Recall 13V083 affects 4 2009-2010 Startrans Mfsab school buses with armored wheelchair-lift cables that can short-circuit. Ricon provides the repair kit free.
Startrans is recalling 4 2009-2010 Mfsab school buses equipped with Ricon wheelchair lifts because the optional armored pendant cable can sit where it does not clear the lift. The cable can contact the power lug and create a short circuit, which raises the risk of a fire; the dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The wheelchair lift on the 2009-2010 Startrans Mfsab school bus is the powered platform used to raise and lower a passenger using a wheelchair. The pendant is the wired hand control for that lift. Its armored cable protects the control wiring and needs to stay routed clear of the lift as the platform moves.
On affected buses, that armored pendant cable is positioned where it does not clear the wheelchair lift. When the lift is deployed, raised, lowered, or stowed, the lift and cable occupy the same space. That creates interference at the lift, instead of letting the control cable stay out of the moving equipment's path.
There is no warning sign before failure. The issue is the cable's position, so the problem can exist before a driver or attendant sees a clear symptom during normal bus use.
Who's affected?
Spans the 2009 and 2010 Mfsab model years, with the adaptive equipment category listed for both.
| 2009 Startrans Mfsab | Equipment adaptive/mobility |
|---|---|
| 2010 Startrans Mfsab | Equipment adaptive/mobility |
| Units affected | 4 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific bus is included.
What's the safety risk?
Under NHTSA campaign 13V083, if a cable fails to clear the wheelchair lift, it can touch the power lug. Without a proper nonconductive cover, that contact creates a short-circuit fire risk. Schedule the recall work when available. Repair will be free at any franchised Startrans dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2009-2010 Startrans Mfsab is included in this recall.
- Contact Supreme customer service at 1-877-258-1391 and reference recall number 13V083 when you call.
- Request the free Ricon supplemental cover kit and instructions that keep the armored pendant cable from contacting the wheelchair lift power lug.
- Keep the wheelchair lift out of service until the cover kit is installed and the cable clears the lift.
- Bring the recall notice or VIN information when a franchised Startrans service location handles the repair.
What happens at the repair
For campaign 13V083, the filing does not list an available dealer repair status. Ricon conducted the recall for Supreme and began the owner process on March 8, 2013. The documented remedy is a supplemental cover kit with instructions for the wheelchair lift pendant cable, provided free of charge. Once the repair path is confirmed for your VIN, the final remedy is free. Ask a Startrans dealer or Supreme customer service how the cover kit applies to your bus before using the wheelchair lift again.
Timeline
| February 28, 2013 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 8, 2013 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 13V083?
Recall 13V083 covers 4 2009-2010 Startrans Mfsab school buses equipped with Ricon wheelchair lifts and an optional armored pendant cable. The cable can contact the power lug and create a short circuit and fire risk. Ricon provides the supplemental cover kit and instructions for free.
What should I do if my 2009-2010 Startrans Mfsab is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 13V083. If it is, contact Startrans at 1-877-258-1391 or Ricon at 1-818-267-3000 and reference recall 13V083. Ask for the free supplemental cover kit and installation instructions.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Ricon is handling this recall for Startrans and provides the supplemental cover kit and instructions free of charge. Federal recall law requires the recall remedy to be provided at no cost to the owner.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is a short circuit and fire tied to the wheelchair lift pendant cable. If the armored cable does not clear the lift and contacts the power lug without a proper nonconductive cover, the electrical contact can create a fire risk.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/13V083000 |
|---|---|
| Startrans customer service | 1-877-258-1391 |
| NHTSA recall # | 13V083 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 13V083000 |
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 →