Recalls Of The Day, December 21, 2012

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued three recalls.  One recall is concerns the loss of steering.  The second issue is poor latches that secure wheel chairs.  The third is for wheels that could fall off.

All of these could cause a crash, injury or death.  If we survive the predicted apocalypse the next hour or two you will want to get your vehicle repaired.

Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s): BLUE BIRD / VISION 2013 Manufacturer: Blue Bird Body Company Report Receipt Date: DEC 13, 2012 NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 12V586000 N/A NHTSA Action Number: N/A

Component: STEERING:LINKAGES:LINK:DRAG:CONNECTION

Potential Number of Units Affected: 222

Summary: Blue Bird is recalling certain 2013 model year Vision conventional school buses manufactured from August 27, 2012, to November 06, 2012. The castle nut that attaches the drag link to the steering arm may not have been torqued to the proper specifications.

Consequence: Improperly torqued drag link castle nuts could cause excessive movement at the drag link to steering arm connection which could lead to potential separation of the drag link from the steering arm and loss of steering control, which may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will check the torque on the drag link castle nuts. Any vehicle where the castle nuts are found to be loose will also have its steering arm inspected for wear. The recall is expected to begin on, or about, December 21, 2012. Owners may contact Blue Bird at 1-478-822-2242.

Notes: Blue Bird's recall campaign number is R12VT. 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.

Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s): CHEVROLET / C5500 2006-2009 FORD / E450 2006-2007 2009-2011 FORD / ECONOLINE 350 2006 GMC / C5500 2006 Manufacturer: Creative Bus Sales, Inc. Report Receipt Date: DEC 12, 2012 NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 12V584000 N/A NHTSA Action Number: N/A Component: EQUIPMENT Potential Number of Units Affected: 227 Summary: Creative Bus Sales, Inc is recalling certain model year 2006-2011 Chevrolet and GMC C5500, and Ford E450, and Econoline 350 vehicles equipped with Braun wheelchair lifts. Over time, or with frequent use, the roll stop latches on the outer barrier of the lifts may become bent or misaligned. Consequence: A wheelchair occupant may defeat or ride over the insufficiently latched roll stop. If this occurs when the lift platform is in an elevated position, the wheelchair's occupant could fall and sustain injury. Remedy: Braun is conducting this recall on behalf of Creative Bus Sales. Braun will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The recall began on November 23, 2012. Owners may contact Creative Bus at 1-888-633-8380 or Braun at 1-800-488-0359. 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.

Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s): BLUE BIRD / ALL AMERICAN 2014 BLUE BIRD / VISION 2014 Manufacturer: Blue Bird Body Company Report Receipt Date: DEC 13, 2012 NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 12V583000 N/A NHTSA Action Number: N/A Component: WHEELS:RIM Potential Number of Units Affected: 318 Summary: Blue Bird Company (Blue Bird) is recalling Certain 2014 model year Blue Bird All American and Vision model school buses manufactured from March 18, 2012, through May 02, 2012, equipped with model number 90262 and 90541 Hayes Lemmerz steel wheels. Due to an inadequate weld between the wheel disc and rim, the disc can separate from the rim. Consequence: Separation of the rim and tire from the vehicle can result in a loss of control and a vehicle crash. Remedy: Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wheels on affected vehicles, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during January 2013. Owners may contact Blue Bird at 1-424-822-2242 for more information. Notes: Blue Bird's recall campaign number is R12VW. 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