Recall 13V591 affects 10 2009-2010 Volvo Bus 9700 motor coaches with too few passenger-side exit windows. Free repair at any franchised Volvo Bus dealer.
Volvo Bus is recalling 10 2009-2010 9700 motor coaches modified for wheelchair access because the passenger side has too few emergency exit windows after the alteration. In an emergency, that exit shortage can delay occupants leaving the bus and increase injury risk; the Volvo Bus dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The emergency exit windows on a 2009-2010 Volvo Bus 9700 motor coach are part of the body structure, not ordinary passenger windows. They are supposed to provide a marked way out when doors are blocked or unsafe to use. On buses, the number and placement of those exits matters because passengers need usable escape points on both sides of the coach.
On the affected Volvo Bus 9700 coaches, the buses were altered for wheelchair access after production. After that modification, the passenger side no longer had enough emergency exit windows to meet FMVSS No. 217, the federal rule for bus emergency exits and window release. The problem is the exit layout itself, not a part that wears out during normal driving.
An owner or operator will not feel this problem while driving. There is no warning sign before failure. The issue is found by checking whether the modified coach is included in recall 13V591 and then confirming the exit-window configuration.
Who's affected?
Spans the 2009 and 2010 model years for the same body structure component.
| 2009 Volvo Bus 9700 | body structure |
|---|---|
| 2010 Volvo Bus 9700 | body structure |
| Units affected | 10 |
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?
If an emergency evacuation is needed, too few emergency exits can slow passengers leaving the bus and increase the risk of personal injury. There is no listed warning sign for this condition, so confirm whether the VIN is included and arrange the recall work. Repair will be free at any franchised Volvo Bus dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2009-2010 Volvo Bus 9700 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Volvo Bus dealer to ask about the free emergency-exit-window installation that adds the missing passenger-side exit.
- Bring the recall notice if Volvo Bus mailed one. If not, reference recall number 13V591 when you call.
- Keep the bus out of passenger service until the dealer confirms the emergency exit window repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
The source does not list a current remedy status. The repair Volvo Bus describes is installation of an additional emergency exit window on the passenger side of the coach, restoring the required exit path after the wheelchair access modification. Once the dealer repair is available, a Volvo Bus technician installs the added emergency exit window free of charge. Parts and labor are covered under the recall.
Timeline
| November 22, 2013 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| January 16, 2014 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 13V591?
Recall 13V591 covers 10 2009-2010 Volvo Bus 9700 motor coaches modified for wheelchair access from January 11, 2012, through September 18, 2012. The passenger side has too few emergency exit windows, which can delay evacuation in an emergency.
What should I do if my 2009-2010 Volvo Bus 9700 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific coach is included in recall 13V591. If it is, contact a franchised Volvo Bus dealer to schedule installation of the additional emergency exit window. Reference recall number 13V591 and Volvo recall number SR13-92 when you call.
Does the recall repair cost anything?
No. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects and noncompliance recalls at no cost. Volvo Bus dealers will install the additional emergency exit window free of charge for covered 2009-2010 Volvo Bus 9700 coaches.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is slower passenger evacuation during an emergency. The recalled coaches have too few passenger-side emergency exit windows after the wheelchair-access modification, which increases the risk of personal injury if occupants need to exit quickly.
When did Volvo Bus start this recall repair?
Volvo Bus began this recall on January 16, 2014. If your VIN is included and the window installation was never completed, call a franchised Volvo Bus dealer and ask for the free repair under recall 13V591.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/13V591000 |
|---|---|
| Volvo Bus customer service | 1-800-528-6586 |
| NHTSA recall # | 13V591 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 13V591000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (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 →