Date: 2017-09-12
Navistar, Inc.
NHTSA Action Number: PE17004
Components: SEATS
Subject: Failed School Bus Seat Back Pans
Opened From: 2017-09-12 - 2018-12-04
Summary
On July 7, 2017, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a report from an executive officer of the State of Iowa's Bureau of Finance, Facilities, Operations & Transportation Services, informing ODI of numerous seat back pan weld failures (pan material fatiguing at weld points) in multiple 2011 model year (MY) Navistar IC school buses.In August 2017, ODI engineers found similar failures when they visited an Arlington, Virginia public school facility to inspect buses ranging from MY 2011 to 2015. The first MY2011 bus inspected demonstrated the same issue (broken back seat pan welds) as reported on the Iowa buses. MY2012 - MY2015 buses did not demonstrate the failed seat back pan issue. NHTSA discovered that these buses had a different seat back pan design.ODI opened this investigation to better understand the potential risk of injury and evaluate passengercompartmentalization in the event of a crash involving a subject vehicle containing broken seat back pan welds. Navistar conducted sled testing at the Transportation Research Center of Ohio (TRC) to better understand if broken seat back pan welds could lead to a loss of passenger compartmentalization in a crash. ODI engineers were present and observed all tests done by the manufacturer.Although the test results indicated that passengers would remain compartmentalized, upon further review, ODI became concerned that the test manikin's necks seemed to over-extend when their heads struck the seat back frame and the torso pushed into the seat back pan. There was a concern that injuries may occur as a result of the broken seat back pan welds, allowing the passenger torso to push further into the seat back than if good welds were in place. Upon NHTSA's request, Navistar ran additional sled tests with instrumented test manikins to measure injury potential in the head, neck, and chest. The tests were conducted using Federal Motor Vehicle Standard (FMVSS) 208 as a guide and reference as there are not specific standardized tests for this particular alleged defect condition. NHTSA biomechanics and crashworthiness experts reviewed the results along with ODI and concluded that the test results were within the allowable threshold per the FMVSS.Navistar informed ODI that the subject vehicles of this investigation were also the subject of Technical Service Information document TSI-13-47-01 and recall 13V-308 and that during these campaigns involving seat backs and seat back foam covers, many of the vehicles had already had their seat back pan welds repaired. Navistar agreed to continue to support customers through extended warranties.Given the above facts and test results, ODI is closing the investigation as sled testing performed by the manufacturer has shown there appears to be little difference in the potential for injury between seat back pans with intact or broken welds. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.Additional information on school bus safety and compartmentalization can be found at: https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/school-bus-safety.
Investigation Documents
For Latest Documents related to this Investigation, visit the NHTSA Website.
Click the (+) Plus Sign
Then click Associated Document(s).
- 💝【Questions? We’re Here Anytime】MK808S is a...
- 🔥🔥🔥【2026 NEWLY RELEASED BI-DIRECTIONAL...
- 【28+ MOST POPULAR RESET SERVICE FOR 150 MAKES】Autel...
- 【ALL SYSTEM DIAGNOSTICS, FACTORY-LEVEL SCANNER】The...
- 【AUT0 SCAN & AUT0V1N, 10X FASTER】How much have you spent...
- 💯【Conta.ct us for Support Directly】If you met any...
- 🔥🔥🔥【2026 AUTEL FLAGSHIP MK900BT MK900-BT, NEW...
- 🚗【3000+ ACTIVE TESTS (50➡3000+), SAME AS MS...
- 🚗【40+ HOT SERVICES FOR 150 MAKES (28+➡40+)】Full...
- 🚗【OE ALL SYSTEM DIAGNOSE, AUTO SCAN 2.0: SCAN LICENSE...
Search NHTSA Database for Recalls
Search NHTSA Database for (TSB's) Technical Service Bulletins
Technical Service Bulletins TSB's List
Previous Investigation | Next Investigation |
- CEL Doctor: The ANCEL AD310 is one of the best-selling OBD II scanners on the market and is recommended by Scotty Kilmer, a YouTuber and auto mechanic. It can easily determine the cause of the check engine light coming on. After repairing the vehicle's problems, it can quickly read and clear diagnostic trouble codes of emission system, read live data & hard memory data, view freeze frame, I/M monitor readiness and collect vehicle information.
- Sturdy and Compact: Equipped with a 2.5 foot cable made of very thick, flexible insulation. It is important to have a sturdy scanner as it can easily fall to the ground when working in a car. The AD310 OBD2 scanner is a well-constructed mechanic tool with a sleek design. It weighs 12 ounces and measures 8.9 x 6.9 x 1.4 inches. Thanks to its compact design and light weight, transporting the device is not a problem. The buttons are clearly labelled and the screen is large and displays results clearly.
- Accurate Fast and Easy to Use: The AD310 scanner can help you or your mechanic understand if your car is in good condition, provides exceptionally accurate and fast results, reads and clears engine trouble emission codes in seconds after you fixed the problem. This device will let you know immediately and fix the problem right away without any car knowledge. No need for batteries or a charger, get power directly from the OBDII Data Link Connector in your vehicle.
- OBDII Protocols and Car Compatibility: Many cheap scan tools do not really support all OBD2 protocols. AD310 scanner as it can support all OBDII protocols such as KWP2000, J1850 VPW, ISO9141, J1850 PWM and CAN. This device also has extensive vehicle compatibility with 1996 US-based, 2000 EU-based and Asian cars, light trucks, SUVs, as well as newer OBD2 and CAN vehicles both domestic and foreign. Pls confirm with our customer service whether it is compatible with your vehicle before purchasing.
- Home Necessity and Worthy to Own: This is an excellent code reader to travel or home with as it weighs less and it is compact in design. You can easily slide it in your backpack as you head to the garage, or put it on the dashboard, this will be a great fit for you. The AD310 is not only portable, but also accurate and fast in performance. Moreover, it covers various car brands and is suitable for people who just need a code reader to check their car.
- Multi-Functions - Practical Multi-Functions OBD2 code reader features built-in OBD2 DTC lookup library, which help you to determine the cause of the engine light, read code, erase code, view freeze frame, I/M ready, vehicle information, data flow, real-time curve, get vehicle speed information, calculate load value, engine coolant temperature, get engine speed.
- Wide Capability - Supports 9 protocols compatible with most 1996 US-Based, 2000 EU-Based and Asian cars, and newer OBD II & CAN domestic or import vehicles. Supports 6 languages - English,German, Dutch, Spanish, French, Italian.
- 2.8" LCD Display - Designed with a clear display 2.8" Large LCD screen - white backlight and contrast adjustment. No need any battery or charger, OBD reader gets the power directly from your vehicle through the OBDII Data Link Connector.
- Compact Design - Car diagnostic scanner is equipped with a 2.5 feet long cable and made of a very thick flexible insulator.There are 6 buttons on OBD2 Scanner:scroll up/down,enter/exit and buttons that quick query VIN vehicle number& the DTC fault code.
- ABS / Airbag codes NOT Supported - It is able to read and clear check engine information which is part of OBDII system, but it cannot work with non-OBDII systems, including ABS / Airbag / Oil Service Light, etc.
- 【Your Personal CEL Doctor – Read & Clear Engine Codes】The NT301 OBD2 scanner lets you read diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), check em-issions readiness, turn off your Check Engine Light (CEL) or MIL, reset monitors, and view live data streams. It retrieves your vehicle's VIN instantly. Like all standard OBD2 scanners, it clears codes only after repairs are completed—if the issue persists, the code will return. Designed for DIYers who want to understand what’s really going on under the hood.
- 【Easy Code Reading – Just Plug & Play】Simply plug into the OBD2 port, turn the ignition to “ON” (engine off), and select the correct menu: Select OBDII-> Wait for seconds-> Select Read codes. For accurate results, ensure your vehicle is compatible and the OBD2 port is free from damage or wiring issues. No batteries needed— powered directly by your car.
- 【Live Data Graphing & Accuracy for Most OBD2 Vehicles】View and log live sensor data in graph form—monitor oxygen sensors, fuel trims, coolant temp, RPM, and more. Spot trends and suspicious values in real time. Compatible with most 1996+ gasoline cars, light trucks, and SUVs sold in the U.S., as well as many 2000+ European and Asian models. Also works on 12V diesel vehicles equipped with OBD2.
- 【S-mog Check Helper – Know Your Readiness Status at a Glance】With dedicated I/M readiness hotkeys and a simple Red-Yellow-Green LED indicator, you’ll instantly know if your vehicle is ready for em-issions testing. Built-in speaker provides audio feedback. No guesswork—just confidence before you head to the test center.
- 【A Must-Have Tool for Every Home Mechanic】Compact, rugged, and ready to use right out of the box. The 2.8” color screen is easy to read, even in daylight. No charging or setup required—just plug into the 16-pin DLC and start diagnosing. Recommended by professional mechanics on YouTube and trusted by DIYers worldwide.
Last update on 2026-03-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This product presentation was made with AAWP plugin.