2008–2011 Starcraft Prodigy, 2008–2011 Starcraft Quest Recall: Latches/locks/linkages

The defect

STARCRAFT BUS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 THROUGH 2011 PRODIGY AND QUEST SCHOOL BUSES AND MFSAB ACTIVITY VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM DECEMBER 8, 2008, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 16, 2011, EQUIPPED WITH A CHALLENGER DOOR REAR EMERGENCY EXIT DOORS. DUE TO INSUFFICIENT LUBRICATION ON THE REAR DOOR HANDLE LATCH MECHANISM, THE HANDLE MAY BIND, REQUIRING A GREAT FORCE TO OPEN THE REAR DOOR. ACCORDINGLY, THESE BUSES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 217, "BUS EMERGENCY EXITS AND WINDOW RETENTION AND RELEASE."

The risk

IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY, THE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS MAY BE UNABLE TO OPEN THE REAR DOOR, WHICH WOULD HINDER EGRESS OF THE BUS, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN INJURY TO THE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.

The fix — what to do

STARCRAFT BUS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE BUSES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 10, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT STARCRAFT BUS AT 1-800-348-7440.

STARCRAFT BUS' RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER IS 11V103000.OWNERS 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 <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .