The problem
Certain multi-passenger handicap-accessible vans built on ford e250 and e350 chassis fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 225, "Child restraint anchorage systems." These vehicles lack the appropriate number of child restraint anchorages.
The risk
Applicable child seats would not be able to utilize these supplemental anchorages. In the event of a crash, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix
Accubuilt will modify or replace one or more of the seats to include the appropriate number of seating positions with child restraint anchorage systems. Owner notification is expected to begin during february 2004. Owners should contact accubuilt at 1-888-242-4782.
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 Accubuilt dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 03V530000.
- 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.