The problem
Corp. Micro Bird Inc (Micro Bird) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Micro Bird CT Series buses, equipped with Freedman GO-ES Foldaway Seats, part numbers 43705, 45467, 48923, and 75719. When the back seat cushion is rotated from the stowed position to the upright position, the seat cushion may not remain locked into place when under load, such as in a crash or a sudden stop. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 207, "Seating Systems," and number 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."
The risk
In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
The fix
Micro Bird has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and repair the foldaway seat, free of charge. The recall began January 28, 2019. Owners may contact Micro Bird customer service at 1-507-625-6426. Micro Bird's number for this recall is 18-080-GUC.
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 Micro Bird dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 18V875000.
- 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.