Recall 12V362000: 2011–2012 Micro Bird G5 School Bus

The problem

Corp. Micro Bird, Inc. (Micro Bird) is recalling certain model year 2011 and 2012 Micro Bird G5 school buses manufactured from April 1, 2011, through June 26, 2012, equipped with ProLo roof escape hatches made by Specialty Manufacturing, Incorporated. Increased friction between the rear plate assemblies, p/no. 009327, and the nylon rear pop-up support, p/no. 008956, may result in an opening force of the ProLo roof hatches that exceeds Federal standard requirements. Thus, these hatches fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 217, "Bus Emergency Exits and Window Retention and Release."

The risk

In the event of an emergency, egress of the bus may be hindered possibly resulting in injury to the vehicle occupants.

The fix

Micro Bird will notify owners. Specialty Manufacturing, Inc.(SMI) will provide service kits along with repair instructions to dealers and owners, free of charge. The safety recall began on July 31, 2012. Owners may contact Micro Bird at 1-819-477-2012 or SMI at 1-800-951-7867.

Notes

This is Micro Bird recall number 12-053-RHU.Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.