Preliminary Evaluation · Closed

INADEQUATE WELDING PASSENGER SEAT

Action number

PE98027

Opened

Apr 27, 1998

Closed

Aug 31, 1998

Outcome

Closed without recall

Manufacturer: CARPENTER INDUSTRIES, INC.

What NHTSA is examining

Operators of affected buses have alleged two issues relative to inadequate welding quality control in the contruction of the passenger seats:1) spot weld failure between the seat back pan (sheet metal) and frame; 2) inadequate weld finishing below the seat bench resulting in children being exposed to sharp edges.

Vehicles under investigation

1996 Carpenter School Bus1997 Carpenter School Bus

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation records, updated daily. An investigation is not a determination that a defect exists; many probes close without a recall.