NHTSA vehicle safety data
2015 Ameritrans 285 Recalls & Complaints
The 2015 Ameritrans 285 has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file as of October 21, 2026. try.vin has no NHTSA owner complaints on file for the 2015 Ameritrans 285. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Ameritrans dealer.
NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2015 Ameritrans 285. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Wheel Chair Lift Platform Cracking/Big Pivot Holes
NHTSA #16V398000 · Equipment Adaptive/Mobility · NHTSA notice
Reported June 2, 2016 · Ameritrans Bus, Inc.
Potentially affected: 5 vehicles
Owners notified June 30, 2016 · Vehicles built March 2, 2015 – December 23, 2015 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
Ameritrans Bus, Inc. (Ameritrans) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 285 shuttle buses manufactured March 2, 2015, through December 23, 2015, built on Ford E-450 chassis and equipped with certain model S2000, S5000, and S5500, wheelchair lifts manufactured by the Ricon Corporation. The platform side plate of the affected wheelchair lifts may crack. Additionally, the lifts are equipped with folding link arms that may have pivot holes that are too big, allowing the bearings to move out of position.
Safety consequence
If the platform side plates crack or the platform mounting fails from out-of-position bearings, the lift platform can separate from the lift and come to rest against the vehicle's lift door. When the vehicle's doors are opened, the platform may fall onto the lift operator, increasing their risk of injury.
Manufacturer remedy
Ameritrans will notify the purchasers of the lifts, and Ricon dealers will inspect the side plates for damage and for displaced bearings. The platform will be inspected for cracks. Any damaged parts will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on June 30, 2016. Owners may contact Ameritrans customer service at 1-574-262-8935, or Ricon customer service at 1-800-322-2884.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Incorrect GVWR on Certification Label/Part 567
NHTSA #16V328000 · Equipment — Other — Labels · NHTSA notice
Reported May 19, 2016 · Ameritrans Bus, Inc.
Potentially affected: 225 vehicles
Repair completion: 24% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated October 21, 2026)
Owners notified July 18, 2016 · Vehicles built August 1, 2011 – May 13, 2016 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
Ameritrans Bus, Inc. (Ameritrans) is recalling certain model year 2012-2016 285 shuttle buses manufactured from August 1, 2012, through May 13, 2016 and built on Ford E-450 chassis. The certification labels may have an inaccurate gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification."
Safety consequence
If the GVWR is unknowingly exceeded, vehicle handling may be adversely affected, increasing the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer remedy
Ameritrans will notify owners, and dealers will remove and/or reposition bus seats as necessary and install a corrected labels, free of charge. The recall began on July 18, 2016. Owners may contact Ameritrans customer service at 1-574-262-8935.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Other Ameritrans 285 model years
Check your 2015 Ameritrans 285 VIN
Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Ameritrans 285 at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.
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