Recall 15V494 covers 2 Turtle Top 2010, 2012 transit buses with emergency-exit windows below loading requirements. Free repair at a franchised Turtle Top dealer.
Turtle Top is recalling 2 2010, 2012 Odyssey Xl Mpv and Van Terra Xl transit buses because the side windows do not meet federal loading requirements. If a passenger or object pushes against the glass, a window can break and fall onto a passenger; Turtle Top dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The emergency egress windows on 2010, 2012 Turtle Top Odyssey Xl Mpv and Van Terra Xl buses are meant to stay secured during normal use and release when occupants need an emergency exit. The window handle and catch work together like a latch: the handle holds against the catch so the window stays closed until someone intentionally opens it.
On affected buses, the dual pane egress window handle and catch do not consistently hold the window to the FMVSS 217 load requirement. The handle can press against the catch, slide past it, and let the window open when it should stay retained. Turtle Top's remedy replaces the field hardware with a longer aluminum catch, new handles, and mounting screws.
There is no warning sign before failure. The problem is in how the handle and catch hold under load, so an owner or driver will not get a dashboard light, noise, or visible change before the latch lets go.
Who's affected?
Covers separate 2010 and 2012 bus configurations, both tied to the same door latch.
| 2010 Turtle Top Odyssey Xl Mpv | Latch |
|---|---|
| 2012 Turtle Top Van Terra Xl | Latch |
| Units affected | 2 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 1 field incident to date. |
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?
The window does not meet minimum loading requirements, so it can break and fall onto a passenger if a passenger or object pushes against it. There is no warning sign before failure. Keep passengers and loose items away from the window and schedule the recall repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Turtle Top dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2010 or 2012 Turtle Top Odyssey Xl Mpv or Van Terra Xl transit bus is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Turtle Top dealer to schedule the free catch-and-handle replacement for the emergency-exit window latches.
- Bring the recall notice if Turtle Top mailed one. If not, reference recall number 15V494 when you call.
- Avoid pushing on the affected emergency-exit windows until the repair is complete; windows that fail the loading requirement can break and fall onto a passenger.
- Call Turtle Top customer service at 1-574-831-4340 with questions about scheduling or repair status.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Turtle Top technician installs a newly designed emergency window catch and handle combination so the exit hardware meets the recall repair requirements. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered by Turtle Top. If you've already paid out of pocket for this same window catch or handle repair, Turtle Top has a reimbursement plan on file for documented costs. Bring repair paperwork and proof of payment to the service desk, or contact Turtle Top customer service to start the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| August 6, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 17, 2015 | Dealer notification began |
| August 17, 2015 | Dealer notification ended |
| August 17, 2015 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| September 8, 2015 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V494?
Recall 15V494 covers 2 Turtle Top transit buses: the 2010 Odyssey Xl Mpv and 2012 Van Terra Xl. The window catch and handle system does not meet bus emergency exit and window retention requirements, so Turtle Top dealers will install a newly designed catch and handle combination for free.
What should I do if my 2010, 2012 Turtle Top Odyssey Xl Mpv or Van Terra Xl is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 15V494. If it is, contact a Turtle Top dealer or Turtle Top customer service at 1-574-831-4340 to schedule the catch and handle replacement. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Turtle Top states that dealers will install the newly designed catch and handle combination free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for vehicles included in recall 15V494.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is window breakage near passengers. Turtle Top says affected windows do not meet minimum loading requirements, so a window can break and fall onto a passenger when pushed by passengers or objects. The free dealer repair replaces the catch and handle combination.
What if I bought the Turtle Top bus used?
The free repair still applies if the VIN is included. Recall eligibility follows the vehicle, not the first owner, so a used Odyssey Xl Mpv or Van Terra Xl can still receive the dealer repair. Check your VIN, then reference recall 15V494 when you call Turtle Top.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V494000 |
|---|---|
| Turtle Top customer service | 1-574-831-4340 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V494 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V494000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →