1997 Gillig Phantom problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1997 Gillig Phantom — 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 1997 compare to other Phantom years?

Phantom NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Phantom years to avoid →

Does the 1997 Gillig Phantom have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns 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.

04V486000EngineOctober 7, 2004 · 810 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN TRANSIT BUSES EQUIPPED WITH DETROIT DIESEL SERIES 40 ENGINES, THE TURBOCHARGER CAN FAIL ALLOWING LUBRICATING OIL TO SPILL ONTO THE ENGINE.

Consequence

THIS CAN RESULT IN A FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE TURBOCHARGER TO PREVENT THE POSSIBILITY OF AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE. DETROIT DIESEL IS CONDUCTING OWNER NOTIFICATION AND REMEDY FOR THIS CAMPAIGN. GILLIG ISSUED A RENOTIFICATION LETTER TO OWNERS ON FEBRUARY 27, 2007. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DETROIT DETROIT DIESEL AT 313-5923708 OR GILLIG AT 510-785-1500.

02V059004Body & StructureMarch 21, 2002 · 897 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN TRANSIT BUSES EQUIPPED WITH ADHESIVELY BONDED ALUMINUM BUS DOOR PANELS, DUE TO AN IMPERFECT BONDING OF THE DOOR PANEL SKIN TO THE PANEL FRAME, ENVIRONMENTAL MOISTURE MAY INFILTRATE REGIONS OF IMPERFECT BONDING AND CAUSE SEPARATION OF THE FRAME AND DOOR PANEL.

Consequence

UNDER THESE CONDITIONS, IF THE PANEL IS SEPARATING OR HAS SEPARATED, A PASSENGER COULD FALL FROM THE BUS ONTO THE ROADWAY, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.

Remedy

VAPOR WILL NOTIFY CUSTOMERS TO HAVE THEIR BUSES INSPECTED AND WILL INSTALL MECHANICAL FASTENERS TO ATTACH THE SKINS TO THE FRAME ELEMENTS FREE OF CHARGE. OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT VAPOR CORPORATION AT 847-967-8300 OR VAPOR AT 1510-785-1500.

1997 Gillig Phantom — common questions

Is the 1997 Gillig Phantom reliable?

The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 1997 Gillig Phantom have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1997 Gillig Phantom. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1997 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 1997 compare to other Phantom years?

Does the 1997 Gillig Phantom have recalls?

1997 Gillig Phantom — common questions

Is the 1997 Gillig Phantom reliable?

Does the 1997 Gillig Phantom have recalls?

Is the 1997 Gillig Phantom under NHTSA investigation?

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