Wheel chair lift platform cracking/big pivot holes
Defect Summary
Ameritrans bus, inc. (ameritrans) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 285 shuttle buses manufactured march 2, 2015, through december 23, 2015, built on ford e-450 chassis and equipped with certain model s2000, s5000, and s5500, wheelchair lifts manufactured by the ricon corporation. The platform side plate of the affected wheelchair lifts may crack. additionally, the lifts are equipped with folding link arms that may have pivot holes that are too big, allowing the bearings to move out of position.
Safety Consequence
If the platform side plates crack or the platform mounting fails from out-of-position bearings, the lift platform can separate from the lift and come to rest against the vehicle's lift door. When the vehicle's doors are opened, the platform may fall onto the lift operator, increasing their risk of injury.
Corrective Action
Ameritrans will notify the purchasers of the lifts, and ricon dealers will inspect the side plates for damage and for displaced bearings. the platform will be inspected for cracks. any damaged parts will be replaced, free of charge. the recall began on june 30, 2016. owners may contact ameritrans customer service at 1-574-262-8935, or ricon customer service at 1-800-322-2884.
Similar Recalls
Other recalls from Ameritrans Bus, Inc. or involving N/A.
FAQ: Recall 16V398000
Your rights, the repair process, and what each field on this page means.
What is recall 16V398000?
NHTSA recall 16V398000 was issued by Ameritrans Bus, Inc. on June 2, 2016. It addresses: Wheel chair lift platform cracking/big pivot holes. The recall affects approximately 5 vehicles, with the defect involving the N/A component.
How do I get this recall repaired?
Contact any authorized Ameritrans Bus, Inc. dealer and reference NHTSA recall ID 16V398000 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.