Describe the consequence(s) of the defect or noncompliance condition.
Per FMVSS 571.221; In the event of a crash, serious injuries or death can occur as a result of the structural collapse of the school bus body panels.
7. With respect to a noncompliance, identify and provide the test results or other data (in chronological order and including dates) on which the noncompliance was determined.
January 18, 2011 - Starcraft Bus received a letter from Patrice Moore of BLF Technologies Inc to inform Starcraft Bus that a vehicle was going to be tested to certain Federal safety standards. While putting together the requested documentation, Starcraft Bus performed a line audit and discovered that the sidewall panels and other interior panels were being installed without a structural adhesive being applied prior to going onto the bus body.
9. Furnish a description of the manufacturer's remedy for the defect or noncompliance. Clearly describe the differences between the recall condition and the remedy.
The remedy for the noncompliance on the exterior body panels is to add structural fasteners at all applicable body panels at a space of 1" on center. The previous fastener spacing was 1 structural rivet about every 14". The remedy for the noncompliance on the interior ceiling panels is to take down the ceiling panels at the overlapping joint and add a structural adhesive to that panel joint and then re-fasten the panels at their current location.
Clearly describe the distinguishing characteristics of the remedy component/assembly versus the recalled component/assembly.
The remedied exterior sidewall panels will have a structural rivet place at every inch along the panel joints. The recalled exterior panels will have less structural rivets along the panel joints. The interior ceiling panels will not have visible distinguishing characteristics.
Edited by - blackandyellow on 03/09/2011 09:05:54 AM
I have a few Starcraft customers nursing homes mainly who got their bus out of state somewhere. Who is doing the recalls in Southern Indiana? Yes I know Starcrafts are built here.
“The good thing about science is that it's true whether or not you believe in it.” Neil deGrasse Tyson
I have a few Starcraft customers nursing homes mainly who got their bus out of state somewhere. Who is doing the recalls in Southern Indiana? Yes I know Starcrafts are built here.
I think Mid West Transit is the dealer they had an advertismint in one of the magazines and Starcraft is one of the manufacturers they represent. but you would have to check. Also do you know if it is common for manufacurers to check whether or not their bus is being made to meet 221 before it leaves the factory? The recall says there was no inspection process in place to check if they were being built to standards.
Updated. "Severe" recall as it states on document. Involves adding rivets all over the exterior, painting, taking down interior panels etc. Very major.
"SEVERE" Recall - Joint Strength Starcraft Buses
Posted - 02/21/2011 : 08:47:25 AM
