Recall 26V482 affects 24 2025 Frontrunner transit buses for wheelchair retractors that do not lock properly. Repair will be free once Frontrunner opens it.
Frontrunner is recalling 24 2025 Frontrunner transit buses because wheelchair retractors can fail to lock, leaving a wheelchair unsecured. An unsecured wheelchair can move during transit and increase the risk of injury; a Frontrunner dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The retractor in a 2025 Frontrunner transit bus is part of the wheelchair securement system. It works like a locking spool for the tie-down strap: the strap extends for positioning, then the retractor locks so the wheelchair stays secured during the ride. When it locks, the securement point holds tension instead of letting the strap feed back out.
On affected buses, interference between internal parts makes the auto release function stick. That release mechanism is supposed to let the strap move when the operator is setting up or removing the securement, then allow the retractor to lock again. If it stays in the wrong position, the retractor does not lock and the wheelchair is not properly secured.
Operators can catch the problem during a functional inspection or pre-trip inspection. The warning sign is an unlocked retractor, or abnormal wheelchair movement after securement, as described in the Q'Straint user and care manual.
Who's affected?
| 2025 Frontrunner Frontrunner | Critical fasteners |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 24 |
A matching year and model does not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific bus is included.
What's the safety risk?
An unsecured wheelchair can move during transit, increasing the risk of injury. Before each trip, confirm the retractor locks and treat abnormal wheelchair movement as a reason to stop using that seating position until inspected. Repair will be free at any franchised Frontrunner dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2025 Frontrunner Frontrunner is included in this recall.
- Watch for Frontrunner's owner letter with repair scheduling instructions.
- Call Frontrunner customer service at 1-800-886-9247 with questions, and reference recall number 26V482 when you call.
- Ask where to complete the free Q'Straint retractor inspection and replacement that fixes retractors that do not lock.
- Avoid carrying a wheelchair passenger in an affected securement position until the retractor repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
Once the repair opens, Frontrunner will work with Q'Straint to inspect the wheelchair securement retractors and replace the affected retractors, free of charge. The technician checks whether the retractors lock properly, then replaces the suspect parts. Owner letters were expected to be mailed August 3, 2026. If you already paid for replacement product or freight tied to this defect, Frontrunner's reimbursement plan covers product shipped from November 11, 2025 to February 17, 2026. Keep your repair invoice and freight paperwork for the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| July 24, 2026 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 3, 2026 | Dealer notification began |
| August 7, 2026 | Dealer notification ended |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 26V482?
Recall 26V482 covers 24 2025 Frontrunner transit buses with wheelchair securement retractors that do not lock as required. A wheelchair that is not properly secured can move during transit and increase injury risk. Frontrunner will work with Q'Straint to inspect and replace the retractors for free.
What should I do if my 2025 Frontrunner Frontrunner is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 26V482. If it is, contact Frontrunner or a franchised Frontrunner service location to arrange the wheelchair-retractor inspection and replacement. Reference recall number 26V482 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to correct the safety defect at no cost. Frontrunner will work with Q'Straint to inspect and replace the affected wheelchair securement retractors free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is an unsecured wheelchair inside the bus. If the retractors fail to lock, the wheelchair is not properly secured and can move during transit. That movement increases the risk of injury for the wheelchair user and nearby passengers.
When will owners be notified?
Frontrunner expects to mail owner notification letters on August 3, 2026. If you operate or own a 2025 Frontrunner transit bus, use the VIN check and contact Frontrunner customer service at 1-800-886-9247 with recall number 26V482.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/26V482000 |
|---|---|
| Frontrunner customer service | 1-800-886-9247 |
| NHTSA recall # | 26V482 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 26V482000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF) - Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on August 3, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →