Recalls for 2013 Ameritrans 285

DEFECT #1 - EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE

Posted on: 2015-12-09
Description
Ameritrans bus, inc.  (ameritrans) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 ctv, 225, 200, 245, 285, 375, and 395 vehicles manufactured august 1, 2012, to july 10, 2014, equipped with certain model s2005, s2010, s5005, s5010, s5505, and s5510 wheelchair lifts manufactured by the ricon corporation.  The affected lifts are equipped with folding link arms that may have pivot holes that are too big, allowing the bearings to move out of position.

Consequence
If the bearings move out of position, the stowed platform may have excessive movement resulting in failure of the platform mounting.  This failure could cause the wheel chair lift platform to fall out of the vehicle when the doors are opened, increasing the risk of injury for the lift operator.

Corrective Action
Ameritrans will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the link arms for damage or for displaced bearings.  The platform will be inspected for cracks.  Any damaged parts will be replaced, free of charge.  The recall began on january 21, 2016.  Owners may contact ameritrans customer service at 1-574-262-8935, or ricon customer service at 1-800-322-2884.

Notes
Owners may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

DEFECT #2 - EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Posted on: 2016-05-19
Description
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.

Consequence
If the gvwr is unknowingly exceeded, vehicle handling may be adversely affected, increasing the risk of a crash.

Corrective Action
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.  

Notes
Owners may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.