Collins Grand Bantam recalls

What is wrong

Collins Bus Corporation (Collins) is recalling certain model year 2006-2014 Collins and Mid Bus Super Bantam, Grand Bantam, Super Guide, Grand Guide, DE416WR, DH416WR, and DE516WR school buses manufactured January 1, 2006, to June 16, 2014, and equipped with certain model S2005, S2010, S5005, S5010, S5505, and S5510 wheelchair lifts manufactured by Ricon Corporation after January 1, 2006. The platform side plate of the affected wheelchair lifts may crack.

Risk

If the platform side plates crack, the lift platform can separate from the lift and come to rest against the vehicle's lift door. When the doors are opened, the platform may fall out, increasing the risk of injury to the lift operator.

Remedy

Collins will notify owners, and dealers will install a supplemental platform support bumper kit. Any platform that has already started cracking will be replaced, free of charge. The began on December 15, 2014. Owners may contact Collins customer service at 1‑800‑533‑1850 or Ricon customer service at 1‑800‑322‑2884.

Recall number 14V600000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Collins Bus Corporation (Collins) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Bantam, Super Bantam, Grand Bantam, Mid Bus Guide, Super Guide, and Grand Guide school buses manufactured September 2009 through April 2010, and equipped with A&M Systems-brand electric door actuators. Voltage spikes may damage electrical components and electrical circuits, causing the circuit board to develop high resistance.

Risk

High resistance may cause the board to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Collins will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the circuit board free of charge. The recall began on December 4, 2013. Owners may contact Collins at 1‑800‑533‑1850.

Recall number 13V469000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Collins is recalling certain model year 2008 and 2010 grand bantam, super bantam, mid bus grand guide, and mid bus super guide school buses manufactured from february 21, 2008, through september 21, 2010, equipped with braun century-2 wheelchair lifts. Over time, and with frequent use, the roll stop latches on the outer barrier may become bent or misaligned.

Risk

A wheelchair occupant may defeat or ride over the insufficiently latched roll stop. If this occurs when the lift platform is in an elevated position, the wheelchair’s occupant could fall and sustain injury.

Remedy

Collins will notify owners and repairs will be performed by authorized braun dealers free of charge. The safety recall began on june 22, 2012. Owners may contact the braun customer experience group at 1‑800‑488‑0359 or collins bus customer service at 1‑800‑533‑1850 ext. 424.

Recall number 12V259000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Collins is recalling certain model year 2006 through 2008 bantam, grand bantam, and super bantam school buses manufactured from august 23, 2006, through february 1, 2008, equipped with carrier genv em-1 evaporator units. Due to time, temperature, and/or vibration, the fuse may loosen in the fuse holder resulting in high resistance and arcing.

Risk

If sufficient arcing occurs, the fuse holder may melt, and a vehicle fire may occur.

Remedy

Collins will notify owners and provide information on how to obtain the retrofit kit from carrier along with repair instructions. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on november 11, 2011. (see carrier's recall campaign 11e-003.) owners may contact carrier at 1‑800‑793‑4741 or collins at 1- 1‑620‑662‑9000.

Recall number 11V502000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Collins is recalling certain model year 2002-2011 bantam, grand bantam, and super bantam school buses manufactured from october 2002 through may 20, 2011, for failing to conform to the leg protection zone impact requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard 222 "school bus passenger seating and crash protection."

Risk

In the event of a vehicle crash, the vehicle occupants may not be adequately protected and may sustain injuries.

Remedy

Collins will notify owners and dealers will install additional foam padding under the upholstery free of charge. The safety recall began on july 18, 2011. Owners may contact collins bus at 1‑800‑533‑1850.

Recall number 11V293000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Collins is recalling certain model year 2008 and 2009 super bantam and grand bantam and mid bus super guide and grand guide school buses built on ford and chevrolet platforms from march 31, 2008 through july 31, 2009, equipped with specialty manufacturing, inc. (smi) 000290 LED light kits. A change to the wire used in the LED light kits may reduce the effective life of the lights used on the stop arms. The lights may stop functioning without warning.

Risk

Should the LED lights stop functioning, visibility of a stopped bus would be decreased, increasing the risk that a child or other pedestrian within vicinity of the stopped bus could be struck by a passing vehicle.

Remedy

Collins will notify owners and light kits will be replaced free of charge. The safety recall began on december 17, 2010. Owners may contact collins toll-free at 1‑800‑533‑1850.

Recall number 10V441000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Collins is recalling certain model year 2008 bantam, grand bantam, and super bantam model school buses. The 39 inch three passenger seats fail to meet the minimum performance requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 222, "school bus passenger and crash protection."

Risk

Seat occupants are at an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy

Collins will notify owners and dealers will repair the buses free of charge. The safety recall began on january 3, 2011. Owners may contact collins at 1‑800‑533‑1850.

Recall number 10V362000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Collins is recalling certain model year 2010 grand bantam and super bantam school buses manufactured from october 5, 2009 through january 4, 2010 and built with certain lap shoulder belt seats manufactured by immi. The seat cushion locking mechanisms were misaligned during vehicle assembly. This fails to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 222, "school bus passenger seating and crash protection."

Risk

In the event of a crash, the seat cushion could detach from the seat, increasing the risk of injury to the bus occupants.

Remedy

Allthe buses have been repaired, therefore an owner notification letter will not be issued for this campaign.

Recall number 10V291000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Collins is recalling certain model year 2009 bantam, super bantam, and grand bantam school buses manufactured between april 1 and october 1, 2009, built on ford cutaway chassis. The brake-turn separator module which is used to control the brake lights and turn signals lights in the rear may not always distinguish correctly between a brake signal input and a turn signal input from the ford chassis oem wiring. For typical brake and turn signal operation, the stop/tail/turn lights at the rear of the bus will function properly. However, if the brakes are pumped/applied in a frequency matching that of the blinking turn signal while the turn indicator is on, there is the potential that the brake signal through the module may cancel out the turn signal temporarily or cause it to flash intermittently.

Risk

This can cause confusion to vehicles behind the bus as to whether the bus is turning or stopping increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Collins will notify owners and dealers will replace the brake-turn signal separator module, if the bus is equipped with one, free of charge. The safety recall began on march 2, 2010. Owners may contact collins toll-free at 1‑800‑533‑1850 ext. 424.

Recall number 10V049000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Collins is recalling certain model year 2008 and 2009 grand bantam, super bantam, mid bus grand guide, and mid bus super guide school buses manufactured from february 14 to october 19, 2009, equipped with a braun ncl917ib-2 century wheelchair lift. The toe stop inner barrier and platform may not be adjusted correctly possibly allowing the unit to be moved to the stow position. These wheelchair lefts fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 404, "platform lift installations in motor vehicles."

Risk

Should the lift begin to stow while it is in use, serious injury or death could occur to the lift user.

Remedy

Collins will notify owners and braun dealers will perform the repairs free of charge. The safety recall began on december 17, 2009. Owners may contact collins bus service at 1‑800‑533‑1850 ext 424.

Recall number 09V472000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Collins is recalling 2,741 my 2008 school buses manufactured between january 1, 2008 and january 1, 2009. The bolts used to mount the body to the chassis frame rail may have been improperly installed which could lead to failure of the bolts.

Risk

Failure of these bolts will result in inadequate connection of the bus body to the bus chassis. In the event of a vehicle crash, there may be an increased risk of personal injury to the vehicle occupants.

Remedy

Collins will notify owners and inspect and repair the buses if necessary free of charge. The safety recall began on march 19, 2009. Owners may contact collins toll-free at 1‑800‑533‑1850.

Recall number 09V083000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Collins bus is recalling 868 my 2005 through 2007 grand bantam and super bantam school buses manufactured between april 5, 2005 and january 17, 2007, equipped with ricon platform style wheelchair lifts. These lifts fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 404, "platform lift systems for motor vehicles." the anti-stow interlock may not detect the presence of a wheelchair or mobility aid user. The pressure sensing switch that detects the presence of weight on the platform was not adjusted to the necessary sensitivity level. The lift could stow even though someone or something is still on the lift.

Risk

A lift occupant can be injured should the lift begin to stow unintentionally.

Remedy

Collins bus is working with ricon to correct the wheelchair lifts free of charge (please see 07e097). Owners may contact ricon at 1‑818‑267‑3000 or collins bus customer service at 1‑800‑533‑1850.

Recall number 08V588000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Collins bus is recalling 868 my 2005 through 2007 grand bantam and super bantam school buses manufactured between april 5, 2005 and january 17, 2007, equipped with ricon platform style wheelchair lifts. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 404, "platform lift installations in motor vehicles." the threshold warning system may not detect the presence of a wheelchair or mobility aid user in a certain spot within the defined threshold area.

Risk

The user of the lift could be injured should the lift move unintentionally.

Remedy

Collins bus is working with ricon to correct the wheelchair lifts free of charge (please see 07e095). Owners may contact ricon at 1‑818‑267‑3000 or collins bus customer service at 1‑800‑533‑1850.

Recall number 08V587000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Collins is recalling 8 my 2007 bantam, super bantam, or grand bantam school buses equipped with module lock601-gd wheelchair lift interlock module manufactured by intermotive, inc. If the vehicle's battery voltage drops to 7.5 volts, the module may go into fault mode and may not lock the shifter in park when the lift door is opened which fails to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 403, "platform lift systems for motor vehicles."

Risk

The vehicle may be moved with the lift deployed and could result in injury to the lift occupant.

Remedy

Collins will notify owners and repair the buses free of charge. The recall began on october 17, 2008. Owners may contact collins toll-free at 1‑800‑533‑1850 ext. 430.

Recall number 08V498000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Certain my 2005 and 2006 collins bantam, grand bantam, super bantam, and omni school buses manufactured between november 2005 and june 2006, for failing to comply with all the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 209, "seat belt assemblies", and no. 210, "seat belt assembly anchorages." the web of the belt rubs up against the retractor's metal sleeve causing friction and abrasion, and over time, may fray the belt.

Risk

In the event of a vehicle crash, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained possibly resulting in injury.

Remedy

Collins will notify owners and replace the seat belt free of charge. The recall began on january 7, 2008. Owners may contact collins at 1‑800‑533‑1850.

Recall number 08V018000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Certain 2005 bantam, super bantam, and grand bantam school buses manufactured between june 10 and september 28, 2005, equipped with ricon model s20005 wheelchair lifts. The platform lifts may have a defect in the weld which will allow a joint on the vertical lift to crack.

Risk

In the event this condition occurs during passenger operations it may not be possible to close the lift door causing the vehicle interlocks to remain engaged preventing movement of the vehicle or the ability to load or unload passengers with disabilities from the vehicle. This may result in injury or death.

Remedy

Ricon is conducting this recall (please see 06e008000) and will replace the two vertical arms even if only one arm is cracked free of charge. The recall began on june 22, 2006. Owners may contact ricon customer support dept. At 800‑322‑2884 or owners may contact collins bus customer service at 1‑800‑533‑1850.

Recall number 06V193000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Certain 2005 collins bantam, super bantam, and grand bantam school buses and super omni buses built between august 1 and september 15, 2005. The fasteners securing the seats and the barriers to the wall track may be inadequately tightened which fails to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 210, seat belt assembly anchorages and fmvss no. 222, school bus passenger seating and crash protection.

Risk

In the event of a crash, the seat occupants may not be adequately protected, possibly resulting in serious injuries.

Remedy

Collins will notify the bus owners and repair the vehicles free of charge. The recall began on september 23, 2005. Owners may contact collins at 620‑662‑9000 or 800‑533‑1850 x430.

Recall number 05V440000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Certain 2002-2005 my collins bantam, super bantam, and grand bantam school buses equipped with "5" series stop arms. These school buses were originally sold in or currently registered in states other than the following: alaska, colorado, connecticut, delaware, idaho, illinois, indiana, iowa, kansas, kentucky, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, montana, nebraska, nevada, new hampshire, new jersey, new mexico, new york, north dakota, ohio, oregon, pennsylvania, rhode island, south dakota, tennessee, utah, vermont, virginia, washington, west virginia, wisconsin, wyoming, and the district of columbia. In extremely cold weather, the microswitches used internally to position the sign in the open and closed positions may malfunction, causing the sign to open or close in an improper position, or to not open at all.

Risk

Should the stop arm not perform properly, a child or pedestrian may be endangered by passing vehicles should the motorist not stop at the correct location.

Remedy

Collins will notify all its customers of this campaign. For those buses operated in or near any of the states listed above, collins is encouraging the bus owners to obtain the replacement switch. For those buses operated in the warmer states, collins will replace the switch upon owner request. For those customers who request the remedy, collins will replace the original switch with a switch pack that is not sensitive to extreme cold weather and will inspect to ensure the microswitch heater wiring is properly connected. The safety improvement campaign began october 12, 2005. Owners may contact collins at 800‑448‑7825 or specialty manufacturing at 1‑800‑951‑7867.

Recall number 05V345000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Certain 2002-2005 my collins bantam, super bantam, and grand bantam school buses equipped with specialty mfg "5" series stop arms originally sold in or currently registered in the following states: alaska, colorado, connecticut, delaware, idaho, illinois, indiana, iowa, kansas, kentucky, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, montana, nebraska, nevada, new hampshire, new jersey, new mexico, new york, north dakota, ohio, oregon, pennsylvania, rhode island, south dakota, tennessee, utah, vermont, virginia, washington, west virginia, wisconsin, wyoming, and the district of columbia. In extremely cold weather, the microswitches used internally to position the sign in the open and closed positions may malfunction, causing the sign to open or close in an improper position, or to not open at all.

Risk

Should the stop arm not perform properly, a child or pedestrian may be endangered by passing vehicles should the motorist not stop at the correct location.

Remedy

Collins bus will notify its customers and the original switch will be replaced free of charge with a switch pack that is not sensitive to extreme cold weather and will inspect to ensure the microswitch heater wiring is properly connected free of charge. The recall began october 12, 2005. Customers may contact collins bus customer service at 1‑800‑533‑1850 or specialty manufacturing at 1‑800‑951‑7867.

Recall number 05V343000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Certain collins my 2002-2005 bantam, super bantam, and grand bantam model school buses manufactured between april 22, 2002, and april 27, 2005. These buses were equipped with a bench-style single passenger seats having a lower cushion surface of 24 inches in width. These seats should have a seating surface of only 22 inches for a signal designated seating position. These seats do not conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 222, school bus passenger seating and crash protection.

Risk

These seats should have a seating surface of only 22 inches wide to have a single designated seating position. Because the 24 inch cushion is wider than 22 inches, the potential exists for two passengers to be seated in this seat. A second passenger would not have an available seat belt for restraint and may be injured in a crash.

Remedy

Collins will notify its customers and replace the 24 inch seat cushion with a 22 inch seat cushion free of charge. The recall began april 29, 2005. Owners may contact collins customer service at 1‑800‑533‑1850.

Recall number 05V192000 · Recall details

What is wrong

On certain school buses equipped with floor mounted wheelchair anchorage pockets that are used to accommodate and secure wheelchairs, during manufacturing, the reinforcement plate for the pocket may have been placed in the wrong position. This would not allow the screws to be attached through it.

Risk

In the event of a crash, the anchorage may not retain the wheelchair. Serious injury to the wheelchair occupant or other vehicle occupants may result.

Remedy

Collins will repair the buses by inserting a reinforcement extension plate and redrilling holes into this plate for the wheelchair anchorage screws to pass through. Owner notification is began september 3, 2003. 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 collins at 1‑800‑533‑1850.

Recall number 03V318000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Vehicle description: l school buses equipped with a floor-mounted track used to accommodate and secure wheelchairs. The floor-mounted track bolts, used to secure this track to the floor, are too long and protrude through the wheel well. It is possible that the protruding bolts will puncture the rear tires if the tires should be pushed up into their full jounce position.

Risk

The rear tires could be punctured without warning possibly resulting in a loss of steering control and a vehicle crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the long track bolts with shorter bolts that will sit flush with the retaining nuts. Owner notification began september 24, 2001. 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 collins at 1‑800‑533‑1850.

Recall number 01V267000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Vehicle description: school buses built on ford or chevrolet cutaway van chassis equipped with the rosco "euro-style" overhanging right hand rearview mirror. These mirrors have an inadequate strength attachment at the mirror brace mounting point and could pull loose during high winds (from oncoming traffic) or severe vibration. This does not comply with the requirements of fmvss no. 111, "rearview mirrors."

Risk

Failure of the mirror brace attachment allows the mirror arm to pivot left or right, possibly swinging far to the right past the bus perimeter and injuring pedestrians nearby. This could also result in a loss of visibility surrounding the bus.

Remedy

Dealers will relocate the mirror brace mounting point from the front cap of the bus body to the roof skin of the bus cab, providing significantly increased strength. Owners will be provided with a description and drawing of the noncompliance, a brief description of the repair procedure, and where to take the vehicle to have it repaired.

Recall number 00V191000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Vehicle description: single rear-wheel and dual rear-wheel school buses built on chevrolet 3500 van cutaway chassis, exterior body width of 81" or 94". The school bus certified safety seats do not comply with the requirements of fmvss no. 210, "sear belt assembly anchorages." the seat legs may have incomplete or missing welds.

Risk

In the event of a crash, the seats may not withstand the forces specified, possibly causing injury to the seat occupant.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the noncomplying seat legs.

Recall number 98V328000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Vehicle description: dual rear wheel school buses built on ford e-350 and e-450 'super duty' cutaway chassis, exterior body width of 80", gross vehicle weight rating of 11,500 or 14,050 pounds. These buses may have a modification to the frame rail consisting of a notch in the lower flange of the left-hand frame rail forward of the frame cross member. This modification can affect compliance to fmvss no. 301, "fuel system integrity."

Risk

In the event of a vehicle crash, the frame rail flanges could contact and rupture the fuel tank increasing the risk of a vehicle fire and personal injury.

Remedy

Owners will need to inspect their buses and if repairs are necessary, will be provided with the repair parts required. If an owner desires, their dealer can perform the inspection and repair.

Recall number 98V118000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Vehicle description: dual rear wheel school buses built on ford e-350 cutaway chassis. The wrong front and rear axle weight ratings are listed on the certification label.

Risk

Owners could overload the axles if following the ratings as listed.

Remedy

Owners will be provided with a decal to be placed on the current certification plate showing the correct weight limits for the axles.

Recall number 98V061000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Vehicle description: school buses equipped with 39" school bus seats. The seats in these buses have frame material that does not comply with the energy absorption requirements of fmvss no. 222, "school bus passenger seating and crash protection."

Risk

In the event of a vehicle crash, the occupant of the seat may incur personal injuries.

Remedy

A gusset will be added to the seat cushion frame. In addition, a reinforcement strap will be added to the front of the seat leg.

Recall number 97V168000 · Recall details