2008 Optima Opus problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Service Brakes (1)
Safety recalls (2)
Electrical System 2013-09-19 · campaign 13V457000 · 4,061 vehicles
Defect: North American Bus Industries (NABI) is recalling certain model year 2000-2011 LFW, CLFW, BRT, 2007-2009 Blue Bird L4RE, and 2000-2009 Optima Opus transit buses equipped with Sure Power battery equalizers containing a particular epoxy sealing, aka 'potting', compound. The specific potting compound used in the subject products for insulation was found to be capable of conducting electricity after being exposed to heat.
Risk: Once electrically conductive, the material is capable of melting and burning, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: NABI will notify owners, and dealers will replace the equalizers, free of charge. An interim letter was mailed to owners on January 27, 2014. Owners may contact NABI at 1-256-831-4296. NABI's recall number is 20136.
Steering:column 2012-05-02 · campaign 12V189000 · 50 vehicles
Defect: NORTH AMERICAN BUS INDUSTRIES (NABI) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 OPTIMA OPUS29 AND OPUS34 MODEL TRANSIT BUSES, MANUFACTURED FROM AUGUST 8, 2007, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 21, 2009. THE PINCH BOLTS IN THE STEERING COLUMN SHAFT MAY LOOSEN TO THE EXTENT THAT THEY MAY FALL OUT ALLOWING THE STEERING SHAFT TO SEPARATE.
Risk: SEPARATION OF THE STEERING SHAFT WILL RESULT IN A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: NABI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPAIR VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 7, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NABI AT 1-256-831-4296.
What owners report
2015-01-08 · Service Brakes · 80,000 mi“brakes replaced twice, rotors, calibers, brake hose, break lines,starter,windshield pump,and all at different times! this car was brandnew when i bought it and this is not my first car new that i purchased since i have been driving! i normally buy every two to three years a new car and never had more problems then i had have with this one and wonde…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.