The problem
Certain girardin model year 2006 through 2010 and micro bird by girardin model year 2009 through 2010 g5 and 2003 through 2006 girardin mb iv transit buses fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 217, "Bus emergency exists and window retention and release." The vehicles are equipped with thermal t-slider or panoramic type push-out windows with 2 release mechanisms (one on each side). The window handle base spacer plate can tear due to the rotation of the exterior window frame.
The risk
In the event of a crash, the emergency exit could not sufficiently restrain the occupant(s) or become inoperable. The occupant(s) could be thrown from the vehicle or not be capable of opening the emergency exits which could cause injury or death of the vehicle occupant(s).
The fix
Girardin will notify owners and will provide parts to perform the repair along with instructions free of charge. The safety recall began on october 8, 2010. Owners may contact micro bird at 1-819-477-2012.
Contacts
Girardin's recall campaign number is 10-038-wiu. Owners may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to <a href=http://www.Safercar.Gov>http://www.Safercar.Gov</a> .
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 Girardin, Micro Bird dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 10V377000.
- 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.