CarRecallWatch- Component
- EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
- Problem
- Ameritrans Bus, Inc. (Ameritrans) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 285 shuttle buses manufactured March 2, 2015, through December 23, 2015, built on Ford E-450 chassis and equipped with certain model S2000, S5000, and S5500, wheelchair lifts manufactured by the Ricon Corporation. 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
- Ameritrans will notify the purchasers of the lifts, and Ricon dealers will inspect the side plates for damage and for displaced bearings. The platform will be inspected for cracks. Any damaged parts will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on June 30, 2016. Owners may contact Ameritrans customer service at 1-574-262-8935, or Ricon customer service at 1-800-322-2884.
- 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.
What this recall means for you
The wheelchair lifts on these shuttle buses may have a platform side plate that can crack, or folding link arms with pivot holes that are too large, which can let the bearings move out of position. Either problem can cause the lift platform to separate from the lift and come to 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 stop relying on the lift for passenger boarding until it has been inspected, and should contact the manufacturer or dealer promptly.
The repair is free at an authorized Ricon dealer, who will inspect the side plates for damage and check for displaced bearings, inspect the platform for cracks, and replace any damaged parts at no charge. The recall began June 30, 2016. Contact Ameritrans customer service at 1-574-262-8935 or Ricon customer service at 1-800-322-2884, and check your VIN for open recalls.
Check whether this recall is open on your vehicle
Official recall notice
Affected vehicles
| Ameritrans 285 | 20152016 |
|---|