Recall 13V009 affects 21 2012 Eldorado Aerotech 240 buses for a wheelchair-lift cable short-circuit fire risk. The Ricon cover kit is free.
Eldorado is recalling 21 2012 Aerotech 240 buses because the armored pendant cable on the Ricon wheelchair lift was installed without enough clearance or with missing or misinstalled protection. The cable can contact the lift's power lug, short circuit, and result in a fire; the dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The wheelchair lift on the 2012 Eldorado Aerotech 240 uses a pendant cable to carry commands from the hand control to the lift. On affected buses, that cable is an optional armored cable, meaning it has a tougher outer covering to protect the wiring while the lift moves and the operator uses the control.
The problem is the way the cable was installed around the Ricon lift. It can sit too close to the lift mechanism instead of clearing the moving parts. The cable also was installed without a protective cover, or with that cover installed incorrectly, so the cable is exposed to rubbing, snagging, or damage during lift operation.
There is no warning sign before failure. A cable that rubs the lift, hangs in the lift path, or lacks its cover is the visible concern before the lift is used.
Who's affected?
| 2012 Eldorado Aerotech 240 | Equipment |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 21 |
Not every 2012 Eldorado Aerotech 240 bus is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific bus is included.
What's the safety risk?
A wheelchair lift cable that contacts the power lug can short circuit and start a fire. Until the repair is available, avoid using the lift and ask Eldorado or the dealer how to handle passengers who need it. Repair will be free at any franchised Eldorado dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2012 Eldorado Aerotech 240 is included in this recall.
- Watch for the owner notice Eldorado mailed about this recall, then follow its instructions for the Ricon cover kit.
- Contact Eldorado customer service at 1-785-827-1033 and reference recall number 13V009 when you call.
- Request the free Ricon supplemental cover kit that keeps the armored pendant cable from contacting the wheelchair-lift power lug.
- Avoid using the wheelchair lift until the cable routing and protective cover are corrected.
What happens at the repair
Eldorado is working with Ricon to notify owners. Ricon will provide a supplemental cover kit and instructions at no charge. Once available, the repair path is free: the wheelchair lift pendant cable gets a protective cover so it clears the lift during use. Ask the Eldorado service desk how the kit will be handled for your Aerotech 240 and whether the work is completed there or supplied with owner instructions.
Timeline
| January 14, 2013 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 8, 2013 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 13V009?
Recall 13V009 covers 21 2012 Eldorado Aerotech 240 buses equipped with a Ricon wheelchair lift and an optional armored pendant cable. NHTSA campaign 13V009 says the cable was installed without enough clearance or without the correct protective cover.
What should I do if my 2012 Eldorado Aerotech 240 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 13V009. If it is, contact Eldorado at 1-785-827-1033 or a franchised Eldorado service location and ask for the Ricon supplemental cover kit and installation instructions.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the recall remedy at no cost, and Eldorado's remedy for recall 13V009 says Ricon will provide the supplemental cover kit and instructions free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
NHTSA campaign 13V009 says the pendant cable can contact the power lug at the base of the wheelchair lift and cause a short circuit. That short circuit can result in a fire. The free remedy adds the proper supplemental cover kit.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/13V009000 |
|---|---|
| Eldorado customer service | 1-785-827-1033 |
| NHTSA recall # | 13V009 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 13V009000 |
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 →