Vehicle recall 97V014000 · February 5, 1997

Ward Volunteer and Amtran Volunteer

Certain clothing articles such as draw strings can become lodged in the forward handrails at the bus doors when a person is exiting the bus.

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

Summary: Certain clothing articles such as draw strings can become lodged in the forward handrails at the bus doors when a person is exiting the bus.
Consequence: If the driver is unaware of the situation, the entrance door may be closed, capturing the item in the door. Death or injury can occur to the person exiting the bus.
Remedy: Dealers will remove this handrail. Provisions will be made for buses operating in states that mandate a forward mounted handrail to offer the owners a free repair kit containing a rubber spacer.
Notes: Owner notification:owner notification is expected to begin February 28, 1997. Notes:owners who need the free repair kit and are unable to obtain the kit 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: 97V014000
Reported to NHTSA: February 5, 1997
Filed by: AMERICAN TRANSPORTATION CORP.
Owner notification: March 19, 1997
Vehicles potentially affected: 2,480
Initiated by: NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation
Components: Structure › Body

Recall 97V014000 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.

Amtran Volunteer (1995-1997): 1997, 1996, 1995
Ward Volunteer (1991-1997): 1997, 1996, 1995, 1994, 1993, 1992, 1991

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