Structure: bodyRecall 96V-047 · Amtran and Ward vehicles
AMERICAN TRANSPORTATION CORP. recall 96V-047 covers 34,900 Amtran and Ward vehicles for a structure: body problem, reported to NHTSA on March 11, 1996.
Source: NHTSA recall 96V047000 and manufacturer quarterly reports. Started by an NHTSA defect investigation.
The problem
PASSENGER'S CLOTHING CAN UNKNOWINGLY BECOME CAUGHT IN THE HANDRAILS AT BUS DOORS WHEN EXITING THE BUS.
The risk
WHEN A PASSENGER'S CLOTHING BECOMES CAUGHT IN THE HANDRAIL, AND THE BUS DRIVER CLOSES THE DOOR AND PUTS THE VEHICLE IN MOTION,THE INDIVIDUAL IS SUBJECT TO BEING DRAGGED BY THE BUS. THIS CAN RESULT INSERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
The fix
REPLACE OR REPOSITION THE HANDRAILS TO STOP CLOTHING FROM BEING CAUGHT. REPLACE FOAM PAD AND INSTALL 1" THICK RUBBER SPACER BETWEEN THE BRACE AND THE WALL.
SYSTEM: EQUIPMENT; HANDRAILS AT BUS ENTRY WAYS. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL BUSES.NOTE: OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME, SHOULD CONTACT AMTRAN AT 1-501-327-7761. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
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, 1986 to June 18, 1996. Not every vehicle in these model years is included; check by VIN.
The investigation behind this recall
- RQNHTSA