Recall 16V365 affects 78 2014-2016 Trans Tech Bus school buses for wheelchair lift defects. Repair is free at Trans Tech Bus dealers.
Trans Tech Bus is recalling 78 2014-2016 ST Aero and Student Safety Transport school buses because Ricon wheelchair lift side plates can crack and link-arm bearings can move out of position. That failure can let the platform separate and fall when the doors open, putting the lift operator at risk of injury, and Trans Tech Bus dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The wheelchair lift on affected 2014-2016 Trans Tech Bus ST Aero and Student Safety Transport school buses raises and lowers a wheelchair user between the ground and the bus floor. Its platform side plates support the platform, and the folding link arms guide the lift through its travel. The pivot holes hold bearings in place so the lift moves in a controlled path.
On these buses, the platform side plate can crack. The folding link arms also have pivot holes that are too large, which lets the bearings shift out of position instead of staying centered. When those support points move or fracture, the lift assembly no longer carries and guides the platform the way it was designed to.
Owners or operators can look for fracturing on both sides of the pivot platform plate. Other visible changes in the existing lift assembly are also warning signs that the lift needs inspection before continued use.
Who's affected?
Covers two Trans Tech Bus models across three model years, all tied to adaptive or mobility equipment.
| 2016 Trans Tech Bus ST Aero | Equipment adaptive/mobility |
|---|---|
| 2014 Trans Tech Bus Student Safety Transport | Equipment adaptive/mobility |
| 2014 Trans Tech Bus ST Aero | Equipment adaptive/mobility |
| 2015 Trans Tech Bus Student Safety Transport | Equipment adaptive/mobility |
| 2015 Trans Tech Bus ST Aero | Equipment adaptive/mobility |
| 2016 Trans Tech Bus Student Safety Transport | Equipment adaptive/mobility |
| Units affected | 78 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific bus is included.
What's the safety risk?
Cracked platform side plates or failed platform mounting can let the lift platform separate and rest against the vehicle's lift door. When the doors open, the platform can fall onto the lift operator and increase injury risk. Look for fractures on both sides of the pivot platform plate or visible changes in the assembly, then schedule inspection and repair. Repair is free at any franchised Trans Tech Bus dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2014-2016 Trans Tech Bus ST Aero or Student Safety Transport is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Trans Tech Bus dealer to schedule the free wheelchair-lift inspection and repair.
- Ask the dealer to inspect the Ricon lift side plates, platform, link arms, and bearings, because cracked plates or displaced bearings can let the platform separate and fall when the doors open.
- Bring the recall notice if one arrived. If not, reference recall number 16V365 when you call.
- Keep riders and lift operators clear of the wheelchair lift until the inspection confirms the platform, side plates, link arms, and bearings are secure.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Trans Tech Bus technician inspects the Ricon wheelchair lift link arms for damage or displaced bearings and checks the platform for cracks. Any damaged link arm, bearing, platform, or related lift part is replaced free under the recall. A general reimbursement plan is on file, so owners who already paid for a related lift repair should contact Transportation Collaborative customer service and have repair documentation ready.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| May 26, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 10, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
| June 10, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| June 24, 2016 | Dealer notification ended |
| June 28, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V365?
Recall 16V365 covers 78 2014-2016 Trans Tech Bus ST Aero and Student Safety Transport school buses with certain Ricon wheelchair lifts. The platform side plate can crack, and link-arm bearing problems can let the lift platform separate and fall when the vehicle doors open.
What should I do if my 2014-2016 Trans Tech Bus ST Aero or Student Safety Transport is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 16V365. If it is, contact Trans Tech Bus customer service at 1-845-988-0419 and ask where to have the Ricon wheelchair lift inspected and repaired. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 16V365, the wheelchair lift link arms and platform are inspected, and damaged parts are replaced free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is injury to the lift operator. If the platform side plates crack or the mounting fails from displaced bearings, the lift platform can separate from the lift and rest against the vehicle's lift door, then fall when the doors open.
When did the recall repair become available?
The recall began on June 28, 2016, so the remedy is available. Trans Tech Bus owners can reference recall 16V365 when calling customer service or arranging service for the Ricon wheelchair lift inspection and any needed parts replacement.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V365000 |
|---|---|
| Trans Tech Bus customer service | 1-845-988-0419 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V365 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V365000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall 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 →