VehicleVerdict

2008 Collins Bantam problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 2008 Collins Bantam — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 5 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

0

NHTSA complaints

5

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2008 compare to other Bantam years?

See all Bantam years to avoid →

Does the 2008 Collins Bantam have recalls?

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

11V502000Climate Control (A/C & Heat)October 14, 2011 · 11 units

Defect

COLLINS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006 THROUGH 2008 BANTAM, GRAND BANTAM, AND SUPER BANTAM SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM AUGUST 23, 2006, THROUGH FEBRUARY 1, 2008, EQUIPPED WITH CARRIER GENV EM-1 EVAPORATOR UNITS. DUE TO TIME, TEMPERATURE, AND/OR VIBRATION, THE FUSE MAY LOOSEN IN THE FUSE HOLDER RESULTING IN HIGH RESISTANCE AND ARCING.

Consequence

IF SUFFICIENT ARCING OCCURS, THE FUSE HOLDER MAY MELT, AND A VEHICLE FIRE MAY OCCUR.

Remedy

COLLINS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND PROVIDE INFORMATION ON HOW TO OBTAIN THE RETROFIT KIT FROM CARRIER ALONG WITH REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 11, 2011. (SEE CARRIER'S RECALL CAMPAIGN 11E-003.) OWNERS MAY CONTACT CARRIER AT 1-800-793-4741 OR COLLINS AT 1- 1-620-662-9000.

11V293000SeatsMay 23, 2011 · 702 units

Defect

COLLINS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2002-2011 BANTAM, GRAND BANTAM, AND SUPER BANTAM SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 2002 THROUGH MAY 20, 2011, FOR FAILING TO CONFORM TO THE LEG PROTECTION ZONE IMPACT REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD 222 "SCHOOL BUS PASSENGER SEATING AND CRASH PROTECTION."

Consequence

IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS MAY NOT BE ADEQUATELY PROTECTED AND MAY SUSTAIN INJURIES.

Remedy

COLLINS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL INSTALL ADDITIONAL FOAM PADDING UNDER THE UPHOLSTERY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 18, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT COLLINS BUS AT 1-800-533-1850.

10V362000SeatsAugust 2, 2010 · 516 units

Defect

COLLINS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 BANTAM, GRAND BANTAM, AND SUPER BANTAM MODEL SCHOOL BUSES. THE 39 INCH THREE PASSENGER SEATS FAIL TO MEET THE MINIMUM PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 222, "SCHOOL BUS PASSENGER AND CRASH PROTECTION."

Consequence

SEAT OCCUPANTS ARE AT AN INCREASED RISK OF INJURY IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.

Remedy

COLLINS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE BUSES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 3, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT COLLINS AT 1-800-533-1850.

09V083000Body & StructureMarch 6, 2009 · 2,741 units

Defect

COLLINS IS RECALLING 2,741 MY 2008 SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JANUARY 1, 2008 AND JANUARY 1, 2009. THE BOLTS USED TO MOUNT THE BODY TO THE CHASSIS FRAME RAIL MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY INSTALLED WHICH COULD LEAD TO FAILURE OF THE BOLTS.

Consequence

FAILURE OF THESE BOLTS WILL RESULT IN INADEQUATE CONNECTION OF THE BUS BODY TO THE BUS CHASSIS. IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THERE MAY BE AN INCREASED RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY TO THE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.

Remedy

COLLINS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND INSPECT AND REPAIR THE BUSES IF NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 19, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT COLLINS TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-533-1850.

09V068000Body & StructureFebruary 23, 2009 · 559 units

Defect

COLLINS IS RECALLING 559 MY 2007 THROUGH 2009 SCHOOL BUSES BUILT ON FORD E-350 AND E-450 CHASSIS FROM NOVEMBER 3, 2006 TO OCTOBER 1, 2009. THESE BUSES MAY HAVE BEEN PRODUCED WITH THE ABSENCE OF TWO BODY MOUNT BOLTS AND ASSOCIATED HARDWARE IN 2 OF THE BODY/CHASSIS MOUNTING LOCATIONS IMMEDIATELY BEHIND THE REAR AXLE.

Consequence

IF ANY OF THE BODY MOUNT BOLTS ARE MISSING THIS CONDITION WOULD NOT PROVIDE A STABLE CONNECTION OF THE BUS BODY TO THE BUS CHASSIS. IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THERE MAY BE AN INCREASED RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY TO THE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.

Remedy

COLLINS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND INSPECT AND REPAIR THE BUSES IF NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 26, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT COLLINS TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-533-1850.

2008 Collins Bantam — common questions

Is the 2008 Collins Bantam reliable?

The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 5 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2008 Collins Bantam have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 2008 Collins Bantam. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Related

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.