Recall 17V550 affects 18 2016-2017 Metro Link 28WC and 28SH buses for overloading beyond weight ratings. Free inspection and repair at franchised Metro Link dealers.
Metro Link is recalling 18 2016-2017 28WC and 28SH transit buses because certain fully loaded configurations exceed GVWR and GAWR limits. Overloading can cause loss of vehicle control, premature tire wear, or suspension and braking failures, which raises the risk of a crash; the dealer repair will be free once Metro Link makes it available.
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What's wrong?
The weight-rating certification label on a 2016-2017 Metro Link 28WC or 28SH bus tells the operator how much weight the bus and each axle are rated to carry. Those limits are the GVWR and GAWR, and they matter because a loaded transit bus carries passengers, wheelchair positions, equipment, and floor structure, not just its empty weight.
On the affected buses, the problem is the way a specific 28 foot, flat-floor configuration was certified against those limits. The included layout seats 8 passengers plus 4 wheelchair passengers, and it converts to 20 passengers without wheelchairs. When that bus is fully loaded in that configuration, its total weight or axle weight can exceed the rating printed for the vehicle.
There is no warning sign before failure. The bus will not feel different because of the label issue alone, so the important clue is whether the VIN matches this specific Metro Link configuration.
Who's affected?
Covers the 28WC and 28SH across the 2016 and 2017 model years, all tied to the same vehicle label issue.
| 2016 Metro Link 28WC | vehicle label (placard or certification) |
|---|---|
| 2017 Metro Link 28WC | vehicle label (placard or certification) |
| 2016 Metro Link 28SH | vehicle label (placard or certification) |
| 2017 Metro Link 28SH | vehicle label (placard or certification) |
| Units affected | 18 |
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?
Overloading raises the risk of losing vehicle control, premature tire wear, and suspension or braking system failure, which increases crash risk. Avoid carrying passengers or cargo beyond the vehicle's weight ratings, and schedule the recall inspection soon. Repair will be free at any franchised Metro Link dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016-2017 Metro Link 28WC or 28SH bus is included in this recall.
- Use the Metro Link owner notice instructions before scheduling service.
- Call Metro Link customer service at 1-641-903-7369 with questions and reference recall number 17V550.
- Ask the dealer about the free inspection and seat removal needed to bring the bus within GVWR and GAWR limits.
- Avoid operating the bus fully loaded until the inspection is complete, since overloading can affect control, tires, suspension, and braking.
What happens at the repair
Metro Worldwide said the recall began on September 15, 2017. At the dealer, a Metro Link technician inspects the bus configuration and removes a seat when needed to bring the vehicle within GVWR and GAWR limits. The dealer repair is free once available, with parts and labor covered under the recall. Metro Worldwide has a general reimbursement plan on file for documented out-of-pocket repairs tied to this issue. Bring repair paperwork to the service desk and ask how to submit it.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| September 1, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 15, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
| September 18, 2017 | Dealer notification began |
| September 18, 2017 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| September 22, 2017 | Dealer notification ended |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V550?
Recall 17V550 covers 18 2016-2017 Metro Link 28WC and 28SH transit buses that, in certain configurations when fully loaded, exceed GVWR and GAWR capacity. NHTSA campaign 17V550 says overload can affect control, tire wear, suspension, and braking. Dealers inspect the bus and remove a seat if needed for free.
What should I do if my 2016-2017 Metro Link 28WC or 28SH is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 17V550. If it is, contact a Metro Link dealer or Metro Link customer service at 1-641-903-7369 to schedule the inspection. Reference recall number 17V550 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 17V550, the dealer inspects the vehicle and removes a seat as needed to bring the bus within GVWR and GAWR requirements, free of charge.
What is the safety risk in recall 17V550?
The risk is overload when the bus is fully loaded in certain configurations. NHTSA campaign 17V550 says overload can cause loss of vehicle control, premature tire wear, or failure of suspension and braking systems, increasing crash risk. Confirm the VIN, then arrange the free dealer inspection.
When did the Metro Link recall repair start?
The recall repair began on September 15, 2017. That means affected 2016-2017 Metro Link 28WC and 28SH owners can contact a dealer or Metro Link customer service now to arrange the free inspection and seat removal if the bus needs it.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V550000 |
|---|---|
| Metro Link customer service | 1-641-903-7369 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V550 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V550000 |
Source documents
-
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 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →