2015 Garden State Double Deck Bus problems, complaints & recalls

Defect: Garden State Bus Group (Garden State) is recalling certain 2015 Garden State Double Deck Buses. The roof emergency exit may be incorrectly located towards the center of the passenger compartment and not in the rear, as required. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 217, "Bus Emergency Exits and Window Retention and Release."

Risk: If the emergency exit is located in the wrong location, it can cause a delay in exiting the vehicle in the event of an emergency, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: Garden State will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional emergency exit hatch in the rear portion of the lower level that opens to the upper level, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Garden State customer service at 1-888-800-3779.