The problem
Certain buses equipped with ricon platform style wheelchair lifts fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 403, "Platform lift systems for motor vehicles." The interlock switch system in the lift may not detect the presence of a passenger (either wheelchair or standee) on the ricon wheelchair platform lift.
The risk
In the event this condition occurs during passenger operations, it may be possible for the wheelchair to tip backwards onto the platform when the platform was lowered. This could result in injury to the wheelchair's occupant. Also, anyone standing on the platform could lose his or her balance and fall, resulting in injury.
The fix
Daimlerchrysler is working with ricon to repair these wheelchair lifts (please see 06e101). Owners can contact ricon at 800-322-2884 or daimlerchrysler at 1-800-882-8054.
Contacts
Customers may contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty: 1-800-424-9153); or go to http://www.Safercar.Gov.
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 Sprinter dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 07V095000.
- 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.