WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has announced safety recalls of buses built by two manufacturers.
When a safety defect is found, manufacturers are required to mail a recall notice to all purchasers, owners and dealers. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration urges owners to wait until they receive notification from the manufacturer before contacting dealers to schedule repair work.
Up-to-the-minute information on safety recall campaigns, or information on the recall history of a particular make and model bus is available by calling the agency's toll-free Auto Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236 or by going to www.nhtsa.dot.gov.
Here's information on the latest recalls:
International Truck and Engine Company
Recalled models: International 3000, 1993-2003; International FE, 1993-2003, and International RE, 1993-2003
Number involved: 24,134 buses
Defect: On certain commercial, school and transit buses equipped with adjustable steering columns, the steering shaft pinch bolt interferes with the rubber boot that protects it. Over time, the bolt may wear a hole in the boot. If the bolt catches on the hole, movement of the steering wheel may be restricted which could lead to a crash.
Remedy: International is working on a remedy. Owners should have been notified by now. Owners may contact International (800) 448-7825.
Mid Bus Inc.
Recalled model: Mid Bus Guide, 2001-2003
Number involved: 2,750 buses
Noncompliance item: 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 permitted by the standard. 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 will perform the lubrication. Owner notification has taken place. Owners may contact Mid Bus at (877) 358-6055.