The problem
Certain transit buses fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 217, "Bus emergency exits and window retention and release." Due to certain seating arrangements, the emergency exit release handles did not fall in the acceptable region set forth by the standard.
The risk
The release mechanisms for the rear window marked as an "emergency exit" were partially blocked so access to the mechanisms would be partially obstructed. There could be confusion in locating the emergency exit release handles in the event of a crash.
The fix
The rear window emergency exit stickers will need to be removed. Owners are being provided with removal instructions. Owner notification is expected to begin during november 2002. Owners who do not receive the free labels and instructions within a reasonable time should contact diamond coach at 1-800-241-8678, extension 13.
Contacts
Customers can 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 Diamond Coach dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 02V292000.
- 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.