Model year record

2009 GIRARDIN G5

14 recall campaigns on file for this model year. No owner complaints on file.

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 12V164000

Equipment adaptive/mobility

Component
Equipment adaptive/mobility
Manufacturer
CORP. MICRO BIRD, INC.
Vehicles affected
38
Reported to NHTSA
2012-04-12
Owners notified
2012-05-11

Defect description

MICRO BIRD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 THROUGH 2011 MICRO BIRD G5 SCHOOL BUSES EQUIPPED WITH BRAUN CENTURY-2 AND VISTA-2 WHEELCHAIR LIFTS. OVER TIME AND WITH FREQUENT USE, THE ROLL STOP LATCHES ON THE OUTER BARRIER MAY BECOME BENT OR MISALIGNED.

Safety risk

A WHEELCHAIR OCCUPANT MAY DEFEAT OR RIDE OVER THE INSUFFICIENTLY LATCHED ROLL STOP. IF THIS OCCURS WHEN THE LIFT PLATFORM IS IN AN ELEVATED POSITION, THE WHEELCHAIR’S OCCUPANT COULD FALL AND SUSTAIN INJURY.

Manufacturer remedy

MICRO BIRD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND THE REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED BY AUTHORIZED BRAUN DEALERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MICRO BIRD AT 1-819-477-2012.

Recall campaignNHTSA 11V319000

Electrical system: wiring

Component
Electrical system: wiring
Manufacturer
CORP. MICRO BIRD, INC.
Vehicles affected
45
Reported to NHTSA
2011-06-06
Owners notified
2011-07-04

Defect description

MICRO BIRD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2010 GIRARDIN G5 AND 2009 AND 2010 AND 2011 MICRO BIRD G5 NON SCHOOL BUSES BUILT ON FORD CUTAWAY CHASSIS FROM FEBRUARY 2006 THROUGH MAY 30, 2011. THE OEM CUTAWAY WIRING HARNESS PASSES JUST REARWARD OF THE DRIVER SEAT BETWEEN THE B PILLAR AND THE RAISED FLOOR. THE RAISED FLOOR JUST REARWARD OF THE DRIVER SEAT IS TRAPPING THE WIRE HARNESS CAUSING THE WIRES TO RUB AGAINST THE METAL FLOOR MOLDING, DAMAGING THE WIRE INSULATION.

Safety risk

A WIRE WITH DAMAGED INSULATION MAY CAUSE AN ELECTRICAL SHORT WHICH CAN LEAD TO A FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

MICRO BIRD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE BUSES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 4, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MICRO BIRD AT 1-819-477-2012.

Recall campaignNHTSA 11V309000

Electrical system: wiring

Component
Electrical system: wiring
Manufacturer
CORP. MICRO BIRD, INC.
Vehicles affected
143
Reported to NHTSA
2011-06-06
Owners notified
2011-07-05

Defect description

MICRO BIRD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2010 GIRARDIN G5 AND 2009 AND 2010 AND 2011 MICRO BIRD G5 SCHOOL BUSES BUILT ON FORD CUTAWAY CHASSIS FROM FEBRUARY 2006 THROUGH MAY 30, 2011. THE OEM CUTAWAY WIRING HARNESS PASSES JUST REARWARD OF THE DRIVER SEAT BETWEEN THE B PILLAR AND THE RAISED FLOOR. THE RAISED FLOOR JUST REARWARD OF THE DRIVER SEAT IS TRAPPING THE WIRE HARNESS CAUSING THE WIRES TO RUB AGAINST THE METAL FLOOR MOLDING, DAMAGING THE WIRE INSULATION.

Safety risk

A WIRE WITH DAMAGED INSULATION MAY CAUSE AN ELECTRICAL SHORT WHICH CAN LEAD TO A FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

MICRO BIRD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE BUSES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 5, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MICRO BIRD AT 1-819-477-2012.

Recall campaignNHTSA 11V228000

Exterior lighting

Component
Exterior lighting
Manufacturer
CORP. MICRO BIRD, INC.
Vehicles affected
109
Reported to NHTSA
2011-04-11
Owners notified
2011-06-02

Defect description

CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006 THROUGH 2010 GIRARDIN G5 AND MBII AND MODEL YEAR 2010 AND 2011 MICRO BIRD G5 AND MB II SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 2006 THROUGH APRIL 5, 2011, FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 131, "SCHOOL BUS PEDESTRIAN SAFETY DEVICES." THE 4-WAY WARNING LIGHTS DO NOT HAVE AN ALARM TO ALERT THE DRIVER THAT THE STOP ARM DID NOT DEPLOY WHEN THE 4 RED LIGHTS ARE ACTIVATED.

Safety risk

THE DRIVER COULD ERRONEOUSLY THINK THAT THE SCHOOL BUS STOP ARM IS DEPLOYED WHILE THE FIRST SET OF 4 RED LIGHTS ARE ACTIVATED. THIS CONDITION INCREASES RISK OF INJURY TO PEDESTRIANS.

Manufacturer remedy

MICRO BIRD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED WARNING LIGHTS WITH WARNING LIGHTS THAT HAVE AN ALARM FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN DURING JUNE 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MICRO BIRD AT 1-819-477-2012.

Recall campaignNHTSA 10V627000

Structure: frame and members: underbody shields

Component
Structure: frame and members: underbody shields
Manufacturer
CORP. MICRO BIRD, INC.
Vehicles affected
112
Reported to NHTSA
2010-12-15
Owners notified
2011-01-05

Defect description

CORP. MICRO BIRD IS RECALLING MODEL YEAR 2008 AND 2009 GIRARDIN G5 SCHOOL BUSES BUILT ON GM AND FORD CUTAWAY CHASSIS FROM FEBRUARY 1, 2008 THROUGH DECEMBER 16, 2008. THE SHEET METAL BELOW THE WINDOW INSIDE THE BUS ON THE LEFT-HAND SIDE FAILS TO COMPLY WITH THE JOINT STRENGTH REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 221, "SCHOOL BUS BODY JOINT STRENGTH." THERE IS NO ADHESIVE ON THE JOINT BETWEEN THE TWO EMBOSSED ALUMINUM SHEETS.

Safety risk

IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE EMBOSSED ALUMINUM SHEET MAY SEPARATE FROM THE INTERIOR COMPARTMENT STRUCTURE AND CAUSE INJURY TO BUS PASSENGERS.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE BUSES BY ADDING ADHESIVE AND RIVETS BETWEEN THE 2 EMBOSSED ALUMINUM SHEETS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 5, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CORP. MICRO BIRD AT 1-819-477-2021.

Recall campaignNHTSA 10V377000

Equipment

Component
Equipment
Manufacturer
CORP. MICRO BIRD, INC.
Vehicles affected
130
Reported to NHTSA
2010-08-13
Owners notified
2010-10-08

Defect description

CERTAIN GIRARDIN MODEL YEAR 2006 THROUGH 2010 AND MICRO BIRD BY GIRARDIN MODEL YEAR 2009 THROUGH 2010 G5 AND 2003 THROUGH 2006 GIRARDIN MB IV TRANSIT BUSES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 217, "BUS EMERGENCY EXISTS AND WINDOW RETENTION AND RELEASE." THE VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH THERMAL T-SLIDER OR PANORAMIC TYPE PUSH-OUT WINDOWS WITH 2 RELEASE MECHANISMS (ONE ON EACH SIDE). THE WINDOW HANDLE BASE SPACER PLATE CAN TEAR DUE TO THE ROTATION OF THE EXTERIOR WINDOW FRAME.

Safety risk

IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE EMERGENCY EXIT COULD NOT SUFFICIENTLY RESTRAIN THE OCCUPANT(S) OR BECOME INOPERABLE. THE OCCUPANT(S) COULD BE THROWN FROM THE VEHICLE OR NOT BE CAPABLE OF OPENING THE EMERGENCY EXITS WHICH COULD CAUSE INJURY OR DEATH OF THE VEHICLE OCCUPANT(S).

Manufacturer remedy

GIRARDIN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND WILL PROVIDE PARTS TO PERFORM THE REPAIR ALONG WITH INSTRUCTIONS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 8, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MICRO BIRD AT 1-819-477-2012.

Recall campaignNHTSA 10V123000

Equipment adaptive/mobility

Component
Equipment adaptive/mobility
Manufacturer
CORP. MICRO BIRD, INC.
Vehicles affected
49
Reported to NHTSA
2010-03-25
Owners notified
2010-04-01

Defect description

CORP. MICRO BIRD HAS NOTIFIED NHTSA ABOUT A DEFECT IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 AND 2010 SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN OCTOBER 2008 AND MARCH 2010 FITTED WITH RICON PUBLIC USE S AND K SERIES WHEELCHAIR LIFTS. DUE TO A PROBLEM IN THE SOFTWARE THAT CONTROLS THE LIFTS UP FUNCTION, IF THE SWITCH IS RELEASED BEFORE THE FLOOR LEVEL LIMIT SWITCH IS ACTIVATED, THE LIFT MAY CONTINUE ITS UPWARD TRAVEL FOR APPROXIMATELY 1 SECOND BEFORE STOPPING. THE CONTINUED UPWARD TRAVEL MAY OVERRUN THE FLOOR LEVEL CUT OFF POINT.

Safety risk

WHEN THE PLATFORM OVERRUNS THE VEHICLE FLOOR LEVEL AND STOPS AT AN ANGLE FROM 15-20 DEGREES, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR A PERSON IN A WHEELCHAIR TO TIP OVER AND FOR SOMEONE STANDING ON THE PLATFORM TO FALL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN INJURIES.

Manufacturer remedy

CORP. MICRO BIRD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND THE REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED BY AUTHORIZED RICON DEALERS FREE OF CHARGE. CURRENTLY RICON IS DEVELOPING A SOFTWARE SOLUTION AND IS NOT AVAILABLE. UNTIL THE SOFTWARE SOLUTION IS AVAILABLE, RICON WILL PROVIDE OWNERS WITH A BULLETIN OUTLINING PROPER WHEELCHAIR LIFT OPERATION AND WILL SHIP OWNERS A DVD-BASED TRAINING AID TO PROMOTE PROPER LIFT OPERATION AT NO COST. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 1, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT RICON AT 1-818-267-3000 OR MICRO BIRD AT 1-819-477-2012.

Recall campaignNHTSA 10V121000

Equipment adaptive/mobility

Component
Equipment adaptive/mobility
Manufacturer
CORP. MICRO BIRD, INC.
Vehicles affected
103
Reported to NHTSA
2010-03-25
Owners notified
2010-03-31

Defect description

CORP. MICRO BIRD HAS NOTIFIED NHTSA ABOUT A DEFECT IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007 THROUGH 2010 SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN DECEMBER 2007 AND MARCH 2010 FITTED WITH RICON PUBLIC USE S AND K SERIES WHEELCHAIR LIFTS. THE RESTRAINT BELT ON THESE LIFTS WAS DESIGNED TO PREVENT THE LIFT FROM MOVING, UNLESS THE TONGUE OF THE BELT IS FULLY ENGAGED AND LATCHED IN THE BUCKLE. RICON HAS DISCOVERED, HOWEVER, THAT IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE OPERATOR TO INSERT THE BELT TONGUE INTO THE BUCKLE WITHOUT FULLY ENGAGING THE LATCHING MECHANISM. IN THIS CASE, THE RESTRAINT BELT WOULD APPEAR TO BE LATCHED, AND THE OPERATOR COULD RUN THE LIFT. IF THE RESTRAINT BELT TONGUE IS NOT FULLY ENGAGED INTO THE RESTRAINT BELT BUCKLE, AND LATCHED, THE LIFT MAY OPERATE WITH AN OCCUPANT ON THE PLATFORM.

Safety risk

THE USER OF THE LIFT COULD BE INJURED SHOULD THE LIFT MOVE WITHOUT THE RESTRAINT BELT PROPERLY BUCKLED.

Manufacturer remedy

MICRO BIRD IS WORKING WITH RICON AND RICON WILL BE HANDLING THE REMEDY FOR THIS CAMPAIGN. PLEASE SEE RICON'S DEFECT REPORT 09E-060. RICON WILL PROVIDE CUSTOMERS WITH A WARNING DECAL AND A DVD-BASED TRAINING AID. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON M,ARCH 31, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT RICON AT 1-818-267-3000 OR MICRO BIRD AT 1-819-477-2012.

Recall campaignNHTSA 10V067000

Seats

Component
Seats
Manufacturer
CORP. MICRO BIRD, INC.
Vehicles affected
582
Reported to NHTSA
2010-02-25
Owners notified
2010-06-29

Defect description

CORP. MICRO BIRD, INC. HAS NOTIFIED NHTSA ABOUT A NONCOMPLIANCE IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006 THROUGH 2010 G5 SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 1, 2006 AND FEBRUARY 15, 2009, EQUIPPED WITH 39 OR 45 INCH SEATS. THE BUSES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 222, "SCHOOL BUS PASSENGER SEATING AND CRASH PROTECTION." SOME SEATS WERE INSTALLED WITHOUT ANY REINFORCEMENT UNDER THE FLOOR.

Safety risk

IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT MAY NOT ABSORB SUFFICIENT ENERGY TO RESTRAIN THE OCCUPANT AS INTENDED AND IT COULD RESULT IN INJURY OR DEATH TO THE OCCUPANT.

Manufacturer remedy

MICRO BIRD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE BUSES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 29, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MICRO BIRD AT 1-819-477-2012.

Recall campaignNHTSA 09V322000

Seats

Component
Seats
Manufacturer
GIRARDIN MINIBUS INC.
Vehicles affected
16
Reported to NHTSA
2009-08-07
Owners notified
2009-09-30

Defect description

GIRARDIN IS RECALLING MODEL YEAR 2006 THROUGH 2009 G5 NON-SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JUNE 1, 2006 AND JULY 2009 EQUIPPED WITH FREEDMAN FOLDING SEATS. THE LOCATION OF THE BOLTS USED FOR THE ANCHORAGE OF THE FREEDMAN FOLDING SEAT INSTALLED IN THESE VEHICLES IS IMPROPER. THE SEAT FLOOR REINFORCEMENT DOESN'T COVER THE ENTIRE SEAT BOLTS FIXATION BECAUSE OF A CROSS MEMBER INTERFERENCE. THESE SEATS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE STRENGTH REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NOS. 207, "SEATING SYSTEMS," AND 210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES."

Safety risk

IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT AND SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY MAY NOT RESTRAIN THE OCCUPANT AS INTENDED POSSIBLY RESULTING IN INJURY OR DEATH TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT.

Manufacturer remedy

GIRARDIN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPAIR THE BUSES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 30, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GIRARDIN AT 1-819-477-2012 EXT 401.

Recall campaignNHTSA 09V320000

Seats

Component
Seats
Manufacturer
GIRARDIN MINIBUS INC.
Vehicles affected
6
Reported to NHTSA
2009-08-07
Owners notified
2009-09-18

Defect description

GIRARDIN MINIBUS IS RECALLING MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 G5 CUTAWAY MULTI PURPOSE VEHICLES (MPV'S) BUILT ON FORD AND GM CHASSIS FOR FAILING TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS (FMVSS) NO. 207, "SEATING SYSTEM" AND FMVSS NO. 210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY." THE SECTION OF THE FLOOR ON WHICH THE SEAT IS INSTALLED TEARS WHEN THE LOADS REQUIRED BY FMVSS 207 AND 210 ARE APPLIED SIMULTANEOUSLY.

Safety risk

IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT AND SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY MAY NOT RESTRAIN THE OCCUPANT AS INTENDED, THEREBY INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY OR DEATH TO A VEHICLE OCCUPANT.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL AND REPAIR THE NECESSARY COMPONENTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 18, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GIRARDIN MINIBUS AT 1-819-477-2012.

Recall campaignNHTSA 09V241000

Seats

Component
Seats
Manufacturer
GIRARDIN MINIBUS INC.
Vehicles affected
200
Reported to NHTSA
2009-06-29
Owners notified
2009-07-24

Defect description

GIRARDIN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006 THROUGH 2009 G5 SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JANUARY 23, 2007 AND JUNE 23, 2009, EQUIPPED WITH 39 INCH, 34 INCH, AND 30 INCH C.E. WHITE BARRIER SEATS. THESE SEATS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE BARRIER PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 222, "SCHOOL BUS PASSENGER SEATING AND CRASH PROTECTION."

Safety risk

VEHICLE OCCUPANTS COULD SUFFER INJURIES IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

GIRARDIN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPAIR THE BUSES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 24, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GIRARDIN AT 1-819-477-2012 EXT. 401.

Recall campaignNHTSA 08V691000

Seat belts

Component
Seat belts
Manufacturer
GIRARDIN MINIBUS INC.
Vehicles affected
210
Reported to NHTSA
2008-12-29
Owners notified
2009-01-09

Defect description

GIRARDIN IS RECALLING 210 MY 2008 AND 2009 MB II AND G5 SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN AUGUST 1 AND DECEMBER 12, 2008, EQUIPPED WITH SEAT BELTS (OPTION SMK2, SBK3). THE SEAT BELTS MAY NOT HAVE THE CORDING OR TAG IDENTIFICATION WHICH DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES."

Safety risk

THIS STANDARD REQUIRES PROPER IDENTIFICATION OF THE SEAT BELT MANUFACTURER FOR SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES.

Manufacturer remedy

GIRARDIN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE NONCOMPLIANT SEAT BELTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 9, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GIRARDIN 1-819-477-8222 EXT. 401.

Recall campaignNHTSA 08V679000

Seat belts

Component
Seat belts
Manufacturer
GIRARDIN MINIBUS INC.
Vehicles affected
210
Reported to NHTSA
2008-12-23
Owners notified
2009-01-09

Defect description

GIRARDIN IS RECALLING 210 MY 2008 AND 2009 MB II AND G5 SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN AUGUST 1 AND DECEMBER 12, 2008, EQUIPPED WITH SEAT BELTS (OPTION SMK2, SBK3). THE SEAT BELT WEBBING WAS INSERTED INTO THE TONGUE ASSEMBLY INCORRECTLY.

Safety risk

THE SEAT BELT WILL NOT TIGHTEN AROUND THE OCCUPANT AND WILL NOT OFFER RESTRAINT IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH WHICH MAY RESULT IN INJURY.

Manufacturer remedy

GIRARDIN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE AFFECTED SEAT BELTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 9, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GIRARDIN 1-819-477-8222 EXT 401.

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

No complaints recorded for this model year.

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.