Orion/fmvss 217/window handle
Defect Summary
Certain transit buses fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 217, "bus emergency exits and window retention and release." the handle pull force exceeds the 89n force to release the emergency window. additional force is required to release the window.
Safety Consequence
In the event of a crash, an occupant may have difficulty opening the emergency exit window, increasing the risk of personal injury or death.
Corrective Action
Dealers will repair these windows. owner notification began june 1, 2003. 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 orion at 1-800-492-2116.
Similar Recalls
Other recalls from Daimler Commercial Buses Na or involving Visibility.
FAQ: Recall 03V120000
Your rights, the repair process, and what each field on this page means.
What is recall 03V120000?
NHTSA recall 03V120000 was issued by Daimler Commercial Buses Na on March 27, 2003. It addresses: Orion/fmvss 217/window handle. The recall affects approximately 4,191 vehicles, with the defect involving the Visibility component.
How do I get this recall repaired?
Contact any authorized Daimler Commercial Buses Na dealer and reference NHTSA recall ID 03V120000 or the manufacturer campaign number NR (Not Reported). Under federal law, the repair is completely free regardless of vehicle age or owner history.
Is my vehicle included in this recall?
The only way to confirm is to look up your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's tool will tell you if VIN-by-VIN this exact recall applies.
How long do I have to get a recall repair done?
There is no expiration on most federal safety recalls. Even if your vehicle is years old and you bought it used, the manufacturer is required to perform the repair at no cost.
Where does the data on this page come from?
All information on this page is sourced directly from the U.S. Department of Transportation public dataset for NHTSA recalls. Last refreshed: 2026-05-22. For the most current official notice, visit nhtsa.gov/recalls.