The problem
Vehicle description: transit buses. The tether plates, which are attached to the rear of both the upper and lower frames of the suspension unit, contain a sharp edge which can cause premature weat of the nylon tethers. This does not comply with the requirements of fmvss no. 207, "Seating systems," and no. 210, "Seat belt assembly anchorages."
The risk
In the event of a crash, these seat belts may not properly restain the occupant increasing the risk of personal injury.
The fix
Isringhausen is conducting the owner notification for this recall. Owners will be provided with a replacement kit which includes new tethers, tether plates, nut, bolts, and a technical bulletin with detailed replacement instructions.
Contacts
Owner notification began december 14, 1998. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact isringhausen at 1-616-968-5333 or neoplan at 1-719-336-3256. Also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).
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 Neoplan dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 98V308001.
- 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.