Hickory Springs Manufacturing Company (HSM) is recalling certain HSM NextGen 45" 3PT school bus seats, part number GenQ3-45 LH. The bolts that secure the rear of the seat pedestal to the floor may fracture, allowing the pedestal to detach from the bus floor. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."
If the floor pedestal disconnects from the floor during a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.
HSM will notify the manufacturer that purchased the affected seats, and their dealers will install a new fastener and an additional strap to the rearward seat pedestal, free of charge. The recall began November 16, 2018. Owners may contact HSM customer service at 1-419-492-2157, extension 243.
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.