VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: L SCHOOL BUSES EQUIPPED WITH A FLOOR-MOUNTED TRACK USED TO ACCOMMODATE AND SECURE WHEELCHAIRS. THE FLOOR-MOUNTED TRACK BOLTS, USED TO SECURE THIS TRACK TO THE FLOOR, ARE TOO LONG AND PROTRUDE THROUGH THE WHEEL WELL. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE PROTRUDING BOLTS WILL PUNCTURE THE REAR TIRES IF THE TIRES SHOULD BE PUSHED UP INTO THEIR FULL JOUNCE POSITION.
THE REAR TIRES COULD BE PUNCTURED WITHOUT WARNING POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A VEHICLE CRASH.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LONG TRACK BOLTS WITH SHORTER BOLTS THAT WILL SIT FLUSH WITH THE RETAINING NUTS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 24, 2001. 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).