The problem
Gillig, LLC (Gillig) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Gillig Low Floor transit buses. As built, one of the emergency exit windows may not be able to be easily used in the event of an emergency. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 217, "Bus Emergency Exits and Window Retention and Release."
The risk
An obstructed emergency exit can hinder passengers from vacating the bus in the event of an emergency, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix
Gillig will notify owners, and dealers will move one of the emergency exit windows to an unobstructed location, free of charge. The recall began February 22, 2019. Owners may contact Gillig's customer service at 1-510-264-5073 or 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 18V886000.
- 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.