2005 Turtle Top Terra Transport problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 2005 Turtle Top Terra Transport — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 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 2005 compare to other Terra Transport years?

Terra Transport NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Terra Transport years to avoid →

Does the 2005 Turtle Top Terra Transport have recalls?

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

08V658000OtherDecember 15, 2008 · 13 units

Defect

TEXAS BUS IS RECALLING 13 MY 2005 TURTLE TOP TERRA TRANSPORT, MY 2006 ELDORADO AEROELITE 290, MY 2001 AEROLITE 210, MY 2000 AEROTECH 200, AND MY 2005 AEROTECH 270 BUSES BUILT ON ELDORADO NATIONAL - KANSAS CHASSIS AND EQUIPPED WITH RICON PLATFORM STYLE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS. THESE LIFTS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 403, "PLATFORM LIFT SYSTEM ACCESSIBLE FOR MOTOR VEHICLES." THE ANTI-STOW INTERLOCK MAY NOT DETECT THE PRESENCE OF A WHEELCHAIR OR MOBILITY AID USER. THE PRESSURE SENSING SWITCH THAT DETECTS THE PRESENCE OF WEIGHT ON THE PLATFORM WAS NOT ADJUSTED TO THE NECESSARY SENSITIVITY LEVEL. THE LIFT COULD STOW EVEN THOUGH SOMEONE OR SOMETHING IS STILL ON THE LIFT.

Consequence

A LIFT OCCUPANT CAN BE INJURED SHOULD THE LIFT BEGIN TO STOW UNINTENTIONALLY.

Remedy

TEXAS BUS IS WORKING WITH RICON TO CORRECT THE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS FREE OF CHARGE (PLEASE SEE 07E097). OWNERS MAY CONTACT RICON AT 1-818-267-3000 OR TEXAS BUS AT 1-713-681-3600.

08V656000OtherDecember 12, 2008 · 13 units

Defect

TEXAS BUS IS RECALLING 13 MY 2005 TURTLE TOP TERRA TRANSPORT, MY 2006 ELDORADO AEROELITE 290, MY 2001 AEROLITE 210, MY 2000 AEROTECH 200, AND MY 2005 AEROTECH 270 BUSES BUILT ON ELDORADO NATIONAL - KANSAS CHASSIS AND EQUIPPED WITH RICON PLATFORM STYLE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 404, "PLATFORM LIFT INSTALLATIONS IN MOTOR VEHICLES." THE THRESHOLD WARNING SYSTEM MAY NOT DETECT THE PRESENCE OF A WHEELCHAIR OR MOBILITY AID USER IN A CERTAIN SPOT WITHIN THE DEFINED THRESHOLD AREA.

Consequence

THE USER OF THE LIFT COULD BE INJURED SHOULD THE LIFT MOVE UNINTENTIONALLY.

Remedy

TEXAS BUS IS WORKING WITH RICON TO CORRECT THE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS FREE OF CHARGE (PLEASE SEE 07E095). OWNERS MAY CONTACT RICON AT 1-818-267-3000 OR TEXAS BUS AT 1-713-681-3600.

2005 Turtle Top Terra Transport — common questions

Is the 2005 Turtle Top Terra Transport reliable?

The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2005 Turtle Top Terra Transport have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2005 Turtle Top Terra Transport. 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 2005 compare to other Terra Transport years?

Does the 2005 Turtle Top Terra Transport have recalls?

2005 Turtle Top Terra Transport — common questions

Is the 2005 Turtle Top Terra Transport reliable?

Does the 2005 Turtle Top Terra Transport have recalls?

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