Structure: frame and membersRecall 83V-004 · 1981–1982 Carpenter School Bus
CARPENTER BDY WRKS, INC. recall 83V-004 covers 19 1981–1982 Carpenter School Bus for a structure: frame and members problem, reported to NHTSA on January 21, 1983.
Source: NHTSA recall 83V004000 and manufacturer quarterly reports. Started by NHTSA (compliance).
The problem
DURING MANUFACTURE, INCONSISTENCIES MAY HAVE OCCURRED IN THE WELDS JOINING FLOOR SECTIONS. CERTAIN WELDED JOINTS MAY HAVE WEAKNESSES AND MAY NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD 221, "SCHOOL BUS BODY JOINT STRENGTH". IMPROPER WELDS MAY ALLOW SECTIONS OF THE FLOOR TO SEPARATE IN A SEVERE COLLISION.
The fix
THE DEALER WILL INSPECT ALL INVOLVED VEHICLES AND ANY NECESSARY CORRECTIVE ACTION WILL BE MADE AT NO COST TO OWNER.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL BUSES.SYSTEM: STRUCTURE; FLOOR SECTION JOINTS.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: FLOOR SEPARATION DURING A COLLISION MAY INCREASE THEPOTENTIAL FOR OCCUPANT EJECTION AND INJURY. NO SPECIFIC PRECAUTIONARY MEASURESARE RECOMMENDED BY THE MANUFACTURER. JOINT FAILURE IS SUSPECTED TO OCCUR ONLYDURING SEVERE COLLISIONS.
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 May 1, 1981 to June 1, 1982. Not every vehicle in these model years is included; check by VIN.