2009–2010 Volvo Bus 9700 Recall: After being altered, the buses have an insufficient number of emergency…

The defect

Volvo Bus Corporation (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 9700 motor coaches modified January 11, 2012, through September 18, 2012 to provide wheel chair access. After being altered, the buses have an insufficient number of emergency exit windows on the passenger side of the bus. As such, these buses fail to conform with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 217, "Bus Emergency Exits and Window Retention and Release."

The risk

In the event of an emergency, an insufficient number of emergency exits may delay an occupants egress of the bus, increasing the risk of personal injury.

The fix — what to do

Volvo will notify owners and dealers will install an additional emergency exit window, free of charge. The recall began on January 16, 2014. Owners may contact Volvo at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's recall number is SR13-92.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.