CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES EQUIPPED WITH AN OPTIONAL BETWEEN-THE-FRAME MOUNTED FUEL TANKS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD (FMVSS) NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY." THESE BUSES WERE BUILT WITH THE WRONG CROSSMEMBER. THE CROSSMEMBER INSTALLED WAS NOT OF THE SAME STRENGTH THAT WAS USED IN THE CERTIFICATION OF THE FUEL SYSTEM TO FMVSS NO. 301.
FAILURE OF THE CROSSMEMBER DURING A CRASH COULD REDUCE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE INTEGRITY OF THE FUEL SYSTEM ALLOWING LEAKAGE THAT EXCEEDS REGULATION REQUIREMENTS. FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW CROSSMEMBER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 29, 2002. 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 1-800-843-5615.
AMTRAN RECALL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER 02-301.ALSO, CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).