The problem
On certain school bus, xc rv, and shuttle bus chassis manufactured between february 1 and july 18, 2003, incorrect axle steering stop bolts were installed on aac front axles. It may be possible to turn the front wheels in either direction until the tires contact or damage other steering components.
The risk
The driver can possibly loose control of the vehicle if the tires contact the steering components while the bus is in motion.
The fix
Freightliner will notify its customers and repair the buses free of charge. Owner notification is expected to begin during december 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 freightliner at 503-745-5219.
Contacts
Also, customers can 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 Freightliner dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 03V488000.
- 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.