The problem
Vehicle description: school buses equipped with hehr international rear exit windows with vandal locks. These buses were built with rear emergency exit windows incorporating a lock option that could be left in the lock position and allow the engine to be started. This does not comply with the requirements of fmvss 217, "bus emergency exits and window retention and release."
The risk
During the operation of the bus, the window could remain locked and in the event of a crash, the seat occupant would not be able to open the window increasing the risk of personal injury.
The fix
Owners will be provided with instructions on how to repair the noncompliance.
Contacts
Owner notification began december 8, 2000. 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 1-800-993-7686. Also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).
What to do
- Check your VIN. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls - it shows whether this recall applies to your vehicle and whether the repair has been done.
- Call a dealer. Any authorized Amtran dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 00V390000.
- Ask about parts and a loaner. If parts aren't available yet, ask what to do in the meantime.
- Keep your paperwork. If you paid for this repair before the recall, you may be able to get reimbursed - here's how.