BLUE BIRD VCTA 1997: STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

General Information

NHTSA Campaign ID Number: 98V108000

Make Model Year
BLUE BIRD VCTA 1997
Date Owners Notified Date Received by ODI Date Added to Database
1998-07-02 1998-05-18 1998-05-20

Production Dates: 1994-05-01 - 1998-05-02

Manufacturers Involved: Blue Bird Body Company

Component: STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

Potential Number Of Units Affected: 385

Report Initiator: MFR MFR Report

Regulation Part Number: 571

Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard Number: 212

Summary

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL BUSES. THESE BUSES WERE NOT EQUIPPED WITH A POSITIVE HOLD OPEN DEVICE "RETAINER" FOR THE REAR EMERGENCY DOOR. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 217, "BUS WINDOW RETENTION AND RELEASE."

Consequence

THE REAR EMERGENCY DOOR WOULD NOT STAY OPEN UNTIL IT WAS RELEASED, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY.

Remedy

OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH FREE PARTS AND INSTRUCTIONS TO INSTALL THE REAR EMERGENCY DOOR RETAINER. OWNERS CAN CONTACT THEIR DEALERS AND HAVE THEM INSTALL THE RETAINER IF THEY SO DESIRE.

Notes

OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 2, 1998.OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE KIT AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 1-912-825-2021.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT '1-888-327-4236'.