United States 98V108000
Blue Bird Body Company
The problem
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL BUSES. THESE BUSES WERE NOT EQUIPPED WITH A POSITIVE HOLD OPEN DEVICE (RETAINER) FOR THE REAR EMERGENCY DOOR. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 217, "BUS WINDOW RETENTION AND RELEASE."
Risk
THE REAR EMERGENCY DOOR WOULD NOT STAY OPEN UNTIL IT WAS RELEASED, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY.
What owners should do
OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH FREE PARTS AND INSTRUCTIONS TO INSTALL THE REAR EMERGENCY DOOR RETAINER. OWNERS CAN CONTACT THEIR DEALERS AND HAVE THEM INSTALL THE RETAINER IF THEY SO DESIRE.
Units 385