Structure: bodyRecall 97V-014 · Amtran and Ward vehicles
AMERICAN TRANSPORTATION CORP. recall 97V-014 covers 2,480 Amtran and Ward vehicles for a structure: body problem, reported to NHTSA on February 5, 1997.
Source: NHTSA recall 97V014000 and manufacturer quarterly reports. Started by an NHTSA defect investigation.
The problem
CERTAIN CLOTHING ARTICLES SUCH AS DRAW STRINGS CAN BECOME LODGED IN THE FORWARD HANDRAILS AT THE BUS DOORS WHEN A PERSON IS EXITING THE BUS.
The risk
IF THE DRIVER IS UNAWARE OF THE SITUATION, THE ENTRANCE DOOR MAY BE CLOSED, CAPTURING THE ITEM IN THE DOOR. DEATH OR INJURY CAN OCCUR TO THE PERSON EXITING THE BUS.
The fix
DEALERS WILL REMOVE THIS HANDRAIL. PROVISIONS WILL BE MADE FOR BUSES OPERATING IN STATES THAT MANDATE A FORWARD MOUNTED HANDRAIL TO OFFER THE OWNERS A FREE REPAIR KIT CONTAINING A RUBBER SPACER.
OWNER NOTIFICATION:OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN FEBRUARY 28, 1997. NOTES:OWNERS WHO NEED THE FREE REPAIR KIT AND ARE UNABLE TO OBTAIN THE KIT 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.