2003 Liberty Spirit Recall: 2003 LIBERTY SPIRIT (FREEDOM) SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 2002 AND…
NHTSA campaign 04V050000 · Seats · filed Jan 23, 2004 · verified Jul 30, 2026
The defect
2003 LIBERTY SPIRIT (FREEDOM) SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 2002 AND DECEMBER 2002. THE WASHER THAT IS USED BETWEEN THE SEAT LEG MOUNTING FOOT AND MOUNTING BOLT WAS IS NOT WIDE ENOUGH OR OF THE PROPER GRADE. IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE SEAT COULD SEPARATE FROM THE FLOOR. ALSO, THERE IS INSUFFICIENT PILLAR PADDING WHICH COULD RESULT IN HEAD INJURIES IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
The risk
THESE BUSES FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 222, "SCHOOL BUS PASSENGER SEATING AND CRASH PROTECTION."
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
LIBERTY BUS WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS REPAIR THE SEATS WITH 3 ADDITIONAL WASHERS FREE OF CHARGE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 2, 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 LIBERTY BUS AT 419-227-6554.
ALSO, CUSTOMERS CAN 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 Liberty Spirit recalls
Other campaigns involving Liberty vehicles
Source: NHTSA recall database, campaign 04V050000 (manufacturer number 222/01/LIB). Data last verified Jul 30, 2026.