NHTSA vehicle safety data
1997 Carpenter Classic Recalls & Complaints
The 1997 Carpenter Classic has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file as of November 3, 2026. try.vin has no NHTSA owner complaints on file for the 1997 Carpenter Classic. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Carpenter dealer.
NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 1997 Carpenter Classic. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
CARPENTER/SEAT REINFORCEMENT
NHTSA #00V207000 · Seats · NHTSA notice
Reported August 3, 2000 · CARPENTER INDUSTRIES, INC.
Potentially affected: 3,205 vehicles
Owners notified September 4, 2000 · Vehicles built April 2, 1996 – May 29, 1997 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation
Defect description
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL BUSES. ADDITIONAL REINFORCEMENT BARS WERE INSTALLED WHILE PERFORMING A PREVIOUS SEAT RECALL (98V-238). THESE BARS WERE INSTALLED INTO THE PROTECTION ZONE ON THE BACK OF THE SEATS.
Safety consequence
IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY PROTECTED AND PERSONAL INJURY COULD OCCUR.
Manufacturer remedy
CARPENTER HAS GONE OUT OF BUSINESS. DEALERS WERE TO REMOVE THE ADDITIONAL STEEL REINFORCEMENT.
Notes
OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 4, 2000. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CARPENTER AT1-765-965-4000.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
CARPENTER/PASSENGER SEATS
NHTSA #98V238000 · Seats · NHTSA notice
Reported September 28, 1998 · CARPENTER INDUSTRIES, INC.
Potentially affected: 3,255 vehicles
Owners notified November 25, 1998 · Vehicles built April 2, 1996 – May 29, 1997 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation
Defect description
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL BUSES. THE BACK PANEL OF THE PASSENGER SEATS WAS NOT ADEQUATELY WELDED.
Safety consequence
IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY PROTECTED AND PERSONAL INJURY COULD OCCUR.
Manufacturer remedy
CARPENTER WILL PROVIDE OWNERS WITH DETAILED INSPECTION INSTRUCTIONS AND PROVIDE THEM WITH THE NECESSARY PARTS TO REPAIR THESE SEATS.
Notes
OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 25, 1998.OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACTCARPENTER AT 1-765-965-4000. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
CARPENTER/FMVSS 217
NHTSA #97V077000 · Visibility — Windshield · NHTSA notice
Reported May 9, 1997 · CARPENTER INDUSTRIES, INC.
Potentially affected: 4,037 vehicles
Owners notified June 9, 1997 · Vehicles built May 14, 1995 – April 28, 1997 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL BUSES. SIDE EMERGENCY PUSH-OUT WINDOWS MAY NOT OPEN PROPERLY DUE TO INTERFERENCE WITH EXTERIOR BOW CAP. EMERGENCY DOOR(S) MAY NOT HAVE REQUIRED OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS LOCATED ADJACENT TO INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 217, "BUS WINDOW RETENTION AND RELEASE."
Safety consequence
EXIT WINDOWS MAY NOT OPEN PROPERLY DURING AN EMERGENCY.
Manufacturer remedy
OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH MODIFICATION INSTRUCTIONS OR IF THEY SO DESIRE, CAN CONTACT AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR ASSISTANCE.
Notes
OWNER NOTIFICATION:OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN MAY 28, 1997. NOTES:OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE MODIFICATION INSTRUCTIONS WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CARPENTER AT 1-317-965-4000.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
Other Carpenter Classic model years
Check your 1997 Carpenter Classic VIN
Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Carpenter Classic at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.
Check a Carpenter VIN