2011 Elkhart Ecii problems, complaints & recalls

Defect: Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2006-2014 Elkhart ECII transit buses manufactured January 1, 2006, to September 26, 2014, equipped with certain model S2005, S2010, S5005, S5010, S5505, and S5510 wheelchair lifts built by the Ricon Corporation. The affected lifts are equipped with folding link arms that may have pivot holes that are too big, allowing the bearings to move out of position.

Risk: If the bearings move out of position, the stowed platform may have excessive movement resulting in failure of the platform mounting. This failure could cause the wheel chair lift platform to fall out of the vehicle when the doors are opened, increasing the risk of injury for the lift operator.

Fix: Forest River will notify owners, and Ricon dealers will inspect the link arms for damage or for displaced bearings. The platform will be inspected for cracks. Any damaged parts will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on December 16, 2015. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 574-264-5179 ext. 102 or Ricon Customer Service at 1-800-322-2884. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-11102015-0108. Note: These buses and wheelchair lifts were subject to a similar r

Defect: Elkhart Coach is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 ECI, and ECII transit buses built on Ford cutaway chassis equipped with Ford 5.4L or 6.8L engines and Trans/Air-brand air compressors. In the affected vehicles, depending on the routing of the alternator harness and the orientation of the heater hose spring clamp at the front of the intake manifold, the alternator harness may be pinched between the spring clamp and the air conditioner compressor mounting bracket.

Risk: As a result, the charging system may fail which could lead to the vehicle stalling while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, the spring clamp could pierce both the positive and negative wires of the alternator harness creating a short circuit which could result in a fire.

Fix: Elkhart Coach will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles, correct the clamp installation and repair and reroute the alternator harness, as needed, free of charge. The recall began on March 14, 2014. Customers may contact Elkhart at 1-866-478-7652.