Body: roof and pillarsRecall 12V-348 · Elkhart vehicles
ELKHART COACH recall 12V-348 covers 2 Elkhart vehicles for a body: roof and pillars problem, reported to NHTSA on July 23, 2012.
Source: NHTSA recall 12V348000 and manufacturer quarterly reports. Started by an NHTSA defect investigation.
The problem
Elkhart Coach is recalling certain model year 2011 and 2012 transit buses, models 9215-0200 and 9250-0700, equipped with ProLo bus roof escape hatches. Increased friction between the rear plate assemblies, may result in an opening force of the ProLo roof hatches that exceeds Federal standard requirements. Thus, these hatches fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 217, "Bus Emergency Exits and Window Retention and Release."
The risk
In the event of an emergency, a noncompliant hatch may not provide a means of readily accessible egress, increasing the risk of injury to the vehicle occupants.
The fix
Elkhart Coach will notify the owners, and these buses will be repaired free of charge. The safety recall began during July 2012. Owners may contact Elkhart at 1-574-264-5179.
Owners may also 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, 2011 to March 25, 2012. Not every vehicle in these model years is included; check by VIN.
The investigation behind this recall
- SMI Bus Roof Escape Hatches / FMVSS 217NHTSA