2021 ARBOC Spirit of Freedom Ford E-450 Possible Fuel Leak

March 12, 2021 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 21V174000

Possible Fuel Leak

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of fire.

 

NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V174

Manufacturer ARBOC Specialty Vehicles, LLC

Components FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Potential Number of Units Affected 29

 

Summary

ARBOC Specialty Vehicles, LLC (ARBOC) is recalling certain 2021 Spirit of Freedom Ford E450 vehicles. The fuel hose may not be secured correctly, which can result in a fuel leak.

 

Remedy

ARBOC has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and repair the fuel hose connection, free of charge. The recall began March 16, 2021. Owners may contact ARBOC customer service at 1-866-953-5555.

 

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

 

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DOC #	PROCESS NAME	PAGE	REVISION	BY	DATE
21V174	Corpus Christi, SOF‐Ford, E450, Fuel Leak	1 of 1		B. Fisher	3/17/21

 

Read process before beginning.  If you do not understand any part please contact: Brad Fisher, Service Manager at 1866‐953‐5555 or by e‐mail at bfisher@ARBOCsv.com

 

Good Mechanics safety practice must be followed on any repairs.

 

Safety practices should include but not be limited to properly supporting the chassis, axles, blocking tires, and a work area free of clutter.

 

Complaint:  Fuel Leaking from fuel fill area under bus.

 

Cause :  Fuel hose not secured correctly in production.

 

Correction:  Confirm correct hose is in place for the fuel fill. Tighten clamp with socket wrench or electric drive socket. See steps below.

 

Vehicles Affected:  ARBOC, Corpus Christi, SOF‐Ford, E450. Gas, Bus Numbers 4529‐4557.

 

Labor Op code :   RC012801

 

Labor Time Allowance :   .5 Per Bus

 

Parts  Return : No

 

Pre Authorization Required: No

 

 

Tools Required:		Parts Required :
17mm Wrench
5/8″ Socket
5/16″ Socket
9/16″ Socket
Impact Wrench, Socket Wrench
Torque Wrench

 

Repair Instruction

 

Step 1‐  Confirm that the correct hose is in place for the fuel fill. It should be a flexible fuel rated hose with an inner diameter of 1‐1/2″.

 

Step 2‐  Unbolt gas tank guard using a 9/16″ socket and remove.

 

Step 3‐  Loosen all four bolts (2 per side) that hold the gas tank to the frame. Use the 17mm wrench and 5/8″ socket.

 

NOTE: Do not completely remove bolts or drop gas tank out.

 

Step 4‐  Lower gas tank enough to access tank fill port.

 

Step 5‐  Loosen hose clamp with a 5/16″ socket and force hose onto barb. It should be a snug fit and have 2″ of engagement.

 

Step 6‐  Slip hose clamp over the hose/barb engagement area. Tighten using a socket wrench or electric drive socket.

 

DO NOT tighten using a screw driver.

 

Step 7‐  Confirm that plastic guarding is in place between fuel fill hose and frame cut out.

 

Step 8‐  Lift tank back into place and tighten down tank. Torque to 52ft/lbs.

 

Step 9‐  Reinstall gas tank guard. Torque to 33ft/lbs.

 

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IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL

 

SAFETY RECALL NOTICE-NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 21V174 FUEL LEAK

 

3-16-21

 

Dear ARBOC Owner:

 

This notice is being sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicles Safety Act. This notice applies to your buses shown on the following page.

 

This notice is sent to you in accordance with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). 21V174 Fuel Leak, has been issued.

 

REASON FOR THIS RECALL

ARBOC Specialty Vehicles is recalling specific 2021, Spirit of Freedom, Ford Chassis-E450 buses for a possible fuel leak. Re-securement of fuel hose connection is required on all affected buses to avoid fuel leak which increases the potential for fire to occur.

 

WHAT WE WILL DO 

ARBOC Specialty Vehicles will notify our affected dealer and customer both by mailed instructional letters and e-mail if available. Notifications will also be found on the ARBOC Dealer Portal and within the Customer Link. ARBOC SV will cover .5 labor for repair through dealer claim submittal off the issued Work Order Authorization.

 

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

Before putting the affected bus into service, please read the included repair instructions thoroughly before starting repair procedures. Please note for this Recall to be relieved a warranty claim must be filed. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.

 

If you are not able to have the safety defect remedied without charge and within a reasonable time, you may wish to write the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, S.E., Washington, DC 20590 or call 1-888-327-4236 (TTY:  1-800-424-9153); or go to https://www.safercar.gov.

 

We are sorry to cause this inconvenience; however, we have taken this action in the interest of your safety and continued satisfaction with our products.

 

Sincerely,

ARBOC Specialty Vehicles, LLC

 

51165 Greenfield Pkwy, Middlebury IN 46540
574.825.4880

 

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1 Affected Product

Vehicle

MAKE	MODEL	YEAR
ARBOC	SPIRIT OF FREEDOM	2021

 

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9 Associated Documents

Recall 573 Report

RCLRPT-21V174-2298.pdf 590.331KB

 

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Defect Notice 573 Report

RCLRPT-21V174-2298.PDF 218.437KB

 

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Recall Acknowledgement

RCAK-21V174-7731.pdf 645.97KB

 

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Remedy Instructions and TSB

RCRIT-21V174-6655.pdf 679.424KB

 

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Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc)

RCMN-21V174-1838.pdf 198.686KB

 

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Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)

RCONL-21V174-5927.pdf 199.52KB

 

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Recall Quarterly Report #1, 2021-1

RCLQRT-21V174-6479.PDF 211.117KB

 

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Recall 573 Report- Amendment 1

RCLRPT-21V174-3917.PDF 218.466KB

 

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Recall 573 Report- Amendment 1

RCLRPT-21V174-7739.PDF 218.46KB

 

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Latest Recalls Documents

https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/acms/cs/documentList.xhtml?docId=21V174&docType=RCL

 

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Last update on 2025-04-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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