Defect summary
CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 217 "BUS EMERGENCY EXITS AND WINDOW RETENTION AND RELEASE." THE REAR DOOR LATCH HAS INSUFFICIENT LUBRICATION, REQUIRING MORE FORCE TO OPEN THE DOOR THAN ALLOWED BY THE STANDARD.
Consequence
THE INCREASED OPENING LOAD ON THE LATCH MIGHT PRESENT A PROBLEM IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY.
Remedy
OWNERS ARE BEING ADVISED HOW TO LUBRICATE THE EMERGENCY DOOR LATCH OR, IF THEY PREFER, A DEALER CAN PERFORM THE REMEDY FOR THEM. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 27, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MID BUS AT 1-877-358-6055.
Notes
CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file, campaign 03V242000. Text as published by NHTSA.