How many recalls does the 1997 Orion Ii have?

The 1997 Orion Ii has 3 NHTSA safety recall campaigns on record.

How do I check if my 1997 Orion Ii has an open recall?

Enter your 17-character VIN at NHTSA's official recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see open, unrepaired recalls for your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are free.

1997 Orion Ii Recalls

Recalls on record Updated July 2026

The 1997 Orion Ii has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 4,447 vehicles. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Last updated July 5, 2026.

Recall campaigns

VISIBILITY 03V120000 2003-03-27 4,191 affected

Defect

CERTAIN TRANSIT BUSES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 217, "BUS EMERGENCY EXITS AND WINDOW RETENTION AND RELEASE." THE HANDLE PULL FORCE EXCEEDS THE 89N FORCE TO RELEASE THE EMERGENCY WINDOW. ADDITIONAL FORCE IS REQUIRED TO RELEASE THE WINDOW.

Consequence

IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, AN OCCUPANT MAY HAVE DIFFICULTY OPENING THE EMERGENCY EXIT WINDOW, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPAIR THESE WINDOWS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 1, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT ORION AT 1-800-492-2116.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 98V189000 1998-08-10 45 affected

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TRANSIT BUSES EQUIPPED WITH CHALLENGER 2000 MODEL 170 SERIES ALTERNATORS. THE POSITIVE POWER STUD MAY NOT BE PROPERLY SEATED IN PLACE CAUSING A LOOSE CONNECTION. THIS LOOSE CONNECTION CAUSES AN OVER-HEAT CONDITION WHEN THE ALTERNATOR IS UNDER A LOAD. ALSO THE MATERIAL USED TO INSULATE THE…

Consequence

THE ALTERNATOR CAN GET HOT ENOUGH TO CATCH FIRE WHICH COULD SPREAD TO OTHER AREAS OF THE VEHICLE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THESE ALTERNATORS.

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER 97V207000 1997-11-14 211 affected

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS (CNG) POWERED TRANSIT BUSES. THE SOLENOID VALVE OR CHECK VALVE COULD ALLOW CNG TO FLOW WHEN NOT REQUIRED.

Consequence

IF AN IGNITION SOURCE WAS PRESENT, THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR A FIRE AND/OR EXPLOSION.

Remedy

PERSONNEL WILL GO TO OWNERS AND REPLACE THE CHANGE OUT OF THE RECALLED SOLENOID VALVES.

Defect investigations

Investigation SQ98013 Opened 1998-07-16 · closed 1998-09-29

BATTERY CABLE ABRADING TRANSMISSION HOSE

ORION'S SERVICE BULLETIN (NOT DATED) POINTS OUT THAT MISSING WIRE/CABLE CLEATS WERE RESPONSIBLE FOR A BUS FIRE.THE SERVICE BULLETIN RECOMMENDS ALL BUSES BE INSPECTED TO INSURE THAT CABLES ARE PROPERLY ROUTED AND SECURE.AFTER ANALYSES OF THE DATA OBTAINED, TWO FAILURE MODES WERE IDENTIFIED THAT CAUSED THE FIRES ON…

Sources & methodology

Recall, complaint, and investigation records from official NHTSA datasets (FLAT_RCL, FLAT_CMPL, FLAT_INV), synced weekly. Counts reflect NHTSA records for the 1997 Orion Ii as of July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page contains ads and affiliate links. Full methodology.