2017 Arboc Spirit Of Independence problems, complaints & recalls
Safety recalls (2)
Suspension:rear:springs:leaf Spring Assembly:hanger/Bracket 2026-07-24 · campaign 26V479000 · 502 vehicles
Defect: ARBOC Specialty Vehicles, LLC (ARBOC) is recalling certain 2017-2026 Spirit of Independence transit buses. The wrong size washers may have been installed on the rear spring hanger bolts.
Risk: The rear spring hanger may detach from the frame, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will install the correct washers, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 9, 2026. Owners may contact ARBOC customer service at 1-866-953-5555.
Seats 2018-11-16 · campaign 18V813000 · 62 vehicles
Defect: ARBOC Specialty Vehicles, LLC (ARBOC) is recalling certain 2015-2018 ARBOC Spirit of Freedom, Spirit of Mobility and Spirit of Independence-Pro Master transit buses, equipped with Freedman GO-ES Foldaway Seats, part numbers 43705, 45467, 48923, and 75719. When the back seat cushion is rotated from the stowed position to the upright position, the seat cushion may not remain locked into place when under load, such as in a crash or a sudden stop. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the re
Risk: In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
Fix: ARBOC has notified owners, directing them to contact Freedman for repairs of the foldaway seat, free of charge. The recall began November 29, 2018. Owners may contact Freedman customer service at 1-800-443-4540 or ARBOC at 1-574-825-4880.
Service bulletins (3)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Suspension:rear:shock Absorber 2019-03-22 · AR866 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
ar866-rear upper shock mount bracket installation-complaint-upper shock has movement during jounce. cause-insufficient structural support. correction-add bracket, part # 1312336, with weldment.
Fuel System, Gasoline 2018-01-26 · AR853 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
ar853-soi-f fuel tank strap securement. complaint-fuel tank has loose strap connection. cause-incorrect strap placement and missing foam tape. correction-add foam tape to all hanger straps. vehciles affected soi-f buses.
Suspension 2018-01-09 · AR852 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
ar852-morryde suspension repair. complaint-morryde rear suspsension raises concerns with step height at ramp. lifts vehicle approximately 3 inches. cause-design and installation of morryde suspension. correction-replace front hanger bracket and remove morryde rear suspension to reinstall oem spring.
What owners report
No detailed complaint narratives on file.
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.