VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 221, "SCHOOL BUS BODY JOINT STRENGTH." THESE BUSES HAVE INSUFFICIENT METAL HEMMING IN THE PANEL JOINTS.
IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SIDE PANELS OF THE BUS MAY NOT PROTECT THE OCCUPANTS AT THE LEVEL REQUIRED BY THE STANDARD.
ON THE RIGHT AND LEFT REAR EXTERIOR PANEL JOINTS BEHIND THE REAR WHEELS, AN ADDITIONAL 4 STEEL RIVETS WILL BE ADDED AT EACH 8" SECTION BETWEEN THE RUB RAILS TO THE JOINT FOR BOTH SIDES OF THE BUS. THE INTERIOR CEILING PANEL JOINT WILL GO FROM THE LEFT SIDE TO THE RIGHT SIDE INSIDE THE BUS. ON THE INTERIOR CELING PANELS CENTER JOINT FROM THE FRONT TO THE REAR INSIDE OF THE BUS, 4 NEW STEEL RIVETS WILL BE ADDED EVERY 8" SECTION FROM FRONT TO THE REAR OF THE BUS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 10, 2003. OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE MODIFICATION KIT AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT US BUS AT 1-845-357-2510.
ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).