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Vehicle safety record

2003 Amtran CE Problems, complaints & recalls

No owner complaints about the 2003 Amtran CE have been filed with NHTSA. It is covered by 7 recalls, the latest in September 2004 for the equipment adaptive / mobility.

NHTSA data checked

FFar more problems than a typical CE year, for its age

Complaints
0
Recalls
7
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
0

2003 Amtran CE recalls 7

Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do

Equipment adaptive / mobility

04V4690001,220 vehicles affected

The problem
Certain my 2001-2005 amtran/ic corporation ce, fe, and re school buses equipped with sure-lok wheelchair tie-down securement assemblies p/n 8625-13. The sprocket teeth of the retractor assembly may be out of alignment causing the load pawl not to fully seat in the sprocket teeth.
The risk
In the event of a vehicle crash, the wheelchair may not be adequately secured possibly resulting in injuries.
The fix
Sure-lok will notify ic's customers and repair the buses on ic's behalf at no cost to the customer. The recall began august 16, 2004. 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 sure-lok at 1-908-231-1804.

Equipment adaptive / mobility

04E058000300,000 vehicles affected

The problem
Certain sure-lok wheelchair tie-down securement assemblies p/n 8625-13 for use on certain school and transit buses. The sprocket teeth of the retractor assembly may be out of alignment causing the load pawl not to fully seat in the sprocket teeth.
The risk
In the event of a vehicle crash, the wheelchair may not be adequately secured possibly resulting in injuries to the seat occupant and/or other passengers.
The fix
Sure-lok will notify its customers and replace the defective part free of charge. The recall began august 16, 2004. 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 sure-lok customer service at 866-787-3565.

Equipment

04V0970001,589 vehicles affected

The problem
On certain "special needs" school buses equipped with sur-loc "l" wheelchair tracks, the lift mounting bolts could corrode if moisture occurs in the treated plywood floor.
The risk
This could reduce the function of the track or the strength of the lift mounting bolts resulting in personal injury to the occupants.
The fix
Dealers will replace the sur-loc "l" tracks with protected tracks and mounting hardware. Also, lift floor-mounting bolts will be replaced. Owner notification is expected to begin march 19, 2004. 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 ic at 1-800-843-5615.

Structure: body

03V35400066,749 vehicles affected

The problem
Ce model school buses which fail to comply to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 221, School bus body joint strength. The roof top sheet may be improperly located, reducing the material edge distance at the rivet line.
The risk
In the event of a vehicle crash, the joint strenght could fail possibily resulting in injuries to the vehicle occupants.
The fix
Ic will notify its customers and will provide inspection and repair instruction. The recall began on january 25, 2005. 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 ic customer service at (we do not yet have a telephone number for this campaign.)

Service brakes: hoses, lines / piping, and fittings

03V32600075 vehicles affected

The problem
Certain flat floor school buses were built with the incorrect hydraulic brake drop hoses from frame to axle. The hoses installed were 3 inches shorter than specified and may fail from tension caused by axle articulation.
The risk
This hose failure will result in the loss of rear brakes, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Dealers will replace the hoses and bleed the brake system. Owner notification began on october 9, 2003. Owners should contact ic at 1-800-843-5615.

Seats

03V118000159 vehicles affected

The problem
Certain school buses equipped with flip seats fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 217, "Bus emergency exits and window retention and release." Seats with seat belts were bolted to the floor without the use of required reinforcements under the floor.
The risk
During a crash, this condition may allow the seat to become loose which could cause personal injury or death to the seat occupant.
The fix
Dealers will add reinforcements to the seat mounting at the floor. Owner notification began on april 23, 2003. 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 ic corporation at 1-800-843-5615.

Exterior lighting

03V05400046 vehicles affected

The problem
On certain school bus warning lamps, a static electricity discharge can occur during normal services or handling. This discharge can potentially initiate a chemical reaction of materials within the lamp which could cause the lens to fracture.
The risk
If the lens fractures, it can cause injuries to persons directly in front of it.
The fix
Sound off will notify the customers and make arrangements to go out to the operating facilities and replace the warning lamps free of charge. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact sound off at 800-338-7337 or ic at 501-505-2190.

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No complaints about the 2003 Amtran CE yet

No owner has filed a complaint about this vehicle with NHTSA. If yours has a problem, share it here and report it to NHTSA.

Amtran CE: every year compared

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
20040300-F
20030700-F
20020600-F
20010400-F
20000200-D
19990100-C
All CE years

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Questions about the 2003 Amtran CE

Does the 2003 Amtran CE have any recalls?

Yes - NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the 2003 Amtran CE: equipment adaptive / mobility (September 2004); equipment adaptive / mobility (August 2004); equipment (February 2004); body (September 2003) and more. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.

How many complaints has the 2003 Amtran CE had?

None have been filed with NHTSA so far.

Is the 2003 Amtran CE a reliable vehicle?

Its Safety Index is 5 out of 100 (grade F: far more problems than a typical Amtran CE year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.

What should I do if my 2003 Amtran CE has a problem?

If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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