2006–2014 Elkhart Ecii Recall: Affected lifts are equipped with folding link arms that may have pivot…

The defect

Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2006-2014 Elkhart ECII transit buses manufactured January 1, 2006, to September 26, 2014, equipped with certain model S2005, S2010, S5005, S5010, S5505, and S5510 wheelchair lifts built by the Ricon Corporation. The affected lifts are equipped with folding link arms that may have pivot holes that are too big, allowing the bearings to move out of position.

The risk

If the bearings move out of position, the stowed platform may have excessive movement resulting in failure of the platform mounting. This failure could cause the wheel chair lift platform to fall out of the vehicle when the doors are opened, increasing the risk of injury for the lift operator.

The fix — what to do

Forest River will notify owners, and Ricon dealers will inspect the link arms for damage or for displaced bearings. The platform will be inspected for cracks. Any damaged parts will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on December 16, 2015. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 574-264-5179 ext. 102 or Ricon Customer Service at 1-800-322-2884. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-11102015-0108. Note: These buses and wheelchair lifts were subject to a similar recall in 2014. All vehicles that received that recall remedy are still affected by this recall as well.

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.