Recall 13V299 covers 4 2006-2013 Ameritrans E-Series buses with Ricon wheelchair-lift cable placement that can short. Ricon provides the cover kit free.
Ameritrans is recalling 4 2006-2013 E-Series buses because an armored wheelchair lift pendant cable 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 dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The affected 2006-2013 Ameritrans E-Series buses use a Ricon wheelchair lift with an optional armored pendant cable. The pendant is the hand control for the lift, and the armored cable protects the control wiring while signals pass between the control and the lift. That cable needs a clear path around the lift as the platform moves.
On these buses, the armored cable is positioned so it does not clear the wheelchair lift. When the lift moves, the cable can contact or catch on part of the lift instead of staying out of the travel path. That interference can affect lift operation and leave the cable exposed to damage from repeated contact.
There is no warning sign before failure. An operator using the lift should treat any cable contact, binding, or abnormal lift movement as a reason to stop using the lift and have the recall repair handled.
Who's affected?
All 8 E-Series model years share the same Equipment component label.
| 2007 Ameritrans E-Series | Equipment |
|---|---|
| 2006 Ameritrans E-Series | Equipment |
| 2013 Ameritrans E-Series | Equipment |
| 2012 Ameritrans E-Series | Equipment |
| 2008 Ameritrans E-Series | Equipment |
| 2009 Ameritrans E-Series | Equipment |
| 2011 Ameritrans E-Series | Equipment |
| 2010 Ameritrans E-Series | Equipment |
| Units affected | 4 |
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 wheelchair lift cable that contacts an uncovered or improperly covered power lug can short circuit and start a fire. If the cable path or cover looks wrong, stop using the lift and arrange recall service before regular passenger use. Repair will be free at any franchised Ameritrans dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2006-2013 Ameritrans E-Series is included in this recall.
- Review the certified owner notice Ameritrans mailed, then request the free supplemental cover kit and instructions from Ricon Customer Service.
- Reference recall number 13V299 when you call about the wheelchair-lift cable cover kit.
- Install the supplemental cover kit before using the wheelchair lift, so the armored pendant cable stays clear of the power lug.
- Keep the wheelchair-lift area clear and stop using the lift if the cable contacts the power lug before the cover kit is installed.
What happens at the repair
The source remedy for recall 13V299 is a free supplemental cover kit and instructions from Ricon for the wheelchair lift pendant cable. Because the remedy status is not listed as available, do not assume a dealer appointment for a final repair is open from this record. Once the dealer repair opens, an Ameritrans technician can review the lift cable position and install the needed cover kit. Parts and labor are covered under the recall once the repair is available.
Timeline
| July 5, 2013 | Owner notification mailed |
|---|---|
| July 8, 2013 | NHTSA published the recall |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 13V299?
Recall 13V299 covers 4 2006-2013 Ameritrans E-Series buses equipped with a Ricon wheelchair lift and optional armored pendant cable. If the cable contacts the power lug without a proper nonconductive cover, a short circuit can start a fire. Ricon provides the supplemental cover kit and instructions for free.
What should I do if my 2006-2013 Ameritrans E-Series is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 13V299. If it is, contact Ricon Customer Service at 1-800-322-2884 and reference recall 13V299. Ricon provides the supplemental cover kit and installation instructions free of charge.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. The recall remedy is free under recall 13V299. Ricon provides owners with a supplemental cover kit and instructions at no charge, and the owner notice was mailed by certified mail on July 5, 2013.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is fire from an electrical short circuit. On affected buses, the armored pendant cable for the Ricon wheelchair lift can contact the power lug if the cable does not clear the lift and lacks a proper nonconductive cover.
What if I bought this Ameritrans E-Series used?
The free recall remedy still applies to an included bus. Used ownership does not cancel the recall. Check your VIN, then contact Ricon Customer Service at 1-800-322-2884 with recall 13V299 so they can provide the cover kit and instructions.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/13V299000 |
|---|---|
| Ameritrans customer service | 1-800-322-2884 |
| NHTSA recall # | 13V299 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 13V299000 |
Source documents
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 →