The worst 2018 Mci J3500 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
Recalls 5
Visibility: glass, side/rear
- What is wrong
- Motor Coach Industries (MCI) is recalling certain 102DL3, 102D3, MC12PTV, E4500, D4000, 102D3ISTV, D4500, J4500, D4000ISTV, D4005, D4505, and J3500 transit buses. Please refer to MCI's recall report for specific model year information. The front door lower curb view glazing material is incorrect. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 205, "Glazing Materials."
- Risk
- The incorrect window glazing material may reduce the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- MCI will replace the glass, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 4, 2026. Owners may contact MCI customer service at 1‑800‑241‑2947. MCI's number for this recall is 22-005.
Recall number 25V853000 · Recall details
Electrical system
- What is wrong
- Motor Coach Industries (MCI) is recalling certain 2018 D4000, 2018-2020 D4005, D4000ISTV, 2017-2020 D4500, D4505, 2018-2021 J3500, 2017-2021 J4500, 2020 D4520, and 2018-2021 D45CRTLE motorcoaches. The Main Distribution Panel (MDP) located within the battery compartment contains a circuit board that may fail.
- Risk
- MDP circuit board failure can result in a fire or an unexpected vehicle shutdown, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- MCI Service Centers will remove the MDP and install a new main disconnect and circuit breaker panel, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 12, 2021. Owners may contact MCI's customer service at 1‑800‑241‑2947. MCI's number for this recall is R21-010.
Recall number 21V748000 · Recall details
Fuel system, diesel: fuel injection system: fuel rail
- What is wrong
- Motor Coach Industries (MCI) is recalling certain 2017-2018 D4000, 2017-2019 D4005, D4000ISTV, D4505, 2017-2020 D4500, J4500, 2018-2020 D45CRTLE, and 2018-2021 J3500 vehicles. The sealing washer may not seat correctly in the pilot bore holes, allowing the high pressure fuel rail assembly to leak.
- Risk
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the rail threads, and replace the rail as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 28, 2021. Owners may contact MCI customer service at 1‑800‑241‑2947. MCI's number for this recall is R21-009.
Recall number 21V364000 · Recall details
Seat belts
- What is wrong
- Motor Coach Industries (MCI) is recalling certain 2015-2016 D4000, 2015-2020 D4500 and D4505, 2016-2020 J4500, 2018 J3500, and 2017 D4005 buses. The seat belts may not extend from the retracted position, rendering the seat belt unusable. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection," and number 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies."
- Risk
- Inability to use the seat belt may increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
- Remedy
- MCI will notify the affected owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the seat belts, as necessary, free of charge. MCI issued owners an interim notification June 26, 2020. The recall began January 13, 2021. Owners may contact MCI customer service at 1‑800‑241‑2947. MCI's number for this recall is SB 482.
Recall number 20V242000 · Recall details
Service brakes, air: supply: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
- What is wrong
- Motor Coach Industries (MCI) is recalling certain model year 2014-2019 J4500 and 2018-2019 J3500 motor coaches. The brake hoses may crack or otherwise fail resulting in an air leak. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 121, "Air Brake Systems."
- Risk
- A leaking brake hose could cause a delay in the actuation time of the front brake, which would increase vehicle's stopping distance and increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- MCI will notify owners to inspect the brake hoses and replace any hoses that are leaking or otherwise damaged. MCI will reimburse owners for the cost of the inspection, and will provide replacement parts as necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2020. Owners may contact MCI customer service at 1‑800‑241‑2947. MCI's number for this recall is SB 481.
Recall number 20V233000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2018 Mci J3500 17
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- This bulletin is to provide instructions for clearing DTC 1067 FMI 7 (Pressure Sensor Not Calibrated) and...
- Instructions to remove DEF sensor bypass calibration from engine ECM and new sensor installation AR
- This TSIB is to inform customers the recommended steering axle cleaning/greasing instructions to prevent...
- Instructions outlining the steps to replace the existing harness with mini fuses to a more robust design...
- Information to owners showing the proper procedure for checking the oil level in a BITZER HVAC compressor.
- Service Bulletin issued to relocate the alternator belt idler pulley and change the belt layout for...
- MCI has released Technical Service Information Bulletin (TSIB) 22-12 to address concerns with water...
- Technical Service Information Bulletin describing the replacement of seating backrest attachment hardware...
- This Technical Instruction is a description of the inspections and cleaning procedures being recommended...
- This Instruction to Service (ITS) is a description of the inspections being recommedned by MCI due to the...
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Questions about the 2018 Mci J3500
Is the 2018 Mci J3500 reliable?
Owners have filed 0 complaints about the 2018 Mci J3500.
What is the most common problem with the 2018 Mci J3500?
There are not enough complaints to tell.
How many recalls does the 2018 Mci J3500 have?
5 recalls, covering visibility, electrical system and fuel system, diesel.
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