VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL BUSES BUILT ON FORD OR CHEVROLET CUTAWAY VAN CHASSIS EQUIPPED WITH THE ROSCO "EURO-STYLE" OVERHANGING RIGHT HAND REARVIEW MIRROR. THESE MIRRORS HAVE AN INADEQUATE STRENGTH ATTACHMENT AT THE MIRROR BRACE MOUNTING POINT AND COULD PULL LOOSE DURING HIGH WINDS (FROM ONCOMING TRAFFIC) OR SEVERE VIBRATION. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 111, "REARVIEW MIRRORS."
FAILURE OF THE MIRROR BRACE ATTACHMENT ALLOWS THE MIRROR ARM TO PIVOT LEFT OR RIGHT, POSSIBLY SWINGING FAR TO THE RIGHT PAST THE BUS PERIMETER AND INJURING PEDESTRIANS NEARBY. THIS COULD ALSO RESULT IN A LOSS OF VISIBILITY SURROUNDING THE BUS.
DEALERS WILL RELOCATE THE MIRROR BRACE MOUNTING POINT FROM THE FRONT CAP OF THE BUS BODY TO THE ROOF SKIN OF THE BUS CAB, PROVIDING SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED STRENGTH. OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A DESCRIPTION AND DRAWING OF THE NONCOMPLIANCE, A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE REPAIR PROCEDURE, AND WHERE TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO HAVE IT REPAIRED.
OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 10, 2000.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 COLLINS AT 1-800-533-1850.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).