Structure: hinge and attachments Mid Bus recall

The problem

Certain school buses fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 217 "Bus emergency exits and window retention and release." The rear door latch has insufficient lubrication, requiring more force to open the door than allowed by the standard.

The risk

The increased opening load on the latch might present a problem in the event of an emergency.

The fix

Owners are being advised how to lubricate the emergency door latch or, if they prefer, a dealer can perform the remedy for them. Owner notification began august 27, 2003. Owners should contact mid bus at 1-877-358-6055.

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

1. 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.
2. Call a dealer. Any authorized Mid Bus dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 03V242000.
3. Ask about parts and a loaner. If parts aren't available yet, ask what to do in the meantime.
4. Keep your paperwork. If you paid for this repair before the recall, you may be able to get reimbursed - here's how.