Turtle Top is recalling certain model year 2010 through 2012 commercial buses manufactured from April 1, 2011, through March 25, 2012, equipped with Specialty Manufacturing Inc. (SMI) Prolo roof hatches. Increased friction between the rear plate assemblies, p/no. 009327, and the nylon rear pop-up support, p/no. 008956, may result in an opening force of the Prolo roof hatches that exceeds federal standard requirements. Thus, these hatches fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 217, "Bus Emergency Exits and Window Retention and Release."
In the event of an emergency, passengers' exit from the bus may be hindered possibly resulting in injury to the vehicle occupants.
Turtle Top will notify owners. SMI will provide service kits along with repair instructions to dealers and owners, free of charge. The safety recall began on August 16, 2012. Owners may contact Turtle Top at 1-574-831-4349 or SMI at 1-800-951-7867.
Customers may contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); or go to http://www.safercar.gov.