RoadVitals

1999 Am-Tran Fe Recalls

Safety recall campaigns filed with NHTSA that cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
Recall campaignsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
13
Newest Sep 28, 2004
Carrying an NHTSA advisoryCampaigns where NHTSA told owners not to drive the vehicle, or to park it outside, until the repair is done.
0
Open investigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
1 investigation on file

Recall campaigns

13 campaigns cover this model year — what the defect is, what it could cause, and what the remedy is

04V492000

SEATS

Sep 28, 2004
8,165 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN FE SCHOOL AND COMMERCIAL BUSES BUILT WITH CE WHITE DRIVER SEATS WITH A PEDESTAL STYLE MOUNT AND MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JANUARY 10, 1992 THROUGH FEBRUARY 24, 2004. THESE PEDESTALS CAN DEVELOP CRACKS RENDERING THE SEAT UNSTABLE.
The risk: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE SEAT COULD SEPARATE FROM THE BASE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.
The remedy: IC WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND REPAIR THE SEAT BY REPLACING THE UPPER PORTION OF THE ASSEMBLY WITH A MORE ROBUST DESIGN. THE RECALL BEGAN JUNE 3, 2005. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT IC COMPLIANCE DEPARTMENT AT 1-800-843-5615.
IC CORPORATIONManufacturer number 04304View on NHTSA.gov
04V010000

STRUCTURE:BODY

Jan 2, 2004
7,321 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN FE MODEL SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 14, 1991, AND MARCH 4, 2003. A GAP BETWEEN THE MODESTY PANEL AND THE WHEEL WELL LOCATED BEHIND THE DRIVER'S SEAT CAN BE CREATED IF THE PANEL IS BENT OUT OF POSITION. UNDER THE PANEL, THE EDGES ARE SHARP AND JAGGED.
The risk: SHOULD SOMEONE REACH UNDER THE PANEL, THEY COULD CUT THIER HANDS, FINGERS, OR TOES ON THE JAGGED EDGES.
The remedy: IC WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND REPAIR THE PANEL FREE OF CHARGE. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN JANUARY 20, 2004. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT IC CORPORATION COMPLIANCE DEPARTMENT TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-843-5615. CUSTOMERS CAN LOCATE THE NEAREST DEALER BY CALLING 1-800-993-7686.
IC CORPORATIONManufacturer number 03306View on NHTSA.gov
03V354000

STRUCTURE:BODY

Sep 23, 2003
66,749 units potentially affected
The defect: CE MODEL SCHOOL BUSES WHICH FAIL TO COMPLY TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 221, SCHOOL BUS BODY JOINT STRENGTH. THE ROOF TOP SHEET MAY BE IMPROPERLY LOCATED, REDUCING THE MATERIAL EDGE DISTANCE AT THE RIVET LINE.
The risk: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE JOINT STRENGHT COULD FAIL POSSIBILY RESULTING IN INJURIES TO THE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.
The remedy: IC WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND WILL PROVIDE INSPECTION AND REPAIR INSTRUCTION. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 25, 2005. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT IC CUSTOMER SERVICE AT (WE DO NOT YET HAVE A TELEPHONE NUMBER FOR THIS CAMPAIGN.)
IC CORPORATIONManufacturer number 03305View on NHTSA.gov
01V241000

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:FAN/MOTOR

Nov 20, 2001
11,944 units potentially affected
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN SCHOOL AND TRANSIT BUSES WERE BUILT WITH A POOR QUALITY HEATER/DEFROSTER BLOWER SWITCH. IN SOME CASES THIS HAS CAUSED THE MELTING OF THE HEATER HARNESS CONNECTOR AT THE SWITCH TERMINALS OR THE HIGH-SPEED WIRE INSULATION AT THE CONNECTOR. ALSO, SOME OF THE UNITS HAD IMPROPER CIRCUIT PROTECTION SIZE INSTALLED IN THE HEATER DEFROSTER CIRCUIT.
The risk: IF AN OPERATOR DETECTS SMOKE OR THE SMELL OF MELTING WIRE INSULATION FROM THE BLOWER CONTROL PANEL, THE OPERATION OF THE HEATER/DEFROSTER AT HIGH SPEED SHOULD BE DISCONTINUED UNTIL THE REPAIR IS MADE.
The remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH INSTRUCTIONS AND PARTS TO REPLACE THE SWITCH AND SWITCH HARNESS WITH A NEW SWITCH, SWITCH HARNESS, RELAY AND RELAY HARNESS. FOR THE RE UNITS BUILT PRIOR TO JANUARY 1, 1999, THE KIT WILL ALSO INCLUDE A 20-AMPERE MANUAL CIRCUIT BREAKER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 15, 2001. OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT AMTRAN AT 800-843-5615.
AMERICAN TRANSPORTATION CORP.View on NHTSA.gov
01V369000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

Nov 20, 2001
3,190 units potentially affected
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN BUSES WERE BUILT WITH A WIRING DIAGRAM DECAL THAT SHOWS THE CIRCUIT PROTECTION SIZE OF 30 AMPERES INSTEAD OF 20 AMPERES FOR THE HEATER SUPPLY CIRCUITS.
The risk: ELECTRICAL COMPONENT FAILURE WITHOUT THE CORRECT PROTECTION IN SOME CASES CAN CAUSE OVERHEATING OF THE COMPONENT AND/OR FIRE.
The remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A STRIP AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS THAT SHOULD BE PLACED OVER THE INCORRECT INFORMATION ON THE CURRENT DECAL. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 21, 2001. OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE STRIP AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT AMTRAN AT 1-800-993-7686.
AMERICAN TRANSPORTATION CORP.View on NHTSA.gov
01V057000

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Feb 23, 2001
554 units potentially affected
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL AND TRANSIT BUSES. SOME CERTIFICATION LABELS DISPLAYED THE INCORRECT TIRE PRESSURE FOR THE TIRE SPECIFIED TO MEET THE GROSS AXLE WEIGHT RATING FOR THE FRONT AND/OR REAR AXLES. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 120, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN PASSENGER CARS," AND 49 CFR PART 567, "CERTIFICATION."
The risk: UNDER OR OVER-INFLATED TIRES CAN CAUSE OR CONTRIBUTE TO PREMATURE TIRE FAILURE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A SUDDEN BLOWOUT OR OTHER FAILURE WHICH COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.
The remedy: NEW CERTIFICATION LABELS ARE BEING PROVIDED TO OWNERS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 16, 2001. OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE CERTIFICATION LABEL WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT AMTRAN AT 1-800-993-7686.
AMERICAN TRANSPORTATION CORP.View on NHTSA.gov
00V232101

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK

Aug 21, 2000
6,259 units potentially affected
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL BUSES BUILT WITH BENDIX AIR ABS WITH AN EC-17 1030R ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU). THERE HAVE BEEN REPORTS OF UNWANTED ABS ACTIVATION AT LOW SPEEDS CAUSED BY 1) CHAFED ABS WHEEL SPEED SENSOR WIRES ON ROTATING PARTS OR 2) A DAMAGED COMPONENT AT THE WHEEL END THAT GENERATES A CERTAIN TYPE OF ERRATIC SENSOR SIGNAL.
The risk: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE ABS ECU TO EXHAUST THE AIR AT THE AIR BRAKE MODULATORS FOR ONE OR MORE OF THE WHEELS. THIS COULD RESULT IN EXTENDED BRAKING DISTANCES AND A POSSIBLE CRASH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ABS ECU.
INTERNATIONAL TRUCK AND ENGINEManufacturer number 00508View on NHTSA.gov
99V331000

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:SUPPLY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

Nov 23, 1999
277 units potentially affected
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL BUS. AN AIR BRAKE LINE CONTROLLING THE REAR BRAKES MAY BE TOO CLOSE TO THE EXHAUST PIPE AND COULD RUPTURE AT ANY TIME WITHOUT WARNING.
The risk: EXHAUST PIPE HEAT CAN MELT OR CAUSE PREMATURE FAILURE OF THIS AIR LINE IF THE AIR LINE IS ROUTED TOO CLOSE TO THE EXHAUST PIPE.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW ELBOW FITTING AND REROUTE THE AIR LINE. THE AIR LINE WILL ALSO BE INSPECTED AND REPLACED IF FOUND TO BE DAMAGED FROM THE EXHAUST PIPE.
INTERNATIONAL TRUCK AND ENGINEView on NHTSA.gov
99V252000

SEATS

Sep 17, 1999
177 units potentially affected
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL BUSES EQUIPPED WITH ANCHOR SEATS. SOME OF THE SEATS WERE BUILT WITH A SEAT MOUNTING BOLT THAT FAILED DURING TESTING. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES."
The risk: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, PERSONAL INJURY COULD OCCUR.
The remedy: OWNERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED ON HOW TO INSPECT TO THE DEFECT AND REPAIR THE DEFECT BY REPLACING ONE BOLT PER SEAT.
AMERICAN TRANSPORTATION CORP.Manufacturer number 99307View on NHTSA.gov
99V253000

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:FAN/MOTOR

Sep 17, 1999
41 units potentially affected
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL BUSES. SOME HEATER/DEFROSTER UNITS WERE BUILT WITH THE BLOWER MOTOR WIRED IMPROPERLY. WHEN WIRED IMPROPERLY THE BLOWER MOTOR RUNS BACKWARD AND AIRFLOW FOR HEATING AND DEFROSTING IS VERY LIMITED. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 103, "WINDSHIELD DEFROSTING AND DEFOGGING SYSTEMS."
The risk: DEFROSTING NEEDS MAY NOT BE ACHIEVED AND COULD RESTRICT DRIVER VISIBILITY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The remedy: OWNERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED ON HOW TO INSPECT AND REPAIR THE DEFECT BY SWITCHING THE CONNECTION OF TWO WIRES.
AMERICAN TRANSPORTATION CORP.Manufacturer number 99308View on NHTSA.gov
99V195000

STRUCTURE:BODY

Jul 20, 1999
91 units potentially affected
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL BUS. SOME FORWARD HANDRAILS WITH OUTWARD OPENING ENTRANCE DOORS WERE BUILT WITH THE HAND RAIL MOUNTING TOO CLOSE TO THE ENGINE COVER. CERTAIN CLOTHING ARTICLES SUCH AS DRAW STRINGS CAN BECOME LODGED IN THE FORWARD HANDRAILS AT THE BUS DOORS WHEN A PERSON IS EXITING THE BUS.
The risk: IF THE DRIVER IS UNAWARE OF THE SITUATION, THE ENTRANCE DOOR MAY BE CLOSED, CAPTURING THE ITEM IN THE DOOR. DEATH OR INJURY CAN OCCUR TO THE PERSON EXITING THE BUS.
The remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO IDENTIFY THE DEFECT AND REPAIR PROCEDURES. IF THE OWNER PREFERS, AN AMTRAN DEALER CAN PERFORM THE REMEDY FOR THEM.
AMERICAN TRANSPORTATION CORP.Manufacturer number 99-306View on NHTSA.gov
99V061000

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER

Mar 23, 1999
7,738 units potentially affected
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL BUSES EQUIPPED WITH FLIP SEATS AT THE EMERGENCY EXITS. THE SEAT CUSHION HINGE ON THE COMBINATION FLIP SEAT IS LOCATED IN SUCH A MANNER THAT IT IS WITHIN EASY REACH OF THE PASSENGER SITTING IN THE SEAT LOCATED BEHIND THE COMBO FLIP SEAT.
The risk: THE HINGES ON THE COMBO FLIP SEAT CAN CAUSE A PINCHING CONDITION, RESULTING IN PERSONAL INJURY.
The remedy: OWNERS WILL BE NOTIFIED AND SENT KITS TO REMEDY THESE SEATS.
AMERICAN TRANSPORTATION CORP.Manufacturer number 99-303View on NHTSA.gov
99V038000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Mar 1, 1999
523 units potentially affected
The defect: TRANSIT AND SCHOOL BUSES. SOME REAR BRAKE ASSEMBLIES WERE BUILT USING INCORRECT MOUNTING HARDWARE. IMPROPER TORQUE OF THE FASTENER OR FASTENERS THAT RETAIN THE BRAKES TO THE REAR AXLE COULD ALLOW BRAKE GROUPS TO SEPARATION FROM THE REAR AXLE.
The risk: SEPARATION OF THE REAR AXLE COULD CAUSE A CRASH.
The remedy: DEALERS/OWNERS WILL INSPECT THE MOUNTING HARDWARE AND REPLACE THE LOCK NUTS IF NECESSARY.
AMERICAN TRANSPORTATION CORP.Manufacturer number 99-302View on NHTSA.gov

What a recall is

Safety recall
A safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
Safety investigation
NHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
Manufacturer communication
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect, and it is not a recall.

PE03023ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

STEERING SHAFT BOLT BINDS ON COVER

Opened Jun 4, 2003
Closed Aug 20, 2003

THIS INVESTIGATION WAS PROMPTED BY A SCHOOL BUS FLEET ALLEGING THAT A BUS DRIVER COULD NOT STEER WHILE ATTEMPING TO MAKE A TURN.A SECOND FLEET CONTACTED ODI AND INDICATED THEY WERE HAVING SIMILAR PROBLEMS. ODI EXAMINED THE BUSES AND FOUND THE STEERING BOOT GETS TWISTED AROUND THE STEERING SHAFT, CREATING HIGHSTEERING WHEELEFFORTS WHEN TRYING TO MAKE A TURN. AS A RESULT OF THE AGENCY'S INVESTIGATION INTO THIS MATTER, INTERNATIONAL HAS AGREED TO INITIATE A SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN AND CORRECT THIS CONDITION ON 24,134 BUSES BUILT FROM 10/29/93 THROUGH 5/21/03.THE ACTION TAKEN BY INTERNATIONAL IS SUFFICIENT TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE RAISED BY THIS INVESTIGATION. CAMPAIGN NUMBER ASSIGNED IS 03V-264. A COPY OF THE SAFETY RECALL IS ATTACHED. ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.

STEERING:COLUMNLed to recall 03V264000

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources