2018 Motiv F-59 School Bus problems, complaints & recalls
Safety recalls (2)
Vehicle Speed Control:throttle:throttle Position Sensor (Tps) 2025-03-03 · campaign 25V138000 · 40 vehicles
Defect: Motiv Power Systems, Inc. (Motiv) is recalling certain 2017-2020 E-450 and F-59 school buses with Gen 4 EPIC powertrain, and 2020-2023 E-450, F-59, and F-53 school buses with a Gen 5 EPIC powertrain. A throttle position sensor (TPS) power wire connector pin may loosen, causing a loss of signal to the powertrain control module and a loss of drive power.
Risk: Loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Motiv field support technicians will inspect and repair, or replace the PCM connector, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 23, 2025. Owners may contact Motiv customer service at 1-650-458-4804.
Electrical System:wiring 2024-09-19 · campaign 24V699000 · 13 vehicles
Defect: Motiv Power Systems, Inc. (Motiv) is recalling certain 2017-2020 F-59 school buses equipped with a Motiv Gen 4 EPIC and 2020-2023 F-59 school buses equipped with a Motiv Gen 5 EPIC powertrain. The wiring harness may be missing a heat shrink insulator and retention clip. The 12-volt control wires may deteriorate and loosen, causing a loss of connection to the high voltage (HV) batteries and drive power.
Risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Motiv field support technicians will inspect and correct or replace any 12-volt control wires showing signs of fatigue, cracking, or improper retention or protection as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 21, 2024. Owners may contact Motiv customer service at 1-650-458-4804.
Service bulletins (1)
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.
Fuel/Propulsion System 2024-11-25 · Motiv TSB-Ring Terminal · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
motiv power systems, inc. has determined that on certain vehicles converted to a motiv gen 4 e-450, f-59 and gen 5 f-59 and f-53 model powertrain, 12-volt power wires crimped to a ring terminal on the master disconnect switch under the hood could deteriorate over time and lose connection from the cr
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.