Subject: Recent Emergency Vehicle Safety Recall Notice


Good afternoon,

We have learned of some safety recalls for ambulances, and other emergency vehicles possibly used by EMS providers, that we wanted you and your organizations to know about immediately.  We are asking for your assistance with releasing this information so the word gets out to your constituents as soon as possible.

These recalls can be found on NHTSA's website under "recalls". Please add 3 zeros to the end of the recall number, i.e., 04V328000. 

The web site is: http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/recalls/

Police Vehicles:
Ford Motor Company is recalling 47,314 MY 2003 Crown Victoria police/commercial vehicles, and Lincoln Town Car model vehicles sold to fleets. These vehicles typically input higher loads into the vehicle chassis during fleet usage, overloading the wheel bearings and axles. This could
lead to early bearing failure and ultimately axle shaft fracture. Dealers will replace the rear wheel bearings, seals, and axle shafts. 04V-328

Ambulances/emergency vehicles:
International Truck and Engine Corporation is recalling 19 MY1993-2001 4700LP ambulances. These ambulances are equipped with Goodrich Corporation VELVET-RIDE rear suspension systems. The bolts connecting the suspension spring to the rear axle may break and possibly cause the axle to become separated from the vehicle without warning. The axle could separate from the vehicle without warning and result in a crash. Dealers will replace the
suspension system. 04V-009

Horton Emergency Vehicles is recalling 14 MY 1997-2000 ambulances built on Chevrolet or GMC cab/chassis Models C3500 and K3500. Alternator case bolts could come loose and back out into the fan. Fan pieces disengage at high rpm and could cause injury and/or disable the vehicle which could result in a crash. Remedy options are being explored. Exact remedy and time line to be determined. 04V-101

PL Custom Emergency Vehicles is recalling 86 MY 2003 Medallion, Titan, Sentry, Rescue, and 2003-2004 Crusader emergency vehicles equipped with seat belts built by AmSafe. Some seat belt buckles fail to conform to the load requirement of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies." The seat belt buckle may unlatch in the event of a vehicle crash, possibly resulting in personal injury to the seat occupant. Amsafe will notify customers and replace the buckles. 04V-246

Thank you,

David Bryson
NHTSA Highway Safety Specialist
(202) 366-4302 phone
(202) 366-7721 fax
dave.bryson@nhtsa.dot.gov