1993–1995 MCI 102DL3, 2006–2008 MCI D4505 Recall: Affected buses are equipped with a driveshaft with a compressed length of…

The defect

Motor Coach Industries (MCI) is recalling certain model year 1993-1995 102DL3 motor coaches manufactured November 1992 to January 1995, and 2006 and 2008 D4505 motor coaches manufactured June 2005 to April 2008. The affected buses are equipped with a driveshaft with a compressed length of 30 inches or less, a steerable trailing axle equipped with a system that changes the tag axle caster when the vehicle is in reverse travel and no electronic stability control (ESC). In these vehicles, the driveshaft may detach from the transmission and escape its containment bracket.

The risk

If the driveshaft escapes containment it can strike the trailing axle tie rod and components of the trailing axle locking system potentially causing the trailing axle steering and caster locking mechanisms to unlock. If this occurs, the driver may experience loss of steering control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

The fix — what to do

MCI will notify owners, and dealers will add a secondary drive shaft containment hoop forward of the tag axle support structure, free of charge. The recall began on August 7, 2014. Owners may contact MCI customer service at 1-847-285-2090. MCI's number for this recall is 414.

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.