2007 Girardin G5: complaints, problems and recalls

Reported: 2007-05-01 (May 1, 2007)

CERTAIN GIRARDIN SCHOOL AND COMMERCIAL BUSES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN MARCH AND DECEMBER 2006. THE DEFECT INVOLVES THE INTERLOCK SWITCH SYSTEM IN THE LIFT NOT DETECTING THE PRESENCE OF A PASSENGER (EITHER WHEELCHAIR OR STANDEE) ON THE RICON WHEELCHAIR PLATFORM LIFT WHICH DOES NOT CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 404, PLATFORM LIFT SYSTEMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES. IN THE EVENT THIS CONDITION OCCURS DURING PASSENGER OPERATIONS IT MAY BE POSSIBLE FOR THE WHEELCHAIR TO TIP BACKWARDS ONTO THE PLATFORM WHEN THE PLATFORM WAS LOWERED.

Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN INJURY TO THE WHEELCHAIR'S OCCUPANT. ALSO, ANYONE STANDING ON THE PLATFORM COULD LOSE HIS OR HER BALANCE AND FALL, RESULTING IN INJURY.

Remedy: GIRARDIN IS WORKING WITH RICON TO REPAIR THE BUSES FREE OF CHARGE (PLEASE SEE 06E101). THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 18, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT GIRARDIN AT 819-477-8222 EXT. 401 OR RICON AT 800-322-2884.

Reported: 2008-03-13 (March 13, 2008)

GIRARDIN IS RECALLING 13 MY 2007 AND 2008 G5 SCHOOL AND COMMERCIAL BUSES, MANUFACTURED BETWEEN NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER 2007, EQUIPPED WITH RICON WHEELCHAIR LIFTS SERIES 5500 MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 1, 2005 TO OCTOBER 9, 2007. 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. THESE LIFTS DO NOT COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 404, "PLATFORM LIFT INSTALLATIONS IN MOTOR VEHICLES."

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

Remedy: GIRARDIN WILL NOTIFY THEIR OWNERS AND INSTUCTING THEM TO CONTACT RICON FOR A FREE REPAIR. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MARCH 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT RICON AT 818-267-3000 OR GIRARDIN AT 819-477-2012 EXT 428.

Reported: 2009-06-29 (June 29, 2009)

GIRARDIN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006 THROUGH 2009 G5 SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JANUARY 23, 2007 AND JUNE 23, 2009, EQUIPPED WITH 39 INCH, 34 INCH, AND 30 INCH C.E. WHITE BARRIER SEATS. THESE SEATS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE BARRIER PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 222, "SCHOOL BUS PASSENGER SEATING AND CRASH PROTECTION."

Consequence: VEHICLE OCCUPANTS COULD SUFFER INJURIES IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: GIRARDIN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPAIR THE BUSES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 24, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GIRARDIN AT 1-819-477-2012 EXT. 401.

Reported: 2009-08-07 (August 7, 2009)

GIRARDIN MINIBUS IS RECALLING MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 G5 CUTAWAY MULTI PURPOSE VEHICLES (MPV'S) BUILT ON FORD AND GM CHASSIS FOR FAILING TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS (FMVSS) NO. 207, "SEATING SYSTEM" AND FMVSS NO. 210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY." THE SECTION OF THE FLOOR ON WHICH THE SEAT IS INSTALLED TEARS WHEN THE LOADS REQUIRED BY FMVSS 207 AND 210 ARE APPLIED SIMULTANEOUSLY.

Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT AND SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY MAY NOT RESTRAIN THE OCCUPANT AS INTENDED, THEREBY INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY OR DEATH TO A VEHICLE OCCUPANT.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL AND REPAIR THE NECESSARY COMPONENTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 18, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GIRARDIN MINIBUS AT 1-819-477-2012.

Reported: 2009-08-07 (August 7, 2009)

GIRARDIN IS RECALLING MODEL YEAR 2006 THROUGH 2009 G5 NON-SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JUNE 1, 2006 AND JULY 2009 EQUIPPED WITH FREEDMAN FOLDING SEATS. THE LOCATION OF THE BOLTS USED FOR THE ANCHORAGE OF THE FREEDMAN FOLDING SEAT INSTALLED IN THESE VEHICLES IS IMPROPER. THE SEAT FLOOR REINFORCEMENT DOESN'T COVER THE ENTIRE SEAT BOLTS FIXATION BECAUSE OF A CROSS MEMBER INTERFERENCE. THESE SEATS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE STRENGTH REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NOS. 207, "SEATING SYSTEMS," AND 210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES."

Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT AND SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY MAY NOT RESTRAIN THE OCCUPANT AS INTENDED POSSIBLY RESULTING IN INJURY OR DEATH TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT.

Remedy: GIRARDIN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPAIR THE BUSES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 30, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GIRARDIN AT 1-819-477-2012 EXT 401.

Reported: 2010-02-25 (February 25, 2010)

CORP. MICRO BIRD, INC. HAS NOTIFIED NHTSA ABOUT A NONCOMPLIANCE IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006 THROUGH 2010 G5 SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 1, 2006 AND FEBRUARY 15, 2009, EQUIPPED WITH 39 OR 45 INCH SEATS. THE BUSES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 222, "SCHOOL BUS PASSENGER SEATING AND CRASH PROTECTION." SOME SEATS WERE INSTALLED WITHOUT ANY REINFORCEMENT UNDER THE FLOOR.

Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT MAY NOT ABSORB SUFFICIENT ENERGY TO RESTRAIN THE OCCUPANT AS INTENDED AND IT COULD RESULT IN INJURY OR DEATH TO THE OCCUPANT.

Remedy: MICRO BIRD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE BUSES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 29, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MICRO BIRD AT 1-819-477-2012.

Reported: 2010-03-25 (March 25, 2010)

CORP. MICRO BIRD HAS NOTIFIED NHTSA ABOUT A DEFECT IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007 THROUGH 2010 SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN DECEMBER 2007 AND MARCH 2010 FITTED WITH RICON PUBLIC USE S AND K SERIES WHEELCHAIR LIFTS. THE RESTRAINT BELT ON THESE LIFTS WAS DESIGNED TO PREVENT THE LIFT FROM MOVING, UNLESS THE TONGUE OF THE BELT IS FULLY ENGAGED AND LATCHED IN THE BUCKLE. RICON HAS DISCOVERED, HOWEVER, THAT IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE OPERATOR TO INSERT THE BELT TONGUE INTO THE BUCKLE WITHOUT FULLY ENGAGING THE LATCHING MECHANISM. IN THIS CASE, THE RESTRAINT BELT WOULD APPEAR TO BE LATCHED, AND THE OPERATOR COULD RUN THE LIFT. IF THE RESTRAINT BELT TONGUE IS NOT FULLY ENGAGED INTO THE RESTRAINT BELT BUCKLE, AND LATCHED, THE LIFT MAY OPERATE WITH AN OCCUPANT ON THE PLATFORM.

Consequence: THE USER OF THE LIFT COULD BE INJURED SHOULD THE LIFT MOVE WITHOUT THE RESTRAINT BELT PROPERLY BUCKLED.

Remedy: MICRO BIRD IS WORKING WITH RICON AND RICON WILL BE HANDLING THE REMEDY FOR THIS CAMPAIGN. PLEASE SEE RICON'S DEFECT REPORT 09E-060. RICON WILL PROVIDE CUSTOMERS WITH A WARNING DECAL AND A DVD-BASED TRAINING AID. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON M,ARCH 31, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT RICON AT 1-818-267-3000 OR MICRO BIRD AT 1-819-477-2012.

Reported: 2010-08-13 (August 13, 2010)

CERTAIN GIRARDIN MODEL YEAR 2006 THROUGH 2010 AND MICRO BIRD BY GIRARDIN MODEL YEAR 2009 THROUGH 2010 G5 AND 2003 THROUGH 2006 GIRARDIN MB IV TRANSIT BUSES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 217, "BUS EMERGENCY EXISTS AND WINDOW RETENTION AND RELEASE." THE VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH THERMAL T-SLIDER OR PANORAMIC TYPE PUSH-OUT WINDOWS WITH 2 RELEASE MECHANISMS (ONE ON EACH SIDE). THE WINDOW HANDLE BASE SPACER PLATE CAN TEAR DUE TO THE ROTATION OF THE EXTERIOR WINDOW FRAME.

Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE EMERGENCY EXIT COULD NOT SUFFICIENTLY RESTRAIN THE OCCUPANT(S) OR BECOME INOPERABLE. THE OCCUPANT(S) COULD BE THROWN FROM THE VEHICLE OR NOT BE CAPABLE OF OPENING THE EMERGENCY EXITS WHICH COULD CAUSE INJURY OR DEATH OF THE VEHICLE OCCUPANT(S).

Remedy: GIRARDIN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND WILL PROVIDE PARTS TO PERFORM THE REPAIR ALONG WITH INSTRUCTIONS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 8, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MICRO BIRD AT 1-819-477-2012.

Reported: 2011-04-11 (April 11, 2011)

CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006 THROUGH 2010 GIRARDIN G5 AND MBII AND MODEL YEAR 2010 AND 2011 MICRO BIRD G5 AND MB II SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 2006 THROUGH APRIL 5, 2011, FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 131, "SCHOOL BUS PEDESTRIAN SAFETY DEVICES." THE 4-WAY WARNING LIGHTS DO NOT HAVE AN ALARM TO ALERT THE DRIVER THAT THE STOP ARM DID NOT DEPLOY WHEN THE 4 RED LIGHTS ARE ACTIVATED.

Consequence: THE DRIVER COULD ERRONEOUSLY THINK THAT THE SCHOOL BUS STOP ARM IS DEPLOYED WHILE THE FIRST SET OF 4 RED LIGHTS ARE ACTIVATED. THIS CONDITION INCREASES RISK OF INJURY TO PEDESTRIANS.

Remedy: MICRO BIRD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED WARNING LIGHTS WITH WARNING LIGHTS THAT HAVE AN ALARM FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN DURING JUNE 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MICRO BIRD AT 1-819-477-2012.

Reported: 2011-06-06 (June 6, 2011)

MICRO BIRD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2010 GIRARDIN G5 AND 2009 AND 2010 AND 2011 MICRO BIRD G5 SCHOOL BUSES BUILT ON FORD CUTAWAY CHASSIS FROM FEBRUARY 2006 THROUGH MAY 30, 2011. THE OEM CUTAWAY WIRING HARNESS PASSES JUST REARWARD OF THE DRIVER SEAT BETWEEN THE B PILLAR AND THE RAISED FLOOR. THE RAISED FLOOR JUST REARWARD OF THE DRIVER SEAT IS TRAPPING THE WIRE HARNESS CAUSING THE WIRES TO RUB AGAINST THE METAL FLOOR MOLDING, DAMAGING THE WIRE INSULATION.

Consequence: A WIRE WITH DAMAGED INSULATION MAY CAUSE AN ELECTRICAL SHORT WHICH CAN LEAD TO A FIRE.

Remedy: MICRO BIRD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE BUSES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 5, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MICRO BIRD AT 1-819-477-2012.

Reported: 2011-06-06 (June 6, 2011)

MICRO BIRD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2010 GIRARDIN G5 AND 2009 AND 2010 AND 2011 MICRO BIRD G5 NON SCHOOL BUSES BUILT ON FORD CUTAWAY CHASSIS FROM FEBRUARY 2006 THROUGH MAY 30, 2011. THE OEM CUTAWAY WIRING HARNESS PASSES JUST REARWARD OF THE DRIVER SEAT BETWEEN THE B PILLAR AND THE RAISED FLOOR. THE RAISED FLOOR JUST REARWARD OF THE DRIVER SEAT IS TRAPPING THE WIRE HARNESS CAUSING THE WIRES TO RUB AGAINST THE METAL FLOOR MOLDING, DAMAGING THE WIRE INSULATION.

Consequence: A WIRE WITH DAMAGED INSULATION MAY CAUSE AN ELECTRICAL SHORT WHICH CAN LEAD TO A FIRE.

Remedy: MICRO BIRD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE BUSES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 4, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MICRO BIRD AT 1-819-477-2012.