Recall 21V786 affects 468 2014-2016 Startrans School Bus buses with incorrect rear emergency exit window labels. Repair is free at any franchised Startrans dealer.
Startrans is recalling 468 2014-2016 School Bus vehicles under recall 21V786 because rear emergency exit window labels are in the wrong location and give instructions for only one release mechanism. In an emergency, incorrect instructions can prevent or delay use of the exit and increase injury risk; Startrans dealers will correct the labels free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The rear emergency exit window label on 2014-2016 Startrans School Bus vehicles is supposed to tell a person how to open the emergency exit from inside the bus. That label matters because an exit window can have more than one release mechanism, and the instructions need to match the hardware a passenger or driver sees in front of them.
On these buses, the window sticker was placed in the wrong location after a process change by the emergency window manufacturer. The recalled window has one label in the lower center of the window, and that label gives instructions for one release mechanism instead of two. The corrected window has two labels, with each label placed near its release mechanism.
There is no warning sign before failure because the problem is the instruction label itself, not a part that wears out during driving. The issue becomes important when someone needs to use the rear emergency exit window and has to find the correct release instructions quickly.
Who's affected?
Covers the 2014, 2015, and 2016 model years, all tied to the same window sticker label issue.
| 2015 Startrans School Bus | vehicle label (placard or certification) |
|---|---|
| 2016 Startrans School Bus | vehicle label (placard or certification) |
| 2014 Startrans School Bus | vehicle label (placard or certification) |
| Units affected | 468 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents 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?
In an emergency, incorrect rear emergency exit window labels can delay use of the exit and increase the risk of injury. Schedule the label repair promptly so the exit instructions match the bus. Repair is free at any franchised Startrans dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2014-2016 Startrans School Bus is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Startrans dealer to schedule the free rear emergency exit window label repair, which adds correct instructions for both release mechanisms.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it, or reference recall number 21V786 when you call.
- Call Startrans customer service at 1-800-348-7440 with questions about the free repair.
What happens at the repair
The recall repair is available now. At the dealer, a Startrans technician installs new labels on the rear emergency exit windows so the emergency exit instructions are in the correct location and cover the required release mechanisms. Parts and labor are free under the recall. If you already paid for a repair tied to this label defect, you still need the recall inspected or performed so the correct parts and procedure are confirmed. To seek a refund, submit the service invoice to the Star Trans Forest River warranty manager.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| October 8, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 30, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| November 30, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| November 30, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| August 22, 2022 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V786?
Recall 21V786 covers 468 2014-2016 Startrans School Bus vehicles with rear emergency exit window labels in the wrong location and incomplete instructions for the 2 release mechanisms. Dealers will install new rear emergency exit window labels for free.
What should I do if my 2014-2016 Startrans School Bus is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 21V786. If it is, contact a franchised Startrans dealer to schedule the rear emergency exit window label repair. Reference recall number 21V786 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and the recall remedy says dealers will install new labels on the rear emergency exit windows free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is delayed use of the rear emergency exit during an emergency. Incorrect or incomplete window label instructions can prevent or slow someone trying to open the emergency exit, increasing the risk of injury.
When were owners notified about this recall?
Owner notification letters were mailed on August 22, 2022. If you manage or own a 2014-2016 Startrans School Bus and never received a letter, check your VIN and call Forest River Customer Service at 1-800-348-7440 with recall 21V786.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V786000 |
|---|---|
| Startrans customer service | 1-800-348-7440 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V786 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V786000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →