2009 MCI J4500

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY:WHEELCHAIR LIFT/RAMP

Motor Coach Industries (MCI) is recalling certain 2005-2009 E4500 and 2005-2012 J4500 motorcoaches equipped with Ricon Baylift Wheelchair Lifts. When the lift's outer barrier is fully deployed, it may not withstand a sufficient amount of force, which could cause it to fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 403, "Platform Lift Systems," and number 404, "Platform lift installations."

Risk: In the event that a mobility device pushes into the outer barrier, the barrier may fail, increasing the risk of injury for the lift occupant.

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

Motor Coach Industries (MCI) is recalling certain 2001-2015 J4500 and 1997-2013 102EL3/E4500 coaches equipped with a hydraulic rear axle (tag axle) steering system. The axle's alignment and low hydraulic pressure in the steering system may cause the steering system to lock, causing a loss of steering control at highway speeds.

Risk: Loss of steering control may increase the risk of a crash.

SEAT BELTS

Motor Coach Industries (MCI) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 MCI E4500 and J4500 motor coaches manufactured November 21, 2006, to August 27, 2009, and equipped with certain Recaro Automotive Seating Ergo M bus driver seats. The affected seats were manufactured in a way that the tether bar may push into the retractor panel door and potentially interfere with the seat belt locking mechanism.

Risk: If the seat belt locking mechanism does not function as intended, the bus driver may not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of personal injury in the event of a crash.

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE

Motor Coach Industries (MCI) is recalling certain model year 2009-2014 E4500 and J4500 motorcoaches manufactured October 2008 through October 2013, and equipped with passenger seats with 3-point seat belts. The seat track for the second row passenger seats may be missing a weld at the end of the seat track where it enters the frame structure.

Risk: In the event of a crash, the seat may detach from its floor mounting, increasing the risk of injury to the occupant.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Motor Coach Industries (MCI) is recalling certain model year 2000-2012 D, E, G and J series coaches manufactured January 2000 through June 2011 and equipped with Sure Power battery equalizers containing a particular epoxy sealing, aka 'potting', compound. The specific potting compound used in the subject products for insulation was found to be capable of conducting electricity after being exposed to heat.

Risk: Once electrically conductive, the material is capable of melting and burning, increasing the risk of a fire.

VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR

MOTOR COACH INDUSTRIES, INC (MCI) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009-2012 J MOTOR COACHES. DUE TO INADEQUATE BONDING, THE TRANSOM WINDOWS (THE REAR-MOST WINDOWS ON EACH SIDE), MAY DETACH FROM THE COACH.

Risk: A TRANSOM WINDOW MAY DETACH WITHOUT WARNING, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

MOTOR COACH INDUSTRIES (MCI) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2003, AND 2007-2012 E AND J MODELS ALONG WITH MODEL YEAR 2007-2012 D4000, D4005, D4500, D4505, D4000ISTV MOTOR COACHES EQUIPPED WITH MERITOR WABCO ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) MODULES, MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 2002, THROUGH OCTOBER 2011. UNDER CERTAIN ROAD AND DRIVING CONDITIONS, VEHICLE BODY ROLL AND ROAD INCLINATION CHARACTERISTICS MAY ADVERSELY AFFECT THE SLIP ANGLE CALCULATION OF THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) SYSTEM. THIS MIGHT CAUSE THE ESC TO PERCEIVE AN OVER STEERING SITUATION AND THEREFORE APPLY THE OUTER WHEEL BRAKE ON THE FRONT AXLE UNTIL THE VEHICLE IS PERCEIVED TO BE STABLE.

Risk: IF THE DRIVER IS SLOW TO REACT DURING THIS ESC INTERVENTION, THE VEHICLE MAY DEVIATE FROM THE INTENDED LINE OF TRAVEL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.