Carpenter/fmvss 217
Defect Summary
Vehicle description: school buses. side emergency push-out windows may not open properly due to interference with exterior bow cap. emergency door(s) may not have required operating instructions located adjacent to interior door handle. this does not meet the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 217, "bus window retention and release."
Safety Consequence
Exit windows may not open properly during an emergency.
Corrective Action
Owners will be provided with modification instructions or if they so desire, can contact an authorized dealer for assistance.
Similar Recalls
Other recalls from Carpenter Industries, Inc. or involving Visibility.
FAQ: Recall 97V077000
Your rights, the repair process, and what each field on this page means.
What is recall 97V077000?
NHTSA recall 97V077000 was issued by Carpenter Industries, Inc. on May 9, 1997. It addresses: Carpenter/fmvss 217. The recall affects approximately 4,037 vehicles, with the defect involving the Visibility component.
How do I get this recall repaired?
Contact any authorized Carpenter Industries, Inc. dealer and reference NHTSA recall ID 97V077000 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.