NHTSA Recall 04V049000
Filed by LIBERTY BUS INCORPORATED. Component: Structure. Reported 2004-01-23. An estimated 11 vehicles are affected. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.
Defect
CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 217, "BUS EMERGENCY EXITS AND WINDOW RETENTION RELEASE." THE REAR EXIT DOOR HANDLE IS NOT RECESSED WHICH CAN CATCH ON AN ARTICLE OF CLOTHING OR A BACK PACK, INADVERTENTLY OPENING THE DOOR. ALSO, THE REQUIRED POSITIVE DOOR OPENING DEVICE FOR REAR EXIT DOOR DOES NOT HOLD THE DOOR AT 90 DEGREES WITH THE BODY.
Risk
IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, AND THE VEHICLE ENDS UP ON ITS SIDE, THE DOOR WILL NOT OPERATE PROPERLY POSSIBLY HINDERING RAPID EGRESS FROM THE VEHICLE.
What the manufacturer will do
LIBERTY BUS WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND A METAL BEZEL WILL BE INSTALLED AROUND THE HANDLE TO RECESS IT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 2, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT LIBERTY BUS AT 419-227-6554.
Manufacturer campaign number: 217/01/LIB
Notes
LIBERTY BUS RECALL NO. 217/01/LIB.ALSO, CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).