The problem
New Flyer Industries is recalling certain model year 2012 XN40 transit buses manufactured October 30, 2012, through November 27, 2012, and equipped with certain Sportworks Northwest Apex 3 bicycle racks. In the affected racks, cracks may develop where the latch tube is welded to the pivot tabs connected to the frame. Over time, the cracks may lead to separation of the latch tube and latch handle.
The risk
If the latch handle and tube fall from the rack it would create a potential road hazard for other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
New Flyer will notify owners and Sportworks Northwest will replace the frames under warranty, free of charge. The recall began on October 30, 2013. Owners may contact New Flyer at 1-800-665-2637 or Sportworks at 1-888-861-0555 ext. 2. New Flyer's campaign number is R13-022.
Contacts
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to 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 New Flyer dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 13V459000.
- 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.