RoadVitals

2016 Ameritrans 285 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.
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Newest Jun 2, 2016
Carrying an NHTSA advisoryCampaigns where NHTSA told owners not to drive the vehicle, or to park it outside, until the repair is done.
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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.
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Recall campaigns

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

16V398000

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

Jun 2, 2016
5 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The 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.
The 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.
Ameritrans Bus, Inc.View on NHTSA.gov
16V328000

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

May 19, 2016
225 units potentially affected
The defect: Ameritrans Bus, Inc. (Ameritrans) is recalling certain model year 2012-2016 285 shuttle buses manufactured from August 1, 2012, through May 13, 2016 and built on Ford E-450 chassis. The certification labels may have an inaccurate gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification."
The risk: If the GVWR is unknowingly exceeded, vehicle handling may be adversely affected, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Ameritrans will notify owners, and dealers will remove and/or reposition bus seats as necessary and install a corrected labels, free of charge. The recall began on July 18, 2016. Owners may contact Ameritrans customer service at 1-574-262-8935.
Ameritrans Bus, Inc.View 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.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources