2012 Mid-Bus SL: complaints, problems and recalls

Reported: 2012-07-19 (July 19, 2012)

Collins is recalling certain model year 2012 Collins, Mid-Bus, or Corbeil SL, SH, DH, and DE model school and multi-function school activity buses manufacturer from March 15, 2012, through October 30, 2012, equipped with Spectal split sash emergency egress windows. The split sash windows fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 217, "Bus Emergency Exits and Window Retention and Release." The windows may have an improperly installed retainer bar, insufficient strength of the egress window latch connecting rod, and/or missing or failed window fasteners.

Consequence: In the event of a crash, vehicle occupants may not be able to exit the bus, increasing the risk of injury. If all the fasteners on a single retaining bar failed, the window would not remain secured to the bus, creating a risk of injury for passengers or persons outside of the bus.

Remedy: Collins will notify owners, and dealers will repair the buses free of charge. The safety recall began during September 2012. Owners may contact Collins at 1-800-533-1850.

Reported: 2012-07-19 (July 19, 2012)

Collins is recalling certain model year 2012 Collins, Mid-Bus, and Corbeil SL, SH, DH, and DE model school and multi-function school activity buses manufactured from March 12, 2012, through July 2, 2012. The electrical panel cover above the driver may not be adequately secured. Vibration can cause the designed disks to lose grip and release the cover without warning.

Consequence: The panel could fall and injure or distract the driver, leading to a crash.

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.

Reported: 2012-07-19 (July 19, 2012)

Collins is recalling certain model year 2012 Collins, Mid-Bus, or Corbeil SL, SH, DH, and DE model school and multi-function school activity buses manufacturer from March 12, 2012, through July 3, 2012. When the Double Out Door is open, there is potential for a drawstring of a backpack or an article of clothing to become entangled in a gap at the door bracket or support hardware as a passenger is exiting the bus.

Consequence: If a drawstring or any other article of clothing worn by a passenger is entangled or snagged by the handrail, the bus operator may not be aware that the passenger is caught and could move the bus, potentially pulling the passenger under the wheels. This situation could lead to injury or even death.

Remedy: Collins will notify owners, and dealers will repair the buses free of charge. The safety recall began on August 16, 2012. Owners may contact Collins at 1-800-533-1850.

Reported: 2012-08-06 (August 6, 2012)

Collins is recalling certain model year 2012 Collins, Corbeil and Mid Bus Brand SL, SH, DH, and DE school buses and multi-function school activity buses manufactured from March 12, 2012, through August 1, 2012. Some of the body mount bolts may not have been torqued to specification.

Consequence: Without correctly tightened body mount bolts, there may be a reduction in the vehicle's integrity, which in the event of a crash, may result in the passengers having an increased risk of injury.

Remedy: Collins will notify owner, and dealers will repair the buses free of charge. The safety recall began during August 2012. Owners may contact Collins at 1-800-533-1850, ext 424.

Reported: 2012-08-06 (August 6, 2012)

Collins is recalling certain model year 2012 Collins, Corbeil and Mid Bus brand SL, SH, DH, and DE school and multi-function school activity buses manufactured from March 12, 2012, through July 13, 2012. The metal hydraulic service brake line feeding the RH rear service brake assembly may interfere with a body mount assembly. The location of this interference is at the first body mount location directly ahead of the rear axle and on the inboard side of the passenger side frame rail.

Consequence: This interference could cause a rupture in the brake line, leading to the loss of brake fluid and failure of the brakes, potentially leading to a vehicle crash.

Remedy: Collins will notify owners, and dealers will repair the buses free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during August 2012. Owners may contact Collins at 1-800-533-1850.