Vehicle recall 96V047000 · March 11, 1996
Ward Volunteer, Ward Patriot and 4 more models
Passenger's clothing can unknowingly become caught in the handrails at bus doors when exiting the bus.
Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.
- Summary
- Passenger's clothing can unknowingly become caught in the handrails at bus doors when exiting the bus.
- Consequence
- When a passenger's clothing becomes caught in the handrail, and the bus driver closes the door and puts the vehicle in motion,the individual is subject to being dragged by the bus. This can result inserious injury or death.
- Remedy
- Replace or reposition the handrails to stop clothing from being caught. Replace foam pad and install 1" thick rubber spacer between the brace and the wall.
- Notes
- System: equipment; handrails at bus entry ways. Vehicle description: school buses.note: owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time, should contact amtran at 1-501-327-7761. Also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-800-424-9393.
Recall details
- NHTSA campaign
- 96V047000
- Reported to NHTSA
- March 11, 1996
- Filed by
- AMERICAN TRANSPORTATION CORP.
- Owner notification
- June 20, 1996
- Vehicles potentially affected
- 34,900
- Initiated by
- NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation
- Components
- Structure › Body
Vehicles covered
As listed by NHTSA. A recall usually covers only some vehicles of each model and year, often a production date range.
- Amtran RS3302 (1996): 1996
- Amtran RS3505 (1996): 1996
- Amtran RS3708 (1996): 1996
- Amtran RS3911 (1996): 1996
- Ward Patriot (1986-1991): 1991, 1990, 1989, 1988, 1987, 1986
- Ward Volunteer (1986-1996): 1996, 1995, 1994, 1993, 1992, 1991, 1990, 1989, 1988, 1987, 1986
Has your Amtran been repaired?
Recalls here come from NHTSA’s records for the model and year. Not every vehicle of a model is included in every recall, and this site can’t see whether a repair has been done. Only a VIN lookup can tell you that.
NHTSA’s VIN search doesn’t show recalls that were already repaired, recalls more than 15 years old, or some small manufacturers’ recalls. A Amtran dealer can also check your VIN. Recall repairs are free.