RoadVitals

2009 Girardin G5 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 Apr 12, 2012
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

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

12V164000

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

Apr 12, 2012
38 units potentially affected
The defect: MICRO BIRD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 THROUGH 2011 MICRO BIRD G5 SCHOOL BUSES EQUIPPED WITH BRAUN CENTURY-2 AND VISTA-2 WHEELCHAIR LIFTS. OVER TIME AND WITH FREQUENT USE, THE ROLL STOP LATCHES ON THE OUTER BARRIER MAY BECOME BENT OR MISALIGNED.
The risk: 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.
The remedy: MICRO BIRD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND THE REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED BY AUTHORIZED BRAUN DEALERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MICRO BIRD AT 1-819-477-2012.
CORP. MICRO BIRD, INC.Manufacturer number 12-051-BRUView on NHTSA.gov
11V319000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

Jun 6, 2011
45 units potentially affected
The defect: MICRO BIRD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2010 GIRARDIN G5 AND 2009 AND 2010 AND 2011 MICRO BIRD G5 NON SCHOOL BUSES BUILT ON FORD CUTAWAY CHASSIS FROM FEBRUARY 2006 THROUGH MAY 30, 2011. THE OEM CUTAWAY WIRING HARNESS PASSES JUST REARWARD OF THE DRIVER SEAT BETWEEN THE B PILLAR AND THE RAISED FLOOR. THE RAISED FLOOR JUST REARWARD OF THE DRIVER SEAT IS TRAPPING THE WIRE HARNESS CAUSING THE WIRES TO RUB AGAINST THE METAL FLOOR MOLDING, DAMAGING THE WIRE INSULATION.
The risk: A WIRE WITH DAMAGED INSULATION MAY CAUSE AN ELECTRICAL SHORT WHICH CAN LEAD TO A FIRE.
The remedy: MICRO BIRD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE BUSES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 4, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MICRO BIRD AT 1-819-477-2012.
CORP. MICRO BIRD, INC.Manufacturer number 11-044-EHUView on NHTSA.gov
11V309000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

Jun 6, 2011
143 units potentially affected
The defect: MICRO BIRD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2010 GIRARDIN G5 AND 2009 AND 2010 AND 2011 MICRO BIRD G5 SCHOOL BUSES BUILT ON FORD CUTAWAY CHASSIS FROM FEBRUARY 2006 THROUGH MAY 30, 2011. THE OEM CUTAWAY WIRING HARNESS PASSES JUST REARWARD OF THE DRIVER SEAT BETWEEN THE B PILLAR AND THE RAISED FLOOR. THE RAISED FLOOR JUST REARWARD OF THE DRIVER SEAT IS TRAPPING THE WIRE HARNESS CAUSING THE WIRES TO RUB AGAINST THE METAL FLOOR MOLDING, DAMAGING THE WIRE INSULATION.
The risk: A WIRE WITH DAMAGED INSULATION MAY CAUSE AN ELECTRICAL SHORT WHICH CAN LEAD TO A FIRE.
The remedy: MICRO BIRD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE BUSES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 5, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MICRO BIRD AT 1-819-477-2012.
CORP. MICRO BIRD, INC.Manufacturer number 11-045-EHUView on NHTSA.gov
11V228000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Apr 11, 2011
109 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006 THROUGH 2010 GIRARDIN G5 AND MBII AND MODEL YEAR 2010 AND 2011 MICRO BIRD G5 AND MB II SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 2006 THROUGH APRIL 5, 2011, FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 131, "SCHOOL BUS PEDESTRIAN SAFETY DEVICES." THE 4-WAY WARNING LIGHTS DO NOT HAVE AN ALARM TO ALERT THE DRIVER THAT THE STOP ARM DID NOT DEPLOY WHEN THE 4 RED LIGHTS ARE ACTIVATED.
The risk: THE DRIVER COULD ERRONEOUSLY THINK THAT THE SCHOOL BUS STOP ARM IS DEPLOYED WHILE THE FIRST SET OF 4 RED LIGHTS ARE ACTIVATED. THIS CONDITION INCREASES RISK OF INJURY TO PEDESTRIANS.
The remedy: MICRO BIRD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED WARNING LIGHTS WITH WARNING LIGHTS THAT HAVE AN ALARM FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN DURING JUNE 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MICRO BIRD AT 1-819-477-2012.
CORP. MICRO BIRD, INC.Manufacturer number 11-042-8WUView on NHTSA.gov
10V627000

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS

Dec 15, 2010
112 units potentially affected
The defect: CORP. MICRO BIRD IS RECALLING MODEL YEAR 2008 AND 2009 GIRARDIN G5 SCHOOL BUSES BUILT ON GM AND FORD CUTAWAY CHASSIS FROM FEBRUARY 1, 2008 THROUGH DECEMBER 16, 2008. THE SHEET METAL BELOW THE WINDOW INSIDE THE BUS ON THE LEFT-HAND SIDE FAILS TO COMPLY WITH THE JOINT STRENGTH REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 221, "SCHOOL BUS BODY JOINT STRENGTH." THERE IS NO ADHESIVE ON THE JOINT BETWEEN THE TWO EMBOSSED ALUMINUM SHEETS.
The risk: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE EMBOSSED ALUMINUM SHEET MAY SEPARATE FROM THE INTERIOR COMPARTMENT STRUCTURE AND CAUSE INJURY TO BUS PASSENGERS.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE BUSES BY ADDING ADHESIVE AND RIVETS BETWEEN THE 2 EMBOSSED ALUMINUM SHEETS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 5, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CORP. MICRO BIRD AT 1-819-477-2021.
CORP. MICRO BIRD, INC.Manufacturer number 10-039-JSUView on NHTSA.gov
10V377000

EQUIPMENT

Aug 13, 2010
130 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN GIRARDIN MODEL YEAR 2006 THROUGH 2010 AND MICRO BIRD BY GIRARDIN MODEL YEAR 2009 THROUGH 2010 G5 AND 2003 THROUGH 2006 GIRARDIN MB IV TRANSIT BUSES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 217, "BUS EMERGENCY EXISTS AND WINDOW RETENTION AND RELEASE." THE VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH THERMAL T-SLIDER OR PANORAMIC TYPE PUSH-OUT WINDOWS WITH 2 RELEASE MECHANISMS (ONE ON EACH SIDE). THE WINDOW HANDLE BASE SPACER PLATE CAN TEAR DUE TO THE ROTATION OF THE EXTERIOR WINDOW FRAME.
The risk: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE EMERGENCY EXIT COULD NOT SUFFICIENTLY RESTRAIN THE OCCUPANT(S) OR BECOME INOPERABLE. THE OCCUPANT(S) COULD BE THROWN FROM THE VEHICLE OR NOT BE CAPABLE OF OPENING THE EMERGENCY EXITS WHICH COULD CAUSE INJURY OR DEATH OF THE VEHICLE OCCUPANT(S).
The remedy: GIRARDIN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND WILL PROVIDE PARTS TO PERFORM THE REPAIR ALONG WITH INSTRUCTIONS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 8, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MICRO BIRD AT 1-819-477-2012.
CORP. MICRO BIRD, INC.Manufacturer number 10-038-WIUView on NHTSA.gov
10V123000

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

Mar 25, 2010
49 units potentially affected
The defect: CORP. MICRO BIRD HAS NOTIFIED NHTSA ABOUT A DEFECT IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 AND 2010 SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN OCTOBER 2008 AND MARCH 2010 FITTED WITH RICON PUBLIC USE S AND K SERIES WHEELCHAIR LIFTS. DUE TO A PROBLEM IN THE SOFTWARE THAT CONTROLS THE LIFTS UP FUNCTION, IF THE SWITCH IS RELEASED BEFORE THE FLOOR LEVEL LIMIT SWITCH IS ACTIVATED, THE LIFT MAY CONTINUE ITS UPWARD TRAVEL FOR APPROXIMATELY 1 SECOND BEFORE STOPPING. THE CONTINUED UPWARD TRAVEL MAY OVERRUN THE FLOOR LEVEL CUT OFF POINT.
The risk: WHEN THE PLATFORM OVERRUNS THE VEHICLE FLOOR LEVEL AND STOPS AT AN ANGLE FROM 15-20 DEGREES, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR A PERSON IN A WHEELCHAIR TO TIP OVER AND FOR SOMEONE STANDING ON THE PLATFORM TO FALL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN INJURIES.
The remedy: CORP. MICRO BIRD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND THE REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED BY AUTHORIZED RICON DEALERS FREE OF CHARGE. CURRENTLY RICON IS DEVELOPING A SOFTWARE SOLUTION AND IS NOT AVAILABLE. UNTIL THE SOFTWARE SOLUTION IS AVAILABLE, RICON WILL PROVIDE OWNERS WITH A BULLETIN OUTLINING PROPER WHEELCHAIR LIFT OPERATION AND WILL SHIP OWNERS A DVD-BASED TRAINING AID TO PROMOTE PROPER LIFT OPERATION AT NO COST. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 1, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT RICON AT 1-818-267-3000 OR MICRO BIRD AT 1-819-477-2012.
CORP. MICRO BIRD, INC.Manufacturer number 10-037-RIUView on NHTSA.gov
10V121000

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

Mar 25, 2010
103 units potentially affected
The defect: CORP. MICRO BIRD HAS NOTIFIED NHTSA ABOUT A DEFECT IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007 THROUGH 2010 SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN DECEMBER 2007 AND MARCH 2010 FITTED WITH RICON PUBLIC USE S AND K SERIES WHEELCHAIR LIFTS. THE RESTRAINT BELT ON THESE LIFTS WAS DESIGNED TO PREVENT THE LIFT FROM MOVING, UNLESS THE TONGUE OF THE BELT IS FULLY ENGAGED AND LATCHED IN THE BUCKLE. RICON HAS DISCOVERED, HOWEVER, THAT IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE OPERATOR TO INSERT THE BELT TONGUE INTO THE BUCKLE WITHOUT FULLY ENGAGING THE LATCHING MECHANISM. IN THIS CASE, THE RESTRAINT BELT WOULD APPEAR TO BE LATCHED, AND THE OPERATOR COULD RUN THE LIFT. IF THE RESTRAINT BELT TONGUE IS NOT FULLY ENGAGED INTO THE RESTRAINT BELT BUCKLE, AND LATCHED, THE LIFT MAY OPERATE WITH AN OCCUPANT ON THE PLATFORM.
The risk: THE USER OF THE LIFT COULD BE INJURED SHOULD THE LIFT MOVE WITHOUT THE RESTRAINT BELT PROPERLY BUCKLED.
The remedy: MICRO BIRD IS WORKING WITH RICON AND RICON WILL BE HANDLING THE REMEDY FOR THIS CAMPAIGN. PLEASE SEE RICON'S DEFECT REPORT 09E-060. RICON WILL PROVIDE CUSTOMERS WITH A WARNING DECAL AND A DVD-BASED TRAINING AID. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON M,ARCH 31, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT RICON AT 1-818-267-3000 OR MICRO BIRD AT 1-819-477-2012.
CORP. MICRO BIRD, INC.Manufacturer number 10-036-RIUView on NHTSA.gov
10V067000

SEATS

Feb 25, 2010
582 units potentially affected
The defect: CORP. MICRO BIRD, INC. HAS NOTIFIED NHTSA ABOUT A NONCOMPLIANCE IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006 THROUGH 2010 G5 SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 1, 2006 AND FEBRUARY 15, 2009, EQUIPPED WITH 39 OR 45 INCH SEATS. THE BUSES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 222, "SCHOOL BUS PASSENGER SEATING AND CRASH PROTECTION." SOME SEATS WERE INSTALLED WITHOUT ANY REINFORCEMENT UNDER THE FLOOR.
The risk: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT MAY NOT ABSORB SUFFICIENT ENERGY TO RESTRAIN THE OCCUPANT AS INTENDED AND IT COULD RESULT IN INJURY OR DEATH TO THE OCCUPANT.
The remedy: MICRO BIRD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE BUSES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 29, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MICRO BIRD AT 1-819-477-2012.
CORP. MICRO BIRD, INC.Manufacturer number 10-035-SEUView on NHTSA.gov
09V320000

SEATS

Aug 7, 2009
6 units potentially affected
The defect: GIRARDIN MINIBUS IS RECALLING MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 G5 CUTAWAY MULTI PURPOSE VEHICLES (MPV'S) BUILT ON FORD AND GM CHASSIS FOR FAILING TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS (FMVSS) NO. 207, "SEATING SYSTEM" AND FMVSS NO. 210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY." THE SECTION OF THE FLOOR ON WHICH THE SEAT IS INSTALLED TEARS WHEN THE LOADS REQUIRED BY FMVSS 207 AND 210 ARE APPLIED SIMULTANEOUSLY.
The risk: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT AND SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY MAY NOT RESTRAIN THE OCCUPANT AS INTENDED, THEREBY INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY OR DEATH TO A VEHICLE OCCUPANT.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL AND REPAIR THE NECESSARY COMPONENTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 18, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GIRARDIN MINIBUS AT 1-819-477-2012.
GIRARDIN MINIBUS INC.Manufacturer number 09-032-MPUView on NHTSA.gov
09V322000

SEATS

Aug 7, 2009
16 units potentially affected
The defect: GIRARDIN IS RECALLING MODEL YEAR 2006 THROUGH 2009 G5 NON-SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JUNE 1, 2006 AND JULY 2009 EQUIPPED WITH FREEDMAN FOLDING SEATS. THE LOCATION OF THE BOLTS USED FOR THE ANCHORAGE OF THE FREEDMAN FOLDING SEAT INSTALLED IN THESE VEHICLES IS IMPROPER. THE SEAT FLOOR REINFORCEMENT DOESN'T COVER THE ENTIRE SEAT BOLTS FIXATION BECAUSE OF A CROSS MEMBER INTERFERENCE. THESE SEATS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE STRENGTH REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NOS. 207, "SEATING SYSTEMS," AND 210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES."
The risk: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT AND SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY MAY NOT RESTRAIN THE OCCUPANT AS INTENDED POSSIBLY RESULTING IN INJURY OR DEATH TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT.
The remedy: GIRARDIN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPAIR THE BUSES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 30, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GIRARDIN AT 1-819-477-2012 EXT 401.
GIRARDIN MINIBUS INC.Manufacturer number 09-031-FSUView on NHTSA.gov
09V241000

SEATS

Jun 29, 2009
200 units potentially affected
The defect: GIRARDIN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006 THROUGH 2009 G5 SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JANUARY 23, 2007 AND JUNE 23, 2009, EQUIPPED WITH 39 INCH, 34 INCH, AND 30 INCH C.E. WHITE BARRIER SEATS. THESE SEATS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE BARRIER PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 222, "SCHOOL BUS PASSENGER SEATING AND CRASH PROTECTION."
The risk: VEHICLE OCCUPANTS COULD SUFFER INJURIES IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
The remedy: GIRARDIN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPAIR THE BUSES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 24, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GIRARDIN AT 1-819-477-2012 EXT. 401.
GIRARDIN MINIBUS INC.Manufacturer number 09-026-BAUView on NHTSA.gov
08V691000

SEAT BELTS

Dec 29, 2008
210 units potentially affected
The defect: GIRARDIN IS RECALLING 210 MY 2008 AND 2009 MB II AND G5 SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN AUGUST 1 AND DECEMBER 12, 2008, EQUIPPED WITH SEAT BELTS (OPTION SMK2, SBK3). THE SEAT BELTS MAY NOT HAVE THE CORDING OR TAG IDENTIFICATION WHICH DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES."
The risk: THIS STANDARD REQUIRES PROPER IDENTIFICATION OF THE SEAT BELT MANUFACTURER FOR SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES.
The remedy: GIRARDIN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE NONCOMPLIANT SEAT BELTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 9, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GIRARDIN 1-819-477-8222 EXT. 401.
GIRARDIN MINIBUS INC.Manufacturer number 08-024-SBUView on NHTSA.gov
08V679000

SEAT BELTS

Dec 23, 2008
210 units potentially affected
The defect: GIRARDIN IS RECALLING 210 MY 2008 AND 2009 MB II AND G5 SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN AUGUST 1 AND DECEMBER 12, 2008, EQUIPPED WITH SEAT BELTS (OPTION SMK2, SBK3). THE SEAT BELT WEBBING WAS INSERTED INTO THE TONGUE ASSEMBLY INCORRECTLY.
The risk: THE SEAT BELT WILL NOT TIGHTEN AROUND THE OCCUPANT AND WILL NOT OFFER RESTRAINT IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH WHICH MAY RESULT IN INJURY.
The remedy: GIRARDIN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE AFFECTED SEAT BELTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 9, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GIRARDIN 1-819-477-8222 EXT 401.
GIRARDIN MINIBUS INC.Manufacturer number 08-024-SBUView 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