Transportation MC9 Recalls & Complaints by Model Year

NHTSA lists 8 safety recalls and 0 owner complaints across 10 model years of the Transportation MC9 (1978–1987).

Pick your Transportation MC9 model year

• 1978
• 1979
• 1980
• 1981
• 1982
• 1983
• 1984
• 1985
• 1986
• 1987

All Transportation MC9 recalls (8)

Every NHTSA safety campaign that lists a Transportation MC9, most recent first, with the model years each one covers.

1. Linkages (steering)

   NHTSA 87V065000 Reported May 13, 1987 2,834 vehicles potentially affected TRANSPORTATION MFG. CORP.

   There may not be proper engagement between the male taper of the ball stud and the female taper of the pitman arm.

   Remedy: Repair to ensure that coaches have a good, tight pitman arm/drag link joint.

   Model years: 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987

2. Gear box (other than rack and pinion) (steering)

   NHTSA 86V097000 Reported July 22, 1986 79 vehicles potentially affected TRANSPORTATION MFG. CORP.

   The pinch bolt used to clamp the steering drive shaft yoke to the steering gear box shaft may have insufficient torque. Consequence of defect: if the pinch bolt has insufficient torque, the bolt will wear to the extent that loss of interface with the groove in the steering box would occur, allowing the steering drive shaft to slip off…

   Remedy: Install new pinch bolts, as necessary, and retorque to 40-45 lb./ft.

   Model years: 1985, 1986

3. Tie rod assembly (steering)

   NHTSA 85V082000 Reported June 24, 1985 39 vehicles potentially affected TRANSPORTATION MFG. CORP.

   The center axle mounted steering gear necessitates the use of longer tie rod arms. These arms come in closer proximity to the front tires than buses not having the center axle mounted steering gear. Consequence of defect: the longer tie rod could scuff the front tire, which could result in tire failure and possible loss of vehicle…

   Remedy: Replacement of tie rods on buses found to have tire clearance problems.

   Model years: 1985

4. Power steering fluid (steering)

   NHTSA 84V060000 Reported May 16, 1984 67 vehicles potentially affected TRANSPORTATION MFG. CORP.

   Failure of filter element due to filter plugging can occur, blocking the flow of power steering fluid. Power assist in the steering may be lost.

   Remedy: Instruct customers to remove filter element. Customer will be sent replacement filter assemblies along with detailed instructions.

   Model years: 1984

5. Glass, side/rear (visibility)

   NHTSA 83V009000 Reported January 1, 1983 2,074 vehicles potentially affected TRANSPORTATION MFG. CORP.

   Because of misaligned latch and lock components, certain side window assemblies may not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standard 217, "bus window retention and release". A wear pattern may begin to form on the window hinge which may cause extreme difficulty in operating the retention mechanism.

   Remedy: The defect may be corrected by inspecting, clamping a tool onto the window assembly striker plate, and setting the proper gap between the window retention mechanism and the striker plate. The specific procedure to…

   Model years: 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983

6. Connection (steering)

   NHTSA 82V062000 Reported June 11, 1982 19 vehicles potentially affected TRANSPORTATION MFG. CORP.

   Some of the involved vehicles contain defective capscrews in the two drag link clamps. These capscrews contain quench cracks which, over a period of time, may cause them to break.

   Remedy: Manufacturer will inspect and replace all defective capscrews.

   Model years: 1982

7. Headlights (exterior lighting)

   NHTSA 81V064000 Reported May 26, 1981 247 vehicles potentially affected TRANSPORTATION MFG. CORP.

   A number of buses have incorrect wire installation for their 12v headlamps.

   Remedy: The dealer will provide owners of involved vehicles with parts and an appropriate labor allowance.

   Model years: 1980, 1981

8. Door (structure)

   NHTSA 81V014000 Reported January 2, 1981 1,083 vehicles potentially affected TRANSPORTATION MFG. CORP.

   Roof hatches may be propped open to allow for fresh air ventillation. The prop mechanism was designed to disengage when full opening of the hatch is required to exit. The release button that disengages the prop mechanism may require excessive force to release, which fails to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety…

   Remedy: Newly designed prop mechanism will be installed to replace existing prop mechanisms. Parts will be supplied at no charge and labor will be reimbursed.

   Model years: 1978, 1979, 1980

Other Transportation models

• Transit Bus5 complaints
• Rts Bus1 complaints
• 102A30 complaints
• 96A20 complaints
• 96A30 complaints
• MC80 complaints
• Sturdivan0 complaints
• T300 complaints

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint databases and EPA fuel economy data, October 2026. Complaint counts are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. Recall counts are safety campaigns that list this model year; whether a particular car was already repaired depends on its VIN. How this data is compiled.