Vehicle recall 83V038000 · April 6, 1983

1981-1983 Carpenter School Bus

During a collision, certain interior panels could separate because they have been inadequately fastened.

Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.

Summary: During a collision, certain interior panels could separate because they have been inadequately fastened. Interior ceiling and body panel joints may not comply with strength requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard 221, "school bus body joint strength".
Remedy: The dealer will inspect and install additional fasteners in the interior ceiling panel and wall panel joints at no charge to owner.
Notes: Vehicle description: school buses.system: interior systems; interior body panel joints.consequences of defect: if the interior panels separate during an accident,there is increased potential for occupant injury and ejection.

Recall details

NHTSA campaign: 83V038000
Reported to NHTSA: April 6, 1983
Filed by: CARPENTER BDY WRKS, INC.
Owner notification: April 28, 1983
Vehicles potentially affected: 186
Initiated by: NHTSA’s Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance
Components: Structure › Frame and members

Recall 83V038000 on nhtsa.gov, with the manufacturer’s documents

Vehicles covered

As listed by NHTSA. A recall usually covers only some vehicles of each model and year, often a production date range.

Carpenter School Bus (1981-1983): 1983, 1982, 1981

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