Vehicle recall 96V097000 · June 7, 1996

Carpenter Cadet, Classic and 2 more models

Vehicle description: school buses.

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

Summary: Vehicle description: school buses. 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 in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Carpenter is sending corrective parts to owners along with installation instructions.
Notes: Owner notification:owner notification began August 7, 1996.NOTE:owners who do not receive the corrective parts and installation instructions free of charge within a reasonable time should contact crown coach at 1-317-965-4000.ALSO contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-800-424-9393.

Recall details

NHTSA campaign: 96V097000
Reported to NHTSA: June 7, 1996
Filed by: CARPENTER INDUSTRIES, INC.
Owner notification: August 7, 1996
Vehicles potentially affected: 3,382
Initiated by: NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation
Components: Structure › Body

Recall 96V097000 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 Cadet (1990-1996): 1996, 1995, 1994, 1993, 1992, 1991, 1990
Carpenter Classic (1990-1996): 1996, 1995, 1994, 1993, 1992, 1991, 1990
Carpenter Classmate (1990-1996): 1996, 1995, 1994, 1993, 1992, 1991, 1990
Carpenter Counselor (1990-1996): 1996, 1995, 1994, 1993, 1992, 1991, 1990

Has your Carpenter 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.

Check your VIN with NHTSA

NHTSA’s VIN search doesn’t show recalls that were already repaired, recalls more than 15 years old, or some small manufacturers’ recalls. A Carpenter dealer can also check your VIN. Recall repairs are free.