1996 Gillig Phantom problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 1996 Gillig Phantom — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies 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 1996 compare to other Phantom years?

Phantom NHTSA complaints by model year, 1996 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Phantom years to avoid →

What are the most common 1996 Gillig Phantom problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Suspension	1	100%	new

Does the 1996 Gillig Phantom have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

07V057000OtherFebruary 15, 2007 · 4,256 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN TRANSIT BUSES EQUIPPED WITH LIFT-U WHEELCHAIR LIFTS, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR A PERSON TO WEDGE THEIR FEET UNDER THE SOLID BAR BARRIER LINKAGE.

Consequence

WHILE SITTING IN A WHEEL CHAIR, A PERSON WITH NO SHOES WHO DOES NOT HAVE CONTROL OF THEIR FEET COULD TWIST THEIR FEET AND GET THEM FORCED UNDER THE LINKAGE WHICH COULD RESULT IN AN INJURY.

Remedy

OWNERS WILL RECEIVE A FREE REPAIR KIT ALONG WITH INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 27, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT LIFT-U AT 209-838-2400 OR GILLIG AT 204-934-4876.

1996 Gillig Phantom — common questions

Is the 1996 Gillig Phantom reliable?

The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 1996 Gillig Phantom have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1996 Gillig Phantom. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1996 Gillig Phantom under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

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 1996 compare to other Phantom years?

What are the most common 1996 Gillig Phantom problems?

Does the 1996 Gillig Phantom have recalls?

1996 Gillig Phantom — common questions

Is the 1996 Gillig Phantom reliable?

Does the 1996 Gillig Phantom have recalls?

Is the 1996 Gillig Phantom under NHTSA investigation?

Related