2011–2018 Trans Tech SST, 2011–2018 Trans Tech ST Aero Recall: Foam in the knee impact area of the lower seat back may not absorb enough…

The defect

Transportation Collaborative, Inc. (Transportation Collaborative) is recalling certain 2011-2018 Transtech Bus SST, SST Flat Floor and ST Aero school buses, equipped with CE White/HSM SB11-26" and SB11-30" series, standard, unbelted, school bus seats, or SB11-30" series school bus seats with lap belts only. The foam in the knee impact area of the lower seat back may not absorb enough impact in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 222, "School Bus Passenger Seating and Crash Protection."

The risk

If the seat foam does not absorb enough impact energy, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

The fix — what to do

Transportation Collaborative will notify owners, and dealers will install a styrene strip for additional padding, free of charge. The recall began November 16, 2018. Owners may contact Transportation Collaborative customer service at 1-845-988-0419. Transportation Collaborative's number for this recall is 18E-056.

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.