Fuel system, other: storage
- Component
- Fuel system, other: storage
- Manufacturer
- ORION BUS INDUSTRIES LTD.
- Vehicles affected
- 252
- Reported to NHTSA
- 2004-08-19
Defect description
CERTAIN BUSES EQUIPPED WITH COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS FUEL CONTAINERS, MODEL ALT823D, P/N 1273147, DO NOT CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 304, 'COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS FUEL CONTAINER INTEGRITY.' THE NGV CONTAINER'S PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES FAIL TO TIMELY AND FULLY ACTIVATE AS REQUIRED BY THE STANDARD.
Safety risk
IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE FIRE WITH THE FUEL SYSTEM ROOF ENCLOSURE REMOVED OR OPENED, THE FUEL CONTAINER'S PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES MAY NOT ACTIVATE AS THEY ARE DESIGNED TO DO AND THE FUEL CONTAINER COULD RUPTURE AND EXPLODE. SUCH AN EXPLOSION COULD CAUSE SERIOUS INJURIES OR DEATH TO OCCUPANTS OF THE BUS OR TO PERSONS OUTSIDE THE BUS.
Manufacturer remedy
STRUCTURAL COMPOSITES WILL NOTIFY THE ORION BUS OWNERS. STRUCTURAL COMPOSITES HAS NOT YET PROVIDED THE AGENCY WITH A FINALIZED REMEDY. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SCI AT 1-909-444-2503 OR ORION AT 1-905-403-7832.