2009 Collins Bantam problems

Defect

Collins Bus Corporation (Collins) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Bantam, Super Bantam, Grand Bantam, Mid Bus Guide, Super Guide, and Grand Guide school buses manufactured September 2009 through April 2010, and equipped with A&M Systems-brand electric door actuators. Voltage spikes may damage electrical components and electrical circuits, causing the circuit board to develop high resistance.

Consequence

High resistance may cause the board to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Collins will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the circuit board free of charge. The recall began on December 4, 2013. Owners may contact Collins at 1-800-533-1850.

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.

Defect

COLLINS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 BANTAM, SUPER BANTAM, AND GRAND BANTAM SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN APRIL 1 AND OCTOBER 1, 2009, BUILT ON FORD CUTAWAY CHASSIS. THE BRAKE-TURN SEPARATOR MODULE WHICH IS USED TO CONTROL THE BRAKE LIGHTS AND TURN SIGNALS LIGHTS IN THE REAR MAY NOT ALWAYS DISTINGUISH CORRECTLY BETWEEN A BRAKE SIGNAL INPUT AND A TURN SIGNAL INPUT FROM THE FORD CHASSIS OEM WIRING. FOR TYPICAL BRAKE AND TURN SIGNAL OPERATION, THE STOP/TAIL/TURN LIGHTS AT THE REAR OF THE BUS WILL FUNCTION PROPERLY. HOWEVER, IF THE BRAKES ARE PUMPED/APPLIED IN A FREQUENCY MATCHING THAT OF THE BLINKING TURN SIGNAL WHILE THE TURN INDICATOR IS ON, THERE IS THE POTENTIAL THAT THE BRAKE SIGNAL THROUGH THE MODULE MAY CANCEL OUT THE TURN SIGNAL TEMPORARILY OR CAUSE IT TO FLASH INTERMITTENTLY.

Consequence

THIS CAN CAUSE CONFUSION TO VEHICLES BEHIND THE BUS AS TO WHETHER THE BUS IS TURNING OR STOPPING INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

COLLINS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE-TURN SIGNAL SEPARATOR MODULE, IF THE BUS IS EQUIPPED WITH ONE, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 2, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT COLLINS TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-533-1850 EXT. 424.

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.