1999 Collins Bantam problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 1999 Collins Bantam — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1999 compare to other Bantam years?

Bantam NHTSA complaints by model year, 1999 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Bantam years to avoid →

What are the most common 1999 Collins Bantam problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Tires & Wheels	1	50%	new
Visibility & Wipers	1	50%	new

Does the 1999 Collins Bantam have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

00V191000Visibility & WipersJuly 13, 2000 · 286 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL BUSES BUILT ON FORD OR CHEVROLET CUTAWAY VAN CHASSIS EQUIPPED WITH THE ROSCO "EURO-STYLE" OVERHANGING RIGHT HAND REARVIEW MIRROR. THESE MIRRORS HAVE AN INADEQUATE STRENGTH ATTACHMENT AT THE MIRROR BRACE MOUNTING POINT AND COULD PULL LOOSE DURING HIGH WINDS (FROM ONCOMING TRAFFIC) OR SEVERE VIBRATION. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 111, "REARVIEW MIRRORS."

Consequence

FAILURE OF THE MIRROR BRACE ATTACHMENT ALLOWS THE MIRROR ARM TO PIVOT LEFT OR RIGHT, POSSIBLY SWINGING FAR TO THE RIGHT PAST THE BUS PERIMETER AND INJURING PEDESTRIANS NEARBY. THIS COULD ALSO RESULT IN A LOSS OF VISIBILITY SURROUNDING THE BUS.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL RELOCATE THE MIRROR BRACE MOUNTING POINT FROM THE FRONT CAP OF THE BUS BODY TO THE ROOF SKIN OF THE BUS CAB, PROVIDING SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED STRENGTH. OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A DESCRIPTION AND DRAWING OF THE NONCOMPLIANCE, A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE REPAIR PROCEDURE, AND WHERE TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO HAVE IT REPAIRED.

99V308000Seat BeltsNovember 2, 1999 · 38 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SINGLE-REAR-WHEEL AND DUAL-REAR-WHEEL SCHOOL BUSES BUILT ON CHEVROLET 3500 VAN CUTAWAY CHASSIS. CERTAIN BUSES ARE EQUIPPED WITH SCHOOL BUS CERTIFIED SAFETY SEATS WHICH MAY NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES."

Consequence

IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.

Remedy

COLLINS WILL PROVIDE REPLACEMENT SEAT LEGS FOR THESE BUSES.

98V328000SeatsDecember 22, 1998 · 11 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SINGLE REAR-WHEEL AND DUAL REAR-WHEEL SCHOOL BUSES BUILT ON CHEVROLET 3500 VAN CUTAWAY CHASSIS, EXTERIOR BODY WIDTH OF 81" OR 94". THE SCHOOL BUS CERTIFIED SAFETY SEATS DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 210, "SEAR BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES." THE SEAT LEGS MAY HAVE INCOMPLETE OR MISSING WELDS.

Consequence

IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEATS MAY NOT WITHSTAND THE FORCES SPECIFIED, POSSIBLY CAUSING INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE NONCOMPLYING SEAT LEGS.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ON THE FREEWAY WHEN THE RIGHT TIRE EXPLODED. ONCE AGAIN CONSUMER WAS IN MOTION AND THE RIGHT TIRE EXPLODED. BOTH OF THE TIRES WERE GOODYEAR MARATHON RADIALS. CONSUMER PURCHASED TWO NEW CARLYLE TIRES AND SHORTLY AFTER THE LEFT TIRE BLEW UP. CONSUMER FEELS THE TIRES RECOMMENDED…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · September 1, 2000

“VIN: [XXX]. DATE: 10NOV04. VEHICLE: 1999 JEEP WRANGLER SAHARA. PROBLEM: WHEN I REMOVED THE WINDSHIELD FRAME TO REPAIR A CRACKED WINDSHIELD I DISCOVERED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDSHIELD FRAME MOUNTING BRACKET WAS NOT PROPERLY MOUNTED/WELDED/SEALED IN PLACE LIKE THE DRIVER'S SIDE ONE WAS. THE…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · November 10, 2004

1999 Collins Bantam — common questions

Is the 1999 Collins Bantam reliable?

The record is thin — 2 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 1999 Collins Bantam have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1999 Collins Bantam. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 1999 compare to other Bantam years?

What are the most common 1999 Collins Bantam problems?

Does the 1999 Collins Bantam have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

1999 Collins Bantam — common questions

Is the 1999 Collins Bantam reliable?

Does the 1999 Collins Bantam have recalls?

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