Carpenter/handrails
Defect Summary
Vehicle description: school buses. passenger's clothing can unknowingly become caught in the handrails at bus doors when exiting the bus.
Safety Consequence
When a passenger's clothing becomes caught in the handrail and the bus driver closes the door and puts the vehicle in motion, the individual is subject to being dragged by the bus. this can result in serious injury or death.
Corrective Action
Carpenter is sending corrective parts to owners along with installation instructions.
Similar Recalls
Other recalls from Carpenter Industries, Inc. or involving Structure.
FAQ: Recall 96V097000
Your rights, the repair process, and what each field on this page means.
What is recall 96V097000?
NHTSA recall 96V097000 was issued by Carpenter Industries, Inc. on June 7, 1996. It addresses: Carpenter/handrails. The recall affects approximately 3,382 vehicles, with the defect involving the Structure component.
How do I get this recall repaired?
Contact any authorized Carpenter Industries, Inc. dealer and reference NHTSA recall ID 96V097000 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.