Seat beltsRecall 17V-582 · Hometown Trolley vehicles

The problem

Double K Inc. (Double K) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Hometown Trolley Villager, Mainstreet, and Streetcar trackless trolley buses, equipped with Recaro Commercial Bus Driver Seats, models Ergo R, Ergo D, AM71, AM72 and AM80. In the affected seats, the seat belt buckle may be stuck in the locked position, preventing the seat belt tongue from being able to be inserted and locked. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies."

The risk

If the seat belt cannot be latched, the bus may be operated without the seat belt being used, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

The fix

Double K will notify owners, and dealers will replace the buckle housings, free of charge. The recall began on November 10, 2017. Owners may contact Recaro customer service at 1-248-364-3818 or Double K customer service at 1-715-478-5090. Double K's number for this recall is 17E035.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Recall repairs are free. Confirm whether this recall is open on your vehicle by entering its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.