2026 Gillig Low Floor

Defect. Gillig, LLC (Gillig) is recalling certain 2023-2026 Low Floor transit buses. The high voltage cable, connecting the inverter to the drive unit, contains a splice connection that reduces the amp capacity rating.

Risk. Reduced capacity may cause the cable to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy. Gillig will reprogram the software as an interim repair. For the final remedy, Gillig will replace the high voltage cable. Both repairs will be provided free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 27, 2026. Owners may contact Gillig's customer service at 1-800-735-1500.

Defect. Gillig, LLC (Gillig) is recalling certain 2021-2026 Low Floor transit buses. The air compressor intake pipe may contact and damage the fuel line.

Risk. A damaged fuel line may leak, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy. Gillig will inspect, replace, and reorient the intake pipe as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 24, 2026. Owners may contact Gillig's customer service at 1-800-735-1500.

This complaint involves Gillig all-electric transit buses, model years 2024–2026, and a recurring failure of the electric air compressor supplying the air brake system. When the compressor fails, system air pressure drops, resulting in automatic application of the brakes. Unlike a conventional combustion-engine drivetrain, the all-electric drivetrain can continue producing sufficient torque to allow the driver to power through the automatically applied brakes, particularly when the low-air condition occurs while the bus is in motion. This condition has resulted in overheated brakes, damaged axle assemblies, and, most seriously, a wheel-end fire. Fortunately, the fire was extinguished when the bus returned to the maintenance facility. This appears to be a recurring condition affecting multiple buses rather than an isolated component failure. To my knowledge, Gillig is aware of the issue and has progressed through multiple versions of the electric air compressor, reportedly now at approximately a fourth-generation design, yet the safety issue has not been resolved. The failure identified in this complaint was reported to Gillig. Gillig subsequently provided Montgomery County with a seven-page diagnostic procedure that must be completed before warranty action or other corrective measures are considered. Given the recurring failures and the potential consequences, including brake overheating, axle damage, and fire, I believe this condition warrants NHTSA review as a potential saf