2002–2005 Collins Bantam, 2002–2005 Collins Grand Bantam, 2002–2005 Collins Super Bantam Recall: CERTAIN COLLINS MY 2002-2005 BANTAM, SUPER BANTAM, AND GRAND BANTAM MODEL…

The defect

CERTAIN COLLINS MY 2002-2005 BANTAM, SUPER BANTAM, AND GRAND BANTAM MODEL SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN APRIL 22, 2002, AND APRIL 27, 2005. THESE BUSES WERE EQUIPPED WITH A BENCH-STYLE SINGLE PASSENGER SEATS HAVING A LOWER CUSHION SURFACE OF 24 INCHES IN WIDTH. THESE SEATS SHOULD HAVE A SEATING SURFACE OF ONLY 22 INCHES FOR A SIGNAL DESIGNATED SEATING POSITION. THESE SEATS DO NOT CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 222, SCHOOL BUS PASSENGER SEATING AND CRASH PROTECTION.

The risk

THESE SEATS SHOULD HAVE A SEATING SURFACE OF ONLY 22 INCHES WIDE TO HAVE A SINGLE DESIGNATED SEATING POSITION. BECAUSE THE 24 INCH CUSHION IS WIDER THAN 22 INCHES, THE POTENTIAL EXISTS FOR TWO PASSENGERS TO BE SEATED IN THIS SEAT. A SECOND PASSENGER WOULD NOT HAVE AN AVAILABLE SEAT BELT FOR RESTRAINT AND MAY BE INJURED IN A CRASH.

The fix — what to do

COLLINS WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND REPLACE THE 24 INCH SEAT CUSHION WITH A 22 INCH SEAT CUSHION FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN APRIL 29, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT COLLINS CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-533-1850.

CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.