The problem
Transportation Collaborative, Inc. (Transportation Collaborative) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 Trans Tech Student Safety Transporter school buses manufactured from December 1, 2012, through April 23, 2015. In the event of a crash, the barrier on the driver's side may not deform as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Standard (FMVSS) number 222, "School Bus Passenger Seating and Crash Protection."
The risk
If the barrier does not deform properly, vehicle occupants are at a greater risk of injuries should they impact the barrier in a crash.
The fix
Trans Tech will notify owners and provide a free retrofit kit along with installation instructions. An interim notice was distributed to owners on April 14, 2016. The recall began on April 18, 2016. Owners may contact Transportation Collaborative customer service at 1-845-988-0419.
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 Trans Tech Bus dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 16V085000.
- 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.