The 1988 Ward Patriot has 4 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 121,706 vehicles. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Last updated July 6, 2026.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL BUSES. THE EMERGENCY DOOR HINGES THAT CONSIST OF STEEL PIN FITTINGS AND/OR LACKLUBRICATION CAN BIND FROM RUST AND/OR CORROSION.
THIS COULD CAUSE DIFFICULTY IN OPENING THE DOORS IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY.
OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A REPAIR KIT AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. THE OWNERS CAN CONTACT AN AMTRAN DEALER FOR ASSISTANCE IF THEY SO DESIRE.
PASSENGER'S CLOTHING CAN UNKNOWINGLY BECOME CAUGHT IN THE HANDRAILS AT BUS DOORS WHEN EXITING THE BUS.
WHEN A PASSENGER'S CLOTHING BECOMES CAUGHT IN THE HANDRAIL, AND THE BUS DRIVER CLOSES THE DOOR AND PUTS THE VEHICLE IN MOTION,THE INDIVIDUAL IS SUBJECT TO BEING DRAGGED BY THE BUS. THIS CAN RESULT INSERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
REPLACE OR REPOSITION THE HANDRAILS TO STOP CLOTHING FROM BEING CAUGHT. IDENTIFY THE HANDRAIL APPLICATION. IF HANDRAIL EXTENDS FROM BARRIER TO STEP WELL, NO MODIFICATIONS ARE NEEDED. IF HANDRAIL EXTENDS FROM BARRIER TO INSIDE WALL, KIT MUST BE ORDERED AND NEW HANDRAIL INSTALLED WHEN RECEIVED.
PASSENGER'S CLOTHING CAN UNKNOWINGLY BECOME CAUGHT IN THE HANDRAILS AT BUS DOORS WHEN EXITING THE BUS.
WHEN A PASSENGER'S CLOTHING BECOMES CAUGHT IN THE HANDRAIL, AND THE BUS DRIVER CLOSES THE DOOR AND PUTS THE VEHICLE IN MOTION,THE INDIVIDUAL IS SUBJECT TO BEING DRAGGED BY THE BUS. THIS CAN RESULT INSERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
REPLACE OR REPOSITION THE HANDRAILS TO STOP CLOTHING FROM BEING CAUGHT. REPLACE FOAM PAD AND INSTALL 1" THICK RUBBER SPACER BETWEEN THE BRACE AND THE WALL.
PASSENGERS CLOTHING CAN UNKNOWINGLY BECOME CAUGHT IN THE HANDRAILS AT BUS DOORS WHEN EXITING THE BUS.
WHEN A PASSENGER'S CLOTHING BECOMES CAUGHT IN THEHANDRAIL, AND THE BUS DRIVER CLOSES THE DOOR AND PUTS THE VEHICLE IN MOTION, THEINDIVIDUAL IS SUBJECT TO BEING DRAGGED BY THE BUS. THIS CAN RESULT IN SERIOUSINJURY OR DEATH.
REPLACE OR REPOSITION THE HANDRAILS TO STOP CLOTHING FROM BECOMING CAUGHT.
Recall, complaint, and investigation records from official NHTSA datasets (FLAT_RCL, FLAT_CMPL, FLAT_INV), synced weekly. Counts reflect NHTSA records for the 1988 Ward Patriot as of July 6, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page contains ads and affiliate links. Full methodology.