Equipment adaptive/mobilityRecall 08V-482 · 2005–2008 National Van Econoline
NATIONAL VAN BUILDERS, INC. recall 08V-482 covers 43 2005–2008 National Van Econoline for a equipment adaptive/mobility problem, reported to NHTSA on September 17, 2008.
Source: NHTSA recall 08V482000 and manufacturer quarterly reports. Started by an NHTSA defect investigation.
The problem
NATIONAL VAN BUILDERS IS RECALLING 43 MY 2005-2008 FORD ECONOLINE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH RICON PLATFORM STYLE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS. THESE LIFTS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 403, "PLATFORM LIFT SYSTEMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES." THE ANTI-STOW INTERLOCK MAY NOT DETECT THE PRESENCE OF A WHEELCHAIR OR MOBILITY AID USER. THE PRESSURE SENSING SWITCH THAT DETECTS THE PRESENCE OF WEIGHT ON THE PLATFORM WAS NOT ADJUSTED TO THE NECESSARY SENSITIVITY LEVEL. THE LIFT COULD STOW EVEN THOUGH SOMEONE OR SOMETHING IS STILL ON THE LIFT.
The risk
A LIFT OCCUPANT CAN BE INJURED SHOULD THE LIFT BEGIN TO STOW UNINTENTIONALLY.
The fix
NATIONAL VAN BUILDERS IS WORKING WITH RICON TO CORRECT THE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS FREE OF CHARGE (PLEASE SEE 07E097). OWNERS MAY CONTACT RICON AT 1-818-267-3000 OR NATIONAL VAN BUILDERS AT 1-800-527-7477.
CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
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 April 1, 2005 to July 31, 2008. Not every vehicle in these model years is included; check by VIN.
The investigation behind this recall
- RICON/THRESHOLD WARNING/ANTI-STOWNHTSA