Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2004 Amtran FE
The 2004 Amtran FE school bus has multiple NHTSA recalls concerning seats, visibility, body structure, and hydraulic brakes. However, there's no confirmed owner complaint data available to offer a broader perspective on common issues. Thorough inspection is advised, focusing on seat stability and hydraulic brake lines due to recall findings.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2004 Amtran FE has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns on file as of . try.vin has no NHTSA owner complaints on file for the 2004 Amtran FE. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #04V498000 IC CORP/30-INCH CHILD RESTRAINT SEATS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #04V492000 IC CORP/SEAT PEDESTAL CRACKS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #04V012000 IC (AMTRAN)/ EXIT WINDOWS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #04V010000 IC CORP/SHARP EDGES UNDER MODESTY PANEL NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #03V354000 IC/FMVSS 221/JOINT STRENGTH NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #03V326000 IC (AMTRAN)/BRAKE HOSES NHTSA notice
Known issues to inspect
Unstable seat pedestal
How to check: Inspect driver seat pedestal for visible cracks or instability.
Seat cushion retention failure
How to check: Test seat cushion retention in various scenarios.
Incorrect emergency exit windows
How to check: Verify installation and functioning of emergency exit windows.
Short hydraulic brake hoses
How to check: Inspect hydraulic brake hoses for tension or damage.
Sharp edges under modesty panel
How to check: Check for gaps and sharp edges behind driver's seat.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noises or vibrations.
Red flag: Loud knocks or persistent rattles
- 02
Initial idle
What to check: Observe engine idle stability and smoothness.
Red flag: Rough idle or irregular RPMs
- 03
Low-speed braking
What to check: Test brake response and feedback from pedals.
Red flag: Spongy or unresponsive brakes
- 04
Moderate acceleration
What to check: Assess engine performance and transmission shifts.
Red flag: Hesitation or hard shifts
- 05
Highway acceleration
What to check: Check for smooth acceleration and power.
Red flag: Lack of power or surges
- 06
Cruising
What to check: Monitor for road noise and cabin rattles.
Red flag: Excessive noise or vibrations
- 07
Emergency stop
What to check: Test brake effectiveness and steering control.
Red flag: Veering or slow brake response
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Have you addressed all recalled items?
- When were the brake lines last serviced?
- Are there any unresolved safety issues?
- Has the seat pedestal been inspected?
- Have emergency exit windows been checked?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Service history records
- Recall repair documentation
- Brake inspection reports
- Safety inspection certificate
- Window compliance documentation
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2004 Amtran FE at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2004 Amtran FE? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.