1996 Collins Grand Bantam Recalls

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 98V118000
Manufacturer: COLLINS BUS CORPORATION
Manufactured Begin Date: May 1st, 1996
Manufactured End Date: May 15th, 1998
Date of Owner Notification: May 26th, 1998

Defect Summary:
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: DUAL REAR WHEEL SCHOOL BUSES BUILT ON FORD E-350 AND E-450 'SUPER DUTY' CUTAWAY CHASSIS, EXTERIOR BODY WIDTH OF 80", GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING OF 11,500 OR 14,050 POUNDS. THESE BUSES MAY HAVE A MODIFICATION TO THE FRAME RAIL CONSISTING OF A NOTCH IN THE LOWER FLANGE OF THE LEFT-HAND FRAME RAIL FORWARD OF THE FRAME CROSS MEMBER. THIS MODIFICATION CAN AFFECT COMPLIANCE TO FMVSS NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY."

Consequence Summary:
IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE FRAME RAIL FLANGES COULD CONTACT AND RUPTURE THE FUEL TANK INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE FIRE AND PERSONAL INJURY.

Corrective Summary:
OWNERS WILL NEED TO INSPECT THEIR BUSES AND IF REPAIRS ARE NECESSARY, WILL BE PROVIDED WITH THE REPAIR PARTS REQUIRED. IF AN OWNER DESIRES, THEIR DEALER CAN PERFORM THE INSPECTION AND REPAIR.

Recall Notes:
OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 26, 1998.OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE INSTRUCTIONS AND REPAIR PARTS WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT COLLINS BUS AT 1-800-533-1850.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).