2011–2012 Trans Tech SST Recall: TRANSPORTATION COLLABORATIVE, INC

The defect

TRANSPORTATION COLLABORATIVE, INC. (TCI) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 AND 2012 TRANS TECH MODEL SST SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED OF FORD E350 AND E450 ECONOLINE CHASSIS. THE FIBERGLASS INSTALLED FAILED TO MEET DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS, CAUSING THE INSUFFICIENT TORQUE VALVES AT THE UPPER TORSO MOUNTING POINT. AS SUCH, THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES."

The risk

IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SHOULDER RESTRAINT COULD DETACH FROM THE B-PILLAR ANCHORAGE, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY TO THE OCCUPANT.

The fix — what to do

TCI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND PROVIDE INSTRUCTIONS AND REPAIR KITS OR THE BUS MAY BE TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED REPAIR FACILITY, AT NO COST TO THE OWNER. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 15, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TCI AT 1-845-988-0419.

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> .