Elkhart Coach Recalls Ford E-Series Transit Buses With Wheelchair Lift Defect
Elkhart Coach is recalling 2007-2009 Ford E-350 and E-450 transit buses due to a wheelchair lift software defect that may cause the platform to overrun the vehicle floor level.
What this means for you
Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.
Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a risk-of-harm product where injury has not yet been reported, fitting the criteria for a High severity score.
Plain-English summary
Elkhart Coach has notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) about a defect in certain 2007-2009 Ford E-350 and E-450 transit buses. The issue affects vehicles equipped with specific RICON S Series and K Series L-Model wheelchair lifts. A software problem in the lift's "up" function may cause the platform to continue traveling upward for approximately one second after the switch is released, potentially overrunning the floor level cut-off point.
If the platform overruns the vehicle floor level and stops at an angle of 15 to 20 degrees, there is a risk that a person in a wheelchair could tip over or a person standing on the platform could fall, possibly resulting in injuries. The safety recall began on July 27, 2010.
Elkhart Coach will notify owners, and repairs will be performed by authorized RICON dealers free of charge. As RICON is currently developing a software solution, they will provide owners with a bulletin outlining proper wheelchair lift operation and ship a DVD-based training aid at no cost. Owners may contact RICON Customer Service at 800-322-2884 or email [email protected].
The recalled product
- Product
- FORD E-450, E-350
- Brand
- FORD
- Manufacturer
- ELKHART COACH
- Category
- Vehicle — Transit Bus
- Hazard
- Affected units
- 200
Is your product affected?
Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.
Model numbers (2)
- E-450
- E-350
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
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