Seat beltsRecall 03V-365 · Girardin vehicles
GIRARDIN MINIBUS INC. recall 03V-365 covers 46 Girardin vehicles for a seat belts problem, reported to NHTSA on October 3, 2003.
Source: NHTSA recall 03V365000 and manufacturer quarterly reports. Started by the manufacturer.
The problem
MY 2003 MBII & MBIV SCHOOL BUSES BUILT ON FORD E-350 & E-450, GM 3500 CHASSIS, AND MANUFACTURED BETWEEN AUGUST 25 AND SEPTEMBER 17, 2003. THESE BUSES ARE EQUIPPED WITH BEAM'S INDUSTRIES SEAT BELTS. THE METAL FRAME OF THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE MAY FRACTURE DUE TO POSSIBLE EMBRITTLEMENT OF THE STEEL, RESULTING IN A POTENTIAL RELEASE OF THE ENGAGED TONGUE DURING USE. THESE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES DO NOT COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES."
The risk
IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE BUCKLE MAY UNLATCH, AND POSSIBLE INJURY OR DEATH COULD OCCUR TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT.
The fix
BEAM'S INDUSTRIES WILL NOTIFY THE CUSTOMERS OF GIRARDIN DIRECTLY AND WILL PROVIDE THEM WITH THE REMEDY AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS FREE OF CHARGE. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BEAM'S AT 1-888-343-9266 OR GIRARDIN AT 1-819-477-8222.
GIRARDIN RECALL NO. 03-005-SB.ALSO, CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Recall repairs are free. Confirm whether this recall is open on your vehicle by entering its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Vehicles in this recall
Built from August 25, 2003 to September 17, 2003. Not every vehicle in these model years is included; check by VIN.