The problem
Eldorado National-Kansas (Eldorado) is recalling certain model year 2016 Advantage and Aerotech transit buses manufactured January 15, 2016, to January 29, 2016 and built on a Ford chassis. These vehicles are equipped with seats that may separate from the base frame due to bolt failure. As such, these seats fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety System (FMVSS) number 222, "School Bus Passenger Seating and Crash Protection."
The risk
In the event of a crash, the seat can separate from the base frame, increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupant.
The fix
Eldorado has notified owners, and dealers will replace the seats, free of charge. The recall began June 6, 2016. Owners may contact Freedman Seating Company at 1-773-524-2440 or Eldorado customer service at 1-800-955-9086.
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 Eldorado dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 16V309000.
- 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.