NHTSA Recall 04V049000: Door (structure)
LIBERTY BUS INCORPORATED reported this safety recall to NHTSA on , covering an estimated 11 vehicles. It affects 2003 Liberty Spirit.
| NHTSA campaign | 04V049000 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer campaign | 217/01/LIB |
| Component | STRUCTURE › BODY › DOOR |
| Report received | January 23, 2004 |
| Owner notification | April 2, 2004 |
| Initiated by | NHTSA Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance |
Defect
Certain school buses fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 217, "bus emergency exits and window retention release." the rear exit door handle is not recessed which can catch on an article of clothing or a back pack, inadvertently opening the door. Also, the required positive door opening device for rear exit door does not hold the door at 90 degrees with the body.
Safety risk
In the event of a vehicle crash, and the vehicle ends up on its side, the door will not operate properly possibly hindering rapid egress from the vehicle.
Remedy
Liberty bus will notify its customers and a metal bezel will be installed around the handle to recess it. Owner notification began april 2, 2004. Owners should contact liberty bus at 419-227-6554.
Notes
Liberty bus recall no. 217/01/lib.also, customers can contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Vehicles covered by recall 04V049000
| Make and model | Model years |
|---|---|
| Liberty Spirit | 2003 |
Being listed here means the campaign covers the model year, not that every car was built with the defect or is still unrepaired. Enter your VIN above to check your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are free at authorised dealers. Source: NHTSA, October 2026.