Lion School Bus Lawsuit | 2025 Latest Updates

Lion School Bus Lawsuit Overview

Lion School Bus lawsuits focus on alleged safety defects and regulatory violations in Lion Electric’s school buses.

Primary allegations involve design flaws, manufacturing defects, and failure to meet federal safety standards established by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Since 2022, there have been several documented issues with Lion Electric buses, with reports of mechanical failures and safety concerns affecting school districts across multiple states.

Latest Lion School Bus Lawsuit Updates

• April 2025 – A class action lawsuit was filed against Lion Electric in federal court, representing 12 school districts across the country claiming damages related to premature battery degradation and safety concerns in Lion Electric buses.
• March 2025 – The NHTSA opened a formal investigation into braking system failures reported in Lion Electric school buses following three separate incidents in Colorado, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.
• February 2025 – Lion Electric issued a voluntary service bulletin addressing potential electrical system defects in models manufactured between 2021-2023, affecting approximately 450 buses nationwide.
• December 2024 – The EPA announced review of Lion Electric’s Clean School Bus Program participation following allegations of performance misrepresentation and safety violations.
• October 2023 to April 2024 – Multiple school districts reported issues with Lion Electric buses being recalled, with serious concerns identified in braking systems.

Lion School Bus Market Statistics

Lion Electric Company has emerged as a significant player in the electric school bus market since its founding in 2011. The company has delivered over 850 all-electric heavy-duty vehicles as of early 2025, with approximately 650 being school buses. The North American electric school bus market was valued at approximately $1.2 billion in 2024, with projections to reach $5.3 billion by 2030.

According to industry data, Lion Electric has secured contracts totaling $240 million through the EPA’s Clean School Bus Program between 2022-2024. School districts in over 30 states have purchased or ordered Lion Electric school buses, with the largest concentrations in California, New York, and Florida.

The economic impact of defective school buses extends beyond replacement costs, including:

• Average repair costs of $15,000-$45,000 per affected bus
• Transportation alternative costs averaging $5,000-$12,000 per month per district
• Legal and administrative expenses estimated at $75,000-$250,000 per affected district

FDA Reports and Statistics

While school buses fall under NHTSA rather than FDA regulation, federal safety reporting data shows:

• 37 reported mechanical incidents involving Lion Electric school buses between 2022-2025
• 14 incidents specifically related to braking system failures
• 9 cases involving electrical system malfunctions
• 8 reports of battery performance issues
• 6 incidents of structural concerns

The NHTSA has issued safety advisories for Lion Electric buses manufactured between October 2022 and April 2023, recommending enhanced inspection protocols for all affected vehicles.

Lion School Bus Injuries & Side Effects

Lion School Bus defects have led to several reported injuries and safety concerns, including:

• Mechanical Failures: Sudden braking system malfunctions leading to accidents and passenger injuries
• Electrical Hazards: Short circuits creating fire risks and potential burn injuries
• Structural Integrity Issues: Compromised bus frames potentially increasing injury severity during collisions
• Battery Performance Problems: Unexpected power loss leading to stranded vehicles and emergency situations
• Regulatory Non-Compliance: Failure to meet federal safety standards putting passengers at increased risk

Do You Qualify for a Lion School Bus Lawsuit?

You may qualify for a Lion School Bus lawsuit if:

• You or your school district purchased or leased Lion Electric school buses between 2020-2025
• The buses experienced mechanical failures, electrical problems, or other safety defects
• These defects resulted in financial damages, including repair costs, replacement expenses, or alternative transportation costs
• In cases of personal injury, you or someone under your care was injured while riding in a defective Lion Electric school bus
• You can provide documentation of the defects and resulting damages

Evidence Required for a Lion School Bus Lawsuit

To build a strong case, the following evidence is typically required:

• Purchase and maintenance records for the Lion Electric school bus
• Documentation of reported defects or malfunctions
• Repair invoices and associated costs
• Communications with Lion Electric regarding the issues
• Medical records and treatment documentation (for personal injury claims)
• Incident reports filed with school administration or law enforcement
• Expert testimony regarding defects and safety standards

Damages You Can Recover

Successful Lion School Bus lawsuits may result in compensation for:

• Cost of repairs or bus replacement
• Alternative transportation expenses
• Lost instructional time and educational impact
• Medical expenses for injuries sustained
• Pain and suffering related to injuries
• Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence
• Legal fees and court costs

Lion School Bus Recall Information

In December 2023, Lion Electric Company announced that it had voluntarily recalled approximately 119 electric school buses funded by the EPA’s Clean School Bus Program in Mount Desert Island Regional School System in the United States.

The recall addressed several issues including faulty braking systems and associated interior electrical defects in October, mainly resulting in the $240 million program allocated to EPA’s Clean Bus Program. The issues contributed to buses being recalled from October 2023 to April 2024, with some communities being notified with serious concerns identified in October 2024.

Lion Electric has established a dedicated recall response team to address these safety concerns and has implemented enhanced quality control measures for all new production vehicles.

Statute of Limitations for Lion School Bus Lawsuits

The time regulations for filing Lion School Bus lawsuits vary significantly depending on:

• Personal Injury Claims: Generally 1-3 years from the date of injury, varying by state
• Property Damage Claims: Typically 2-6 years from discovery of defect, depending on jurisdiction
• Contract Disputes: Usually 4-6 years from breach of warranty or contract, based on state law
• Government Entity Claims: Special notice requirements may apply, often requiring filing within 60-180 days

It’s crucial to consult with an attorney promptly as these timeframes may be affected by when the defect was discovered or should have reasonably been discovered.

Related Articles:

• Blue Bird School Bus Recall Lawsuit
• School Bus Accident Attorneys

FAQs

1. How long does it take to repair a defect in a Lion School Bus and is it costly?

The time required to repair a defect typically depends on the nature of the issue, availability of parts, and school district resources. Most mechanical repairs take 1-4 weeks, while electrical system issues can require 3-8 weeks to resolve. Costs range from $5,000 for minor repairs to over $50,000 for major system replacements, with the school district or the company in a more acute time window.

2. What legal options do I have if experienced issues on a Lion School Bus?

If your child experienced harm on a Lion School Bus, first document the incident, report the problem to the school district or bus company immediately, seek medical attention if necessary, and consult with an attorney who specializes in vehicle defect and injury cases.

3. How might a successful lawsuit impact Lion Electric and its customers?

A successful lawsuit could lead to financial compensation for affected parties, improved safety standards, regulatory scrutiny, design modifications, and enhanced quality control procedures. It may result in changes to how the company designs, tests, and markets its school buses.

4. Can I still file a claim if the issue occurred over a year ago?

Yes, in most jurisdictions, you can still file a claim even if the incident occurred over a year ago, provided you’re within the applicable statute of limitations for your state. These typically range from 1-6 years depending on the nature of the claim, with many states allowing 2-3 years for product liability claims.

5. Are Lion Electric buses safe for students despite recent recalls?

While Lion Electric promotes their buses as environmentally friendly alternatives to diesel buses, recent safety concerns have raised questions about reliability. Properly maintained and non-recalled models generally meet federal safety standards, but districts should implement rigorous inspection protocols for all electric buses in their fleets.

6. What happens if my school district owns multiple defective Lion buses?

School districts with multiple affected buses may qualify for consolidated legal action, potentially recovering costs for fleet-wide repairs, replacement vehicles, and compensatory damages for educational disruption. Many districts have successfully negotiated comprehensive settlements covering their entire affected fleet.

7. Do I need to hire an attorney with specific experience in school bus litigation?

While not absolutely required, an attorney with specific experience in vehicle defect litigation, particularly involving commercial or school transportation, will typically achieve better outcomes. They understand the complex regulatory framework governing school buses and can more effectively demonstrate liability.

8. What is the average settlement amount for Lion School Bus lawsuits?

Settlement amounts vary widely based on damage extent, injury severity, and jurisdiction. School districts have received settlements ranging from $50,000 to $750,000 per affected bus for replacement and damages, while personal injury claims related to bus defects typically settle between $10,000 and $500,000 depending on injury severity.

See all related product liability lawsuits our attorneys covered so far.

Take Action Now: Time-Sensitive Legal Claims

Time is limited to pursue legal action related to Lion Electric school bus defects and safety violations. Most states allow only 2-3 years from the date of injury or discovery of defect to file claims, and this window may be closing soon for early model defects.

Our firm offers:

• Free, confidential consultations to evaluate your case
• No upfront costs or fees for representation
• Payment only if we win your case or secure a settlement
• Nationwide representation with local expertise in all 50 states

Don’t wait until it’s too late to seek the compensation you deserve for damages caused by defective Lion Electric school buses.

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