Defect. Collins is recalling certain model year 2012 Collins, Corbeil, and Mid-Bus school bus and multi-function school activity buses, models SL400, SH400, DH400, DH416 with 139" wheel base and two-passenger seat set at 24, 25, 26, 27, or 28" hip to knee spacing and three-passenger seat set at 24, 25, or 26" hip to knee spacing and model year 2012 DH500 and DH516 with 159" wheel base and two-passenger seat set at 28 or 29" hip to knee spacing and three-passenger seat set at 27, 28, or 29" hip to knee spacing. These buses were manufactured from March 12, 2012, through September 20, 2012. In some floor plans on these models of buses, there is the possibility that the fuel filler hose was damaged during seat or seat track installation or that a seat bolt and/or the seat bolt bracket interferes with the routing of the fuel fill hose. The fuel fill hose runs from the exterior of the bus, through a housing in the bus, then under the bus and toward the fuel tank. Some floor plans have a seat or track bolt that comes through the floor near the area where the hose crosses the chassis frame. In addition to possible damage during installation, there is a chance that the bolt or the bracket can abrade or puncture the hose in this area.
Risk. If the integrity of this hose is breached, fuel could spill. In the case of gasoline or diesel vehicle, fuel could spill during fueling operations or in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of a fire. In the case of a propane vehicle, propane gas could be released during fueling operations (check valves prevent release from the tanks) creating the risk of a fire during filling.
Remedy. Collins will notify owners, and dealers will repair the buses free of charge. The safety recall began on August 13, 2012. Owners may contact Collins at 1-800-533-1850.