VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL BUSES EQUIPPED WITH HEHR INTERNATIONAL REAR EXIT WINDOWS WITH VANDAL LOCKS. THESE BUSES WERE BUILT WITH REAR EMERGENCY EXIT WINDOWS INCORPORATING A LOCK OPTION THAT COULD BE LEFT IN THE LOCK POSITION AND ALLOW THE ENGINE TO BE STARTED. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 217, "BUS EMERGENCY EXITS AND WINDOW RETENTION AND RELEASE."
DURING THE OPERATION OF THE BUS, THE WINDOW COULD REMAIN LOCKED AND IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO OPEN THE WINDOW INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO REPAIR THE NONCOMPLIANCE.
OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 8, 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 AMTRAN AT 1-800-993-7686.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).