The Recall Desk
SevereNHTSA·14V019000·Announced 2014-01-27

Turtle Top Recalls Ford-Based Transit Buses Due to Electrical Fire Risk

Turtle Top is recalling 453 Ford-based transit buses because a pinched alternator harness could cause a short circuit, fire, or vehicle stall.

What this means for you

Illness, injury, or structural failure has been reported. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a risk of fire and vehicle stalling while driving, which aligns with the rubric criterion for 'significant injury/property-damage reports' or structural/electrical defects posing severe risk.

Plain-English summary

Turtle Top is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 transit buses and specialty vehicles built on Ford chassis, including the Van Terra, Limo Coach, and Odyssey models. The recall covers 453 vehicles equipped with a Ford 5.4L or 6.8L engine and a Trans/Air-brand air compressor.

In the affected vehicles, the alternator harness may be pinched between a heater hose spring clamp and the air conditioner compressor mounting bracket. This pinch can cause the charging system to fail, potentially leading to the vehicle stalling while driving. Additionally, the spring clamp could pierce the alternator harness wires, creating a short circuit that could result in a fire.

Turtle Top will notify owners, and Trans/Air dealers will inspect the vehicles, correct the clamp installation, and repair and reroute the alternator harness as needed, free of charge. The recall began on February 17, 2014. Customers may contact Turtle Top at 1-574-831-4340 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

The recalled product

Product
TURTLE TOP FORD VAN TERRA, FORD LIMO COACH, FORD ODYSSEY
Brand
TURTLE TOP
Manufacturer
Turtle Top
Category
Vehicle — Transit Bus / Specialty Vehicle
Hazard
Affected units
453

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 (3)

  • FORD VAN TERRA
  • FORD LIMO COACH
  • FORD ODYSSEY

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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