1995–2001 Orion II, 1995–2001 Orion V, 1995–2001 Orion VI Recall: CERTAIN TRANSIT BUSES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL…
NHTSA campaign 03V120000 · Visibility · filed Mar 27, 2003 · verified Jul 30, 2026
The defect
CERTAIN TRANSIT BUSES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 217, "BUS EMERGENCY EXITS AND WINDOW RETENTION AND RELEASE." THE HANDLE PULL FORCE EXCEEDS THE 89N FORCE TO RELEASE THE EMERGENCY WINDOW. ADDITIONAL FORCE IS REQUIRED TO RELEASE THE WINDOW.
The risk
IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, AN OCCUPANT MAY HAVE DIFFICULTY OPENING THE EMERGENCY EXIT WINDOW, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.
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
DEALERS WILL REPAIR THESE WINDOWS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 1, 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 ORION AT 1-800-492-2116.
CUSTOMERS CAN 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 Orion II recalls
- 1992–1998 Orion II and 3 other models — Power Train
- 1998–2004 Orion II and 1 other model — ON CERTAIN TRANSIT BUSES, THE FUEL LIFT PUMP COULD FAIL IN…
- 2000–2001 Orion II — CERTAIN ORION BUSES EQUIPPED WITH SURE-LOK WHEELCHAIR…
- 1999 Freightliner Argosy and 18 other models — VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TRUCKS, SCHOOL BUS AND MOTOR HOME…
- 1998–2000 Orion II and 2 other models — VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TRANSIT BUSES EQUIPPED WITH VANNER 60…
Other campaigns involving Orion vehicles
Source: NHTSA recall database, campaign 03V120000. Data last verified Jul 30, 2026.