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Ford Transit Recall 16V331: Wheelchair Lift Platform Can Detach and Fall on Operator

NHTSA campaign 16V331, reported May 20, 2016, 2 vehicles potentially affected.

What this recall means for you

The wheelchair lift platform may crack at its side plate, or its mounting may fail because folding link arm pivot holes are too large, allowing bearings to shift out of position. In either case the platform can separate from the lift and rest against the vehicle's lift door.

When the doors are opened, the platform may fall onto the lift operator, increasing the risk of injury. Owners should have their vehicle inspected. Dealers will check the link arms for damage or displaced bearings and inspect the platform for cracks, replacing any damaged parts free of charge. Owners can contact National Van customer service at 1-800-527-7477, using the recall number Ricon 2016, and should also check their VIN for any open recalls.

Check whether this recall is open on your vehicle

The repair is normally free at an authorized dealer.

Official recall notice

Safety recall 16V331National Van Builders, Inc.
Component
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
Problem
National Van Builders, Inc. (National Van) is recalling certain model year 2015 Ford Transit vehicles manufactured July 1, 2015, to October 30, 2015, and equipped with certain model S2005, S2010, S5005, S5010, S5505, and S5510 wheelchair lifts by Ricon. The platform side plate of the affected wheelchair lifts may crack. Additionally, the lifts are equipped with folding link arms that may have pivot holes that are too big, allowing the bearings to move out of position.
Risk
If the platform side plates crack or the platform mounting fails from out-of-position bearings, the lift platform can separate from the lift and come to rest against the vehicle's lift door. When the vehicle's doors are opened, the platform may fall onto the lift operator, increasing their risk of injury.
Remedy
National Van will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the link arms for damage or for displaced bearings. The platform will be inspected for cracks. Any damaged parts will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on June 15, 2016. Owners may contact National Van customer service at 1-800-527-7477. National Van's number for this recall is Ricon 2016.
Notes
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.

Affected vehicles

Ford Transit2015