The problem
Certain buses equipped with compressed natural gas fuel containers, model alt823d, p/n 1273147, do not conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 304, 'Compressed natural gas fuel container integrity.' The ngv container's pressure relief devices fail to timely and fully activate as required by the standard.
The risk
In the event of a vehicle fire with the fuel system roof enclosure removed or opened, the fuel container's pressure relief devices may not activate as they are designed to do and the fuel container could rupture and explode. Such an explosion could cause serious injuries or death to occupants of the bus or to persons outside the bus.
The fix
Structural composites will notify the orion bus owners. Structural composites has not yet provided the agency with a finalized remedy. Owners should contact sci at 1-909-444-2503 or orion at 1-905-403-7832.
Contacts
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 Orion dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 04V411000.
- 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.