SCHAUMBURG, Ill. A defect in Meritor WABCO pneumatic electronic stability control modules has resulted in a voluntary safety recall by Motor Coach Industries of 1,962 late-model coaches.

The D-, E- and J-model coaches were manufactured from October 2002 through October of this year.

The models being recalled are:

2007-12 D4000, D4000ISTV, D4005, D4500 and D4505

2003, 2007-12 E4500 and J4500

Under very specific road and driving conditions, operation of the electronic stability control system (ESC) could cause steering issues that may lead to a crash.

The Meritor WABCO ESC module contains a yaw-rate sensor, a lateral accelerometer and stability-control software that provide some of the inputs that enable the ESC system to determine the stability of the vehicle in potential rollover and loss-of-control situations.

In the defect notice issued by Meritor WABCO, the company said that when driving in tight, successive and highly-banked curves, vehicle body roll and road banking may, in effect, confuse the slip-angle calculation by the ESC module.

This could cause the ESC system to sense an oversteer situation and apply the front-axle outer brake until the vehicle is perceived to be stable by the system.

If the driver is slow to react to the ESC intervention, the vehicle could deviate from the intended line of travel, increasing the risk of a crash.

All known incidents involving misapplication of the brakes by the system have occurred on tight, S-type curves that are banked above 6 degrees.

MCI is notifying owners about the recall and will replace the control module free of charge. Owners may contact MCI Customer Service at (800) 241-2947.

Owners also may contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236, or go to the agency website at www.safercar.gov. Reference NHTSA Campaign ID #11V524000 and MCI Safety Recall #351.