Recall 12V513 affects 9 2011 Eldorado Axess and E-Z Rider Ii Max buses for weak emergency-window handles. Repair is free at any franchised Eldorado dealer.
Eldorado is recalling 9 2011 Axess and E-Z Rider Ii Max buses because the emergency egress window handle was cast with lower-strength material and can break before the latch releases. If the handle fails during an emergency, passengers can be trapped in the bus and face injury risk; the Eldorado dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
On affected 2011 Eldorado Axess and E-Z Rider Ii Max buses, the Ricon 3-Minute Urban Transit Bus egress window set is the emergency exit window hardware passengers use when a door exit is unavailable. The handle is supposed to release the window latch so the window opens for evacuation.
The recall covers handles made from incorrectly composed casting material. Because the material is weaker than intended, the handle can break while someone is pulling it, before the latch releases. When that happens, the window stays latched and the emergency exit does not open as designed.
There is no warning sign before failure. The problem is in the handle material, so an owner, driver, or maintenance crew is not given a clear sound, light, or feel that identifies a weakened handle before it is used.
Who's affected?
Covers two Eldorado bus models from the same model year, both listed under equipment.
| 2011 Eldorado Axess | Equipment |
|---|---|
| 2011 Eldorado E-Z Rider Ii Max | Equipment |
| Units affected | 9 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific bus.
What's the safety risk?
A failed egress window handle can keep passengers from using that emergency exit, which traps people inside the vehicle during an emergency and puts them at risk of injury. Check whether your VIN is included, then schedule the repair soon. Repair will be free at any franchised Eldorado dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011 Eldorado Axess or E-Z Rider Ii Max is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Eldorado dealer to ask about the free emergency-window handle replacement.
- Reference recall number 12V513 when you call, and bring the recall notice if Eldorado sent one.
- Keep passenger emergency exits clear until the handle replacement is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Eldorado technician replaces the defective emergency egress window handles. The handles are part of the passenger emergency exit window set; if a handle breaks before the latch releases, the window cannot open as intended in an emergency. Before arranging service, ask the dealer whether the handle replacement is open for your VIN. Once the repair is available for your vehicle, parts and labor are covered under the recall.
Timeline
| October 19, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 16, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V513?
Recall 12V513 covers 9 2011 Eldorado Axess and E-Z Rider Ii Max buses equipped with Ricon 3-Minute Urban Transit Bus egress window sets. The emergency window handle has reduced material strength and can break before the latch releases. Eldorado dealers will replace the defective handles for free.
What should I do if my 2011 Eldorado Axess or E-Z Rider Ii Max is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 12V513. If it is, contact an Eldorado dealer to schedule replacement of the emergency egress window handles. Reference recall number 12V513 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Eldorado dealers will replace the defective emergency egress window handles free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for included vehicles.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is passenger entrapment during an emergency. Under NHTSA campaign 12V513, the egress window handle can fail before the window latch releases, which can leave passengers trapped in the bus and place them at risk of injury.
What if I bought this Eldorado bus used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2011 Eldorado Axess or E-Z Rider Ii Max is included, then call an Eldorado dealer with recall number 12V513.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V513000 |
|---|---|
| Eldorado customer service | 1-937-596-7965 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V513 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V513000 |
Source documents
-
Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF) - Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →