Turtle TOP Structure:body:roof and Pillars Recall

Vehicle Make / Model:
TURTLE TOP / ODYSSEY
TURTLE TOP / ODYSSEY LT
TURTLE TOP / ODYSSEY XL
TURTLE TOP / TERRA TRANSPORT
TURTLE TOP / VAN TERRA

Model Year(s):
2010-2012
2011
2011-2012
2010-2012
2011-2012

Manufacturer: TURTLE TOP

Mfr’s Report Date: JUL 06, 2012

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 12V330000

NHTSA Action Number: EQ12008

Component: STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS

Potential Number of Units Affected: 361

Summary:
Turtle Top is recalling certain model year 2010 through 2012 commercial buses manufactured from April 1, 2011, through March 25, 2012, equipped with Specialty Manufacturing Inc. (SMI) Prolo roof hatches. Increased friction between the rear plate assemblies, p/no. 009327, and the nylon rear pop-up support, p/no. 008956, may result in an opening force of the Prolo roof hatches that exceeds federal standard requirements. Thus, these hatches fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 217, “Bus Emergency Exits and Window Retention and Release.”

Consequence:
In the event of an emergency, passengers’ exit from the bus may be hindered possibly resulting in injury to the vehicle occupants.

Remedy:
Turtle Top will notify owners. SMI will provide service kits along with repair instructions to dealers and owners, free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during July 2012. Owners may contact turtle top at 1-574-831-4349 or SMI at 1-800-951-7867.