NHTSA recall campaign
03V403000
What was wrong
Defect
MY 2002 AND 2003 GUIDE SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 1, 2002, TO SEPTEMBER 30, 2003. VARIOUS SEAMS IN THE SCHOOL BUS BODIES WERE IMPROPERLY ASSEMBLED. VERTICAL SEAMS IN THE INTERIOR WERE NOT BONDED AS REQUIRED UNDER FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 221, "SCHOOL BUS BODY JOINT STRENGTH."
Risk
IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE SEAMS OF THE BUS MAY SEPARATE AT SMALLER LOADS THEN EXPECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
Manufacturer remedy
MID BUS WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND ADD ADDITIONAL FASTENERS TO THE ROOF SEAMS, INTERIOR SEAMS, AND THE MOISTURE BARRIER SKIN BELOW THE FLOOR TO ENSURE THAT THE SEAMS ARE AS INTENDED AND IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, DO NOT PREMATURELY SEPARATE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JANUARY 15, 2004. 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 MID BUS CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 877-358-6055.
To check whether your specific VIN is covered and to find a participating dealer, look this campaign up on NHTSA.gov →