Recall 16V328 affects 225 2012-2016 Ameritrans 285 shuttle buses for inaccurate GVWR labels. Corrected labels and seat adjustments are free at any franchised Ameritrans dealer.
Ameritrans is recalling 225 2012-2016 285 shuttle buses because the certification label can list an inaccurate gross vehicle weight rating. If the bus is loaded beyond its true rating, handling is affected and crash risk increases; an Ameritrans dealer will correct the label free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The certification label on a 2012-2016 Ameritrans 285 shuttle bus is the weight label that tells operators the bus's approved gross vehicle weight rating. That rating is the loaded weight limit for the bus, including the vehicle, passengers, fuel, equipment, and luggage. Fleet staff use it to decide how many people and how much cargo the bus can carry.
On affected buses, Ameritrans used inaccurate final-stage scale readings and calculation procedures when setting those weight values. The empty weight was understated or overstated, and chassis weight differences and fuel tank capacity calculations were not handled correctly. That left some certification labels with the wrong gross vehicle weight rating, and some buses also had tire and loading placards that did not apply to heavier vehicles.
There is no warning sign before this problem matters in service. The driver will not get a light, sound, or handling message that the label is wrong, so the safe loading decision has to come from the corrected label.
Who's affected?
Covers five model years of the 285, all tied to the same vehicle label issue.
| 2015 Ameritrans 285 | vehicle label (placard or certification) |
|---|---|
| 2016 Ameritrans 285 | vehicle label (placard or certification) |
| 2014 Ameritrans 285 | vehicle label (placard or certification) |
| 2012 Ameritrans 285 | vehicle label (placard or certification) |
| 2013 Ameritrans 285 | vehicle label (placard or certification) |
| Units affected | 225 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2012-2016 Ameritrans 285 bus is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific bus is included.
What's the safety risk?
Exceeding GVWR can hurt vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash. There is no warning sign available to the driver, so treat weight limits and seating changes as safety items, not paperwork. Schedule the recall work soon. Repair is free at any franchised Ameritrans dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2012-2016 Ameritrans 285 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ameritrans dealer to schedule the free seat repositioning and corrected-label repair that fixes the inaccurate GVWR certification label.
- Bring the recall notice if Ameritrans mailed one. If not, reference recall number 16V328 when you call.
- Ask the dealer to confirm the correct GVWR before carrying a full passenger or cargo load.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Ameritrans technician checks the seat layout against the corrected weight certification information. Seats are removed or repositioned as needed, and corrected certification labels are installed. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. Ameritrans has a general reimbursement plan on file for qualifying out-of-pocket repairs tied to this recall. If you've paid for related seat or label work, contact Ameritrans customer service with your repair documentation.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| May 19, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 6, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
| June 6, 2016 | Dealer notification ended |
| June 24, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| July 18, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V328?
Recall 16V328 covers 225 2012-2016 Ameritrans 285 shuttle buses built on Ford E-450 chassis with certification labels that list an inaccurate gross vehicle weight rating. Ameritrans dealers will remove or reposition bus seats as needed and install corrected labels for free.
What should I do if my 2012-2016 Ameritrans 285 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 16V328. If it is, contact an Ameritrans dealer or Ameritrans customer service at 1-574-262-8935 to arrange the seat adjustment and corrected-label repair. Reference recall number 16V328 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 16V328, Ameritrans dealers will remove or reposition bus seats as needed and install corrected certification labels free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is overloaded vehicle weight. If the bus is loaded above its true gross vehicle weight rating, handling can be affected and crash risk increases. The free repair corrects the label issue and adjusts seating as needed so the bus matches its certified weight rating.
When did the Ameritrans 285 recall repair start?
The recall repair began on July 18, 2016. That means the remedy is available now for included buses. Check your VIN, then contact an Ameritrans dealer or Ameritrans customer service at 1-574-262-8935 to arrange the free repair.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V328000 |
|---|---|
| Ameritrans customer service | 1-574-262-8935 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V328 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V328000 |
Source documents
-
Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF) - Download Owner Notice (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 →