1998–2001 US Bus Sturdibus Recall: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS…
NHTSA campaign 01V281000 · Structure · filed Sep 6, 2001 · verified Jul 30, 2026
The defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 221, "SCHOOL BUS BODY JOINT STRENGTH." THESE BUSES HAVE INSUFFICIENT METAL HEMMING IN THE PANEL JOINTS.
The risk
IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SIDE PANELS OF THE BUS MAY NOT PROTECT THE OCCUPANTS AT THE LEVEL REQUIRED BY THE STANDARD.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →The fix — what to do
ON THE RIGHT AND LEFT REAR EXTERIOR PANEL JOINTS BEHIND THE REAR WHEELS, AN ADDITIONAL 4 STEEL RIVETS WILL BE ADDED AT EACH 8" SECTION BETWEEN THE RUB RAILS TO THE JOINT FOR BOTH SIDES OF THE BUS. THE INTERIOR CEILING PANEL JOINT WILL GO FROM THE LEFT SIDE TO THE RIGHT SIDE INSIDE THE BUS. ON THE INTERIOR CELING PANELS CENTER JOINT FROM THE FRONT TO THE REAR INSIDE OF THE BUS, 4 NEW STEEL RIVETS WILL BE ADDED EVERY 8" SECTION FROM FRONT TO THE REAR OF THE BUS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 10, 2003. OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE MODIFICATION KIT AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT US BUS AT 1-845-357-2510.
ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Affected vehicles
Related recalls
More US Bus Sturdibus recalls
- 2007 US Bus Sturdibus — CERTAIN MY 2007 US BUS STURDIBUS SCHOOL OR ACTIVITY BUSES…
- 2006–2007 US Bus Safe Tran and 2 other models — CERTAIN MY 2006 AND 2007 U.S
- 2006 US Bus Sturdibus and 1 other model — CERTAIN MY 2006 STURDIBUS AND UNIVERSE SCHOOL BUSES…
- 2001–2006 US Bus Sturdibus and 2 other models — CERTAIN U.S
- 2003–2006 US Bus Sturdibus — CERTAIN MY 2003 THROUGH 2006 U.S
Other campaigns involving US Bus vehicles
Source: NHTSA recall database, campaign 01V281000. Data last verified Jul 30, 2026.