The problem
Gillig, LLC (Gillig) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Low Floor transit buses manufactured July 25, 2013, to June 17, 2014. The affected vehicles may have been produced without a quick release valve for the rear brakes on buses built with rear disc brakes. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 121, "Air Brake Systems."
The risk
If the bus's anti-lock brake system was non-functioning and the bus experienced a significant braking event that when combined with the road conditions may lock the rear brakes, then a delay in brake release timing could result in a lock up of the rear wheels, increasing the risk of crash.
The fix
Gillig will notify owners, and dealers will install a quick release valve, free of charge. The recall began on September 15, 2014. Owners may contact Gillig customer service at 1-800-735-1500.
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 Gillig dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 14V459000.
- 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.