1997 Orion II
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
These records cover every 1997 Orion II. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 1997 Orion II. Newest first.
Certain transit buses fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 217, "bus emergency exits and window retention and release." the handle pull force exceeds the 89N force to release the emergency window. additional force IS required to release the window.
Risk and remedy
Risk
In the event of a crash, an occupant may have difficulty opening the emergency exit window, increasing the risk of personal injury or death.
Remedy
Dealers will repair these windows. owner notification began june 1, 2003. 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 orion at 1-800-492-2116.
Vehicle description: transit buses equipped with challenger 2000 model 170 series alternators. the positive power stud may not be properly seated in place causing a loose connection. this loose connection causes an over-heat condition when the alternator IS under a load. also the material used to insulate the power stud from the rectifier can tear and…
Risk and remedy
Risk
The alternator can get hot enough to catch fire which could spread to other areas of the vehicle.
Remedy
Dealers will replace these alternators.
Vehicle description: compressed natural gas (CNG) powered transit buses. the solenoid valve or check valve could allow CNG to flow when not required.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If an ignition source was present, there IS a potential for a fire and/or explosion.
Remedy
Personnel will go to owners and replace the change out of the recalled solenoid valves.
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Battery cable abrading transmission hose
Orion's service bulletin (not dated) points out that missing wire/cable cleats were responsible for a bus fire.the service bulletin recommends all buses be inspected to insure that cables are properly routed and secure.after analyses of the data obtained, two failure modes were identified that caused the fires on…
Orion's service bulletin (not dated) points out that missing wire/cable cleats were responsible for a bus fire.the service bulletin recommends all buses be inspected to insure that cables are properly routed and secure.after analyses of the data obtained, two failure modes were identified that caused the fires on these buses.this was evident by fire patterns and location of the fire damage.orion bus concurred and concluded its investigation by identifying safety recalls.they have filed separate safety defect reports and have begun repairing the involved buses.no further use of the agency resources appear warranted at this time.the agency reserves the right to take further action on these matters, if warranted by the circumstaces.this investigation IS closed.
Every Orion II model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.