Recall 13V296 covers 1 2013 Ameritrans M2 Series bus with a Ricon lift cable that can short and start a fire. Free cover kit.
Ameritrans is recalling 1 2013 M2 Series bus because the armored pendant cable on its Ricon wheelchair lift can sit where it does not clear the lift. If the cable contacts the power lug without a proper nonconductive cover, a short circuit can start a fire; the Ameritrans dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The wheelchair lift on the 2013 Ameritrans M2 Series bus is the powered platform that raises and lowers a wheelchair at the passenger door. A pendant is the handheld control used to operate that lift. On this bus, the pendant cable has an optional armored covering, which protects the control wiring as the lift moves.
On the recalled bus, that armored cable is routed too close to the wheelchair lift. As the lift operates, the cable does not clear the moving lift hardware. The cable can catch, bind, or interfere with the platform movement, which means the lift is not working with the clear space it needs.
There is no warning sign before failure. Before using the lift, look at the pendant cable path and keep it clear of the moving platform. If the cable does not clear the lift, stop using the lift and have Ameritrans service inspect the routing.
Who's affected?
| 2013 Ameritrans M2 Series | Equipment |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 1 |
Not every 2013 Ameritrans M2 Series 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 when the nonconductive cover is missing or installed incorrectly. That short circuit creates a fire risk. If your 2013 M2 Series has lift cable contact or cover fit problems, stop using the lift and contact the dealer. Repair will be free at any franchised Ameritrans dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013 Ameritrans M2 Series is included in this recall.
- Watch for the Ameritrans or Ricon recall instructions and supplemental cover kit if you have not received them.
- Call Ricon customer service at 1-800-322-2884 and reference recall number 13V296 when you ask about the free kit.
- Use the Ricon supplemental cover kit and instructions to keep the armored pendant cable from contacting the wheelchair-lift power lug.
- Inspect the wheelchair-lift cable area before use, and keep the cable clear until the nonconductive cover is installed correctly.
What happens at the repair
The repair path listed for this recall is a free supplemental cover kit from Ricon, with instructions sent to the owner. The filing says Ameritrans notified the owner and Ricon supplied the kit during July 2013. It does not describe a dealer labor step or an inspection process. Follow the supplied instructions before using the wheelchair lift, and contact Ameritrans or Ricon Customer Service if the kit or instructions are missing. The repair materials are free once available.
Timeline
| July 1, 2013 | Owner notification mailed |
|---|---|
| July 5, 2013 | NHTSA published the recall |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 13V296?
Recall 13V296 covers 1 2013 Ameritrans M2 Series bus equipped with a Ricon wheelchair lift and optional armored pendant cable. The cable can sit where it does not clear the lift, contact the power lug, and create a fire risk. Ricon provides the supplemental cover kit and instructions for free.
What should I do if my 2013 Ameritrans M2 Series is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 13V296. If it is, contact Ameritrans or Ricon Customer Service at 1-800-322-2884 to get the supplemental cover kit and instructions. The recall remedy is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the defect remedy at no cost, and Ricon provides the supplemental cover kit and instructions free of charge for recall 13V296. Ameritrans notified the owner, and the recall began during July 2013.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is fire. If the armored pendant cable does not clear the wheelchair lift, it can contact the power lug. Without a nonconductive cover, or with that cover installed incorrectly, the contact can create a short circuit.
What if I bought this Ameritrans bus used?
The recall follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2013 Ameritrans M2 Series bus is included. If it is, reference recall 13V296 and contact Ameritrans or Ricon Customer Service for the free cover kit and instructions.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/13V296000 |
|---|---|
| Ameritrans customer service | 1-800-322-2884 |
| NHTSA recall # | 13V296 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 13V296000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (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 →