.2871 ■ 407.656.7977 ■ Facsimile 407.905.7010 www.abc-companles.com IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL This notice applies to your vehicle (s) listed on the attached VIN List. This notice is sent to you in accordance with the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. July 27, 2022 Subject: NHTSA Recall Campaign 22V502 / Van Hool S82180 Defect: Welds on Front Axle Module Are Cracking Affected units: Certain Van Hool Motorcoaches model year 2021 Van Hool NV has decided that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in the affected motorcoaches: some welds of the front axle subframe module are not properly executed (incomplete penetration and fusion). The improperly executed welds may result in gradual cracking of welds in the front axle module, and as a result, it may not be able to hold the weight/forces it is intended for. If the cracks are far advanced this may finally Impact the steering mechanism. A loss of steering control can increase the risk of a crash. To remedy this issue, Van Hool is recalling all potentially affected motorcoaches for inspection and repair. If any welds are cracked, repair will be required prior to any further use of the vehicle. Welds which are not properly executed have to be removed and rewelded. Extra reinforcement plates will be welded to the front axle module on specified positions on all vehicles included in the recall population. See service bulletin SB2180. The remedy repair will be conducted free of charge. Please contact ABC Bus Inc., our designated agent in the United States, to schedule the inspection and repair and to ensure that parts are available. ABC Bus Inc., 17469 West Colonial Drive, Winter Garden, FL 34787 The replacement will take approximately 48 hours of work spread over 2-3 days and will be performed at no cost for parts or labor to you. If you believe that Van Hool NV and ABC Bus Inc. have failed to remedy the defect without charge, you may submit a complaint to the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, S.E., Washington, D.C. 20590 or calf the toll free Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1 ·888-327- 4236 {TTY 1-800-424-9153) or go to http://www.safercar.gov. Federal regulations require that any vehicle lessor receiving this recall notice must forward a copy of this notice to the lessee within ten days. If you had this repair performed before you received this letter, you may be eligible to receive reimbursement for the cost of the pre-notification remedy of the problem associated with this recall. If any additional information is needed, please feel free to contact ABC Bus Inc. at (407) 656 7977 or 1- 877-427-7278 (toll free). Van Hool NV and ABC Bus Inc. apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, however this action is taken in the interest of your safety and continued satisfaction with our vehicles. 17469 West Colon/sf Orive • Winter Gorden, FL 34787 800.222.2871 • 407.656.7977 • Facslmlle 407.905.7010 WMV. abc-companlos.oom Serial Number ~ ~ VIN LIST Model Customer Name TDX25 TDX25 TDX25 TDX25 TDX25 TDX25 TDX25 TDX25 TDX25 TDX25 TDX25 TDX25 TDX25 TDX25 TDX25 TDX25 TDX25 TDX25 TDX25 TDX25 TDX25 TDX25 TDX25 TDX25 TDX25 TDX25 TDX25 TDX25

**************************************************************************************************************

OMB Control No.: 2127-0004 Part 573 Safety Recall Report 22V-502 The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573 Manufacturer Name : Van Hool N.V. Submission Date : JUL 13, 2022 NHTSA Recall No. : 22V-502 Manufacturer Recall No. : SB2180 Manufacturer Information : Manufacturer Name : Van Hool N.V. Address : BERNARD VAN HOOLSTRAAT 58 LIER-KONINGSHOOIKT (BELGIUM) 00 B2500 Company phone : 999 Population : Number of potentially involved : 68 Estimated percentage with defect : 100 % Vehicle Information : Vehicle 1 : 2021-2021 Van Hool TDX25 Vehicle Type : BUSES, MEDIUM & HEAVY VEHICLES Body Style : OTHER Power Train : DIESEL Descriptive Information : The recall population is determined on the basis of a clearly defined batch of front axle modules sourced from a specific component manufacturer, who began supplying the component part in April 2020. Production Dates : SEP 16, 2021 – DEC 23, 2021 VIN Range 1 : Begin : NR End : NR Not sequential Description of Defect : Description of the Defect : Some welds of the front axle module are cracking. FMVSS 1 : NR FMVSS 2 : NR Description of the Safety Risk : The improper executed welds may result in gradually cracking of welds in the front axle module as a result of which it may no longer hold the weight it is intended for. If the cracks are far advanced this may finally impact the steering mechanism. Description of the Cause : Some welds may not be properly executed (incomplete penetration and fusion). Identification of Any Warning that can Occur : None prior to actual cracking of weld(s). Involved Components : Part 573 Safety Recall Report 22V-502 Page 2 The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573 Component Name 1 : Front Axle Module Component Description : Front Axle Module Component Part Number : 11709252 Supplier Identification : Component Manufacturer Name : Aktiva, Doo Stip Address : Goce Delcev 50 Stip Foreign States 2000 Country : Macedonia, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Chronology : On June 13th, 2022, Van Hool’s distributor ABC Companies notified Van Hool of a major failure of the front axle module of a TDX25 vehicle. Van Hool subsequently investigated together with its distributor. Inspections of the front axle module of this and other vehicles of the same model and model year indicated that some welds are not properly executed (incomplete penetration and fusion). The recall population is determined on the basis of a clearly defined batch of front axle modules sourced from a specific component manufacturer. The final list of VIN’s concerned was determined on July 11th. Van Hool management decided to notify NHTSA on July 12th. Description of Remedy : Description of Remedy Program : Potentially impacted vehicles will be inspected. If any welds are cracked, repair will be required prior to any further use of the vehicle. Welds which are not properly executed have to be removed and rewelded. Extra reinforcement plates will be welded to the front axle module on specified positions on all vehicles included in the recall population. How Remedy Component Differs from Recalled Component : The remedy component will be the recalled component with repaired welds (if welds are not properly executed) and reinforcement plates (for all vehicles included in the recall population). Identify How/When Recall Condition was Corrected in Production : Van Hool and component manufacturer are implementing a corrective action plan to ensure proper execution of the welds (in particular to ensure complete penetration and fusion). Recall Schedule : Part 573 Safety Recall Report 22V-502 Page 3 The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573 Description of Recall Schedule : ABC Companies will conduct the recall and notify owners. Van Hool will determine the schedule for timing of the owner notifications and publish its service bulletin for the vehicles concerned in its customers portal. Planned Dealer Notification Date : NR – NR Planned Owner Notification Date : NR – NR * NR – Not Reported

**************************************************************************************************************

OMB Control No.: 2127-0004 Part 573 Safety Recall Report 22V-502 The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573 Manufacturer Name : Van Hool N.V. Submission Date : JUL 21, 2022 NHTSA Recall No. : 22V-502 Manufacturer Recall No. : SB2180 Manufacturer Information : Manufacturer Name : Van Hool N.V. Address : BERNARD VAN HOOLSTRAAT 58 LIER-KONINGSHOOIKT (BELGIUM) 00 B2500 Company phone : 999 Population : Number of potentially involved : 68 Estimated percentage with defect : 100 % Vehicle Information : Vehicle 1 : 2021-2021 Van Hool TDX25 Vehicle Type : BUSES, MEDIUM & HEAVY VEHICLES Body Style : OTHER Power Train : DIESEL Descriptive Information : The recall population is determined on the basis of a clearly defined batch of front axle modules sourced from a specific component manufacturer, who began supplying the component part in April 2020. Production Dates : SEP 16, 2021 – DEC 23, 2021 VIN Range 1 : Begin : NR End : NR Not sequential Description of Defect : Description of the Defect : Some welds of the front axle module are cracking. FMVSS 1 : NR FMVSS 2 : NR Description of the Safety Risk : The improper executed welds may result in gradually cracking of welds in the front axle module as a result of which it may no longer hold the weight it is intended for. If the cracks are far advanced this may finally impact the steering mechanism. A loss of steering control can increase the risk of a crash. Description of the Cause : Some welds may not be properly executed (incomplete penetration and fusion). Identification of Any Warning that can Occur : None prior to actual cracking of weld(s). Involved Components : Part 573 Safety Recall Report 22V-502 Page 2 The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573 Component Name 1 : Front Axle Module Component Description : Front Axle Module Component Part Number : 11709252 Supplier Identification : Component Manufacturer Name : Aktiva, Doo Stip Address : Goce Delcev 50 Stip Foreign States 2000 Country : Macedonia, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Chronology : On June 13th, 2022, Van Hool’s distributor ABC Companies notified Van Hool of a major failure of the front axle module of a TDX25 vehicle. Van Hool subsequently investigated together with its distributor. Inspections of the front axle module of this and other vehicles of the same model and model year indicated that some welds are not properly executed (incomplete penetration and fusion). The recall population is determined on the basis of a clearly defined batch of front axle modules sourced from a specific component manufacturer. The final list of VIN’s concerned was determined on July 11th. Van Hool management decided to notify NHTSA on July 12th. Description of Remedy : Description of Remedy Program : Potentially impacted vehicles will be inspected. If any welds are cracked, repair will be required prior to any further use of the vehicle. Welds which are not properly executed have to be removed and rewelded. Extra reinforcement plates will be welded to the front axle module on specified positions on all vehicles included in the recall population. How Remedy Component Differs from Recalled Component : The remedy component will be the recalled component with repaired welds (if welds are not properly executed) and reinforcement plates (for all vehicles included in the recall population). Identify How/When Recall Condition was Corrected in Production : Van Hool and component manufacturer are implementing a corrective action plan to ensure proper execution of the welds (in particular to ensure complete penetration and fusion). Part 573 Safety Recall Report 22V-502 Page 3 The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573 Recall Schedule : Description of Recall Schedule : ABC Companies will conduct the recall and notify owners. Van Hool will determine the schedule for timing of the owner notifications and publish its service bulletin for the vehicles concerned in its customers portal. Planned Dealer Notification Date : JUL 21, 2022 – JUL 21, 2022 Planned Owner Notification Date : JUL 27, 2022 – JUL 27, 2022 * NR – Not Reported

SEOCONTENT-END