NHTSA Investigation PE13038

CNG Fuel Container Securement

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is aware of 1 incident related to the alleged defect. By letter dated January 10, 2014, Almared, Inc. (doing business as A-1 Alternative Fuel Systems) has notified ODI that it has conducted a safety recall (NHTSA Recall No. 14V-040) to address a safety defect in 18 model year 2011-2012 Ford F-550 transit buses manufactured between May 2011 and April 2013. These vehicles have been altered by A-1 to contain one or more compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel containers. According to A-1, the brackets securing passenger side CNG fuel containers to the vehicle chassis may fracture, resulting in a CNG fuel container that is unsecured. A-1 has reportedly inspected all 18 affected vehicles and repaired all vehicles equipped with the defective mounting bracket by installing a new bracket of an improved design. The new bracket has added strength as a result of the following design revisions: the cantilevered mounting plate is reinforced with additional support plates, the cantilevered position is mounted higher on the bracket above the CNG fuel container center line position (thus reducing the moment arm), and it is constructed of heavier gauge steel plate that is also dimensionally wider, which provides for a greater bonding surface area with the vehicle chassis.Based on the recall action taken by Almared, Inc., this investigation is closed.

An investigation is a separate record from a recall and from a manufacturer communication. A manufacturer campaign to repair a safety defect or a failure to meet a federal safety standard.