RoadVitals

2003 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.
11
Newest Oct 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

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

Oct 28, 2004
154 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN 1998, 2000-2005 MY CE, FE, AND RE SCHOOL BUSES BUILT WITH ONE OR MORE CE WHITE 30-INCH CHILD RESTRAINT SEATS AND MANUFACTURED BETWEEN MARCH 25, 1998 AND AUGUST 24, 2004. THE SEAT CUSHION RETENTION MAY NOT RETAIN THE SEAT IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES.
The risk: IN THE EVENT OF A SUDDEN STOP, THE SEAT CUSHION MAY TIP FORWARD AND MAY BECOME UNATTACHED CAUSING THE PASSENGER TO SLIDE OFF THE SEAT AND/OR BE TRAPPED BY THE SEAT CUSHION. THIS ACTION COULD POSSIBLY RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.
The remedy: IC CORP WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND WILL REPAIR THE CUSHION BY ADDING A CLIP TO THE CUSHION TYING IT TO THE SEAT FRAME. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 5, 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 COMPLIANCE DEPARTMENT AT 1-800-843-5615.
IC CORPORATIONManufacturer number 04305View on NHTSA.gov
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

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

Sep 21, 2004
1,220 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN MY 2001-2005 AMTRAN/IC CORPORATION CE, FE, AND RE SCHOOL BUSES EQUIPPED WITH SURE-LOK WHEELCHAIR TIE-DOWN SECUREMENT ASSEMBLIES P/N 8625-13. THE SPROCKET TEETH OF THE RETRACTOR ASSEMBLY MAY BE OUT OF ALIGNMENT CAUSING THE LOAD PAWL NOT TO FULLY SEAT IN THE SPROCKET TEETH.
The risk: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE WHEELCHAIR MAY NOT BE ADEQUATELY SECURED POSSIBLY RESULTING IN INJURIES.
The remedy: SURE-LOK WILL NOTIFY IC'S CUSTOMERS AND REPAIR THE BUSES ON IC'S BEHALF AT NO COST TO THE CUSTOMER. THE RECALL BEGAN AUGUST 16, 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 SURE-LOK AT 1-908-231-1804.
IC CORPORATIONView on NHTSA.gov

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

Aug 6, 2004
300,000 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN SURE-LOK WHEELCHAIR TIE-DOWN SECUREMENT ASSEMBLIES P/N 8625-13 FOR USE ON CERTAIN SCHOOL AND TRANSIT BUSES. THE SPROCKET TEETH OF THE RETRACTOR ASSEMBLY MAY BE OUT OF ALIGNMENT CAUSING THE LOAD PAWL NOT TO FULLY SEAT IN THE SPROCKET TEETH.
The risk: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE WHEELCHAIR MAY NOT BE ADEQUATELY SECURED POSSIBLY RESULTING IN INJURIES TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT AND/OR OTHER PASSENGERS.
The remedy: SURE-LOK WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE PART FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN AUGUST 16, 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 SURE-LOK CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 866-787-3565.
SURE-LOK, INC.View on NHTSA.gov

EQUIPMENT

Feb 24, 2004
1,589 units potentially affected
The defect: ON CERTAIN "SPECIAL NEEDS" SCHOOL BUSES EQUIPPED WITH SUR-LOC "L" WHEELCHAIR TRACKS, THE LIFT MOUNTING BOLTS COULD CORRODE IF MOISTURE OCCURS IN THE TREATED PLYWOOD FLOOR.
The risk: THIS COULD REDUCE THE FUNCTION OF THE TRACK OR THE STRENGTH OF THE LIFT MOUNTING BOLTS RESULTING IN PERSONAL INJURY TO THE OCCUPANTS.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SUR-LOC "L" TRACKS WITH PROTECTED TRACKS AND MOUNTING HARDWARE. ALSO, LIFT FLOOR-MOUNTING BOLTS WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN MARCH 19, 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 AT 1-800-843-5615.
IC CORPORATIONManufacturer number 04301View on NHTSA.gov

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

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

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

Aug 28, 2003
75 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN FLAT FLOOR SCHOOL BUSES WERE BUILT WITH THE INCORRECT HYDRAULIC BRAKE DROP HOSES FROM FRAME TO AXLE. THE HOSES INSTALLED WERE 3 INCHES SHORTER THAN SPECIFIED AND MAY FAIL FROM TENSION CAUSED BY AXLE ARTICULATION.
The risk: THIS HOSE FAILURE WILL RESULT IN THE LOSS OF REAR BRAKES, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HOSES AND BLEED THE BRAKE SYSTEM. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON OCTOBER 9, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT IC AT 1-800-843-5615.
IC CORPORATIONManufacturer number 03304View on NHTSA.gov

STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS

May 20, 2003
13 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 217, "BUS EMERGENCY EXITS AND WINDOW RETENTION AND RELEASE." THESE BUSES DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE EMERGENCY EXIT REQUIREMENTS.
The risk: DURING AN EMERGENCY SITUATION, THIS CONDITION COULD PREVENT PASSENGERS FROM EXITING THE BUS, WHICH COULD CAUSE PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL ADD ONE ROOF EXIT IN THE CENTER OF THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. ALL OWNERS HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED AND ARRANGEMENTS MADE TO REMEDY THEIR BUSES.
IC CORPORATIONManufacturer number 03302View on NHTSA.gov

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Feb 20, 2003
46 units potentially affected
The defect: ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUS WARNING LAMPS, A STATIC ELECTRICITY DISCHARGE CAN OCCUR DURING NORMAL SERVICES OR HANDLING. THIS DISCHARGE CAN POTENTIALLY INITIATE A CHEMICAL REACTION OF MATERIALS WITHIN THE LAMP WHICH COULD CAUSE THE LENS TO FRACTURE.
The risk: IF THE LENS FRACTURES, IT CAN CAUSE INJURIES TO PERSONS DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF IT.
The remedy: SOUND OFF WILL NOTIFY THE CUSTOMERS AND MAKE ARRANGEMENTS TO GO OUT TO THE OPERATING FACILITIES AND REPLACE THE WARNING LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SOUND OFF AT 800-338-7337 OR IC AT 501-505-2190.
IC CORPORATIONManufacturer number 03002View on NHTSA.gov

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER

Dec 30, 2002
1,295 units potentially affected
The defect: ON CERTAIN BUSES EQUIPPED WITH HYDRAULIC BRAKES, THE MASTER CYLINDER WAS DAMAGED DURING THE FILL AND BLEED PROCEDURE.
The risk: THIS DAMAGE CAN CAUSE BRAKE DRAG, BRAKE LOCK-UP OR EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE MASTER CYLINDER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JANUARY 27, 2003. 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 AT 1-800-993-7686.
IC CORPORATIONManufacturer number 02303View 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