CA-000-051 – Inadequate Clearance May Damage CNG Tank – 2017 Vicinity VI33 Transit Buses

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OMB Control No.: 2127-0004
Part 573 Safety Recall Report 24V-059
The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573
Manufacturer Name : Submission Date :
Vicinity Motor Corporation JAN 31, 2024 NHTSA Recall No. : 24V-059 Manufacturer Recall No. : CA-000-051 Manufacturer Information :
Manufacturer Name : Vicinity Motor Corporation Address : 3168 – 262nd Street
Aldergrove 00 V4W 2Z6
Company phone : 1-604-607-4000
Population :
Number of potentially involved : 14 Estimated percentage with defect : 70 %
Vehicle Information : Vehicle 1 : 2017-2017 Vicinity Vi33
Vehicle Type : BUSES, MEDIUM & HEAVY VEHICLES Body Style : OTHER Power Train : CNG/LPG
Descriptive Information : Vicinity Motor Corporation (formerly Grande West Transportation) has become aware of a fault possibly affecting a total of 14 Class 6 Vicinity Vi33 CNG buses. These vehicles were produced in 2017. This issue pertains to the Type III CNG tanks and supporting mounting structure found on the Vi33 CNG buses. It is identified as
CA-000-051 in all internal and customer-facing documentation. The affected vehicles have the following last six (6) digits in their VINs: 098147-98160 It is estimated around 70% of the 14 units have this defect. The nature of the defect is related to insufficient clearance between the Type III CNG tanks and the mounting structure. Due to manufacturing variances, some CNG tanks may come in contact with the mounting structure, thus abrading the carbon fiber layers near the neck. In addition to this, the CNG clamshell safety cables have also been found to be contacting and abrading the carbon fiber layers of the tank.
Sustained abrasion on the CNG tanks can lead to a deterioration of the tank structure, significantly heightening the risk of failure. This defect poses a potential threat to the safety of both drivers and passengers, as a compromised CNG tank may result in hazardous situations, such as leaks or ruptures. Vicinity Motor Corporation is working on composing and arranging on-site field repairs. Production Dates : JAN 01, 2017 – DEC 31, 2017
VIN Range 1 : Begin : 2G9B33GA4HA098147 End : 2G9B33GAXJA098160 Not sequential Part 573 Safety Recall Report 24V-059 Page 2 Description of Defect :
Description of the Defect : On certain transit buses, the compressed natural gas (CNG) tanks could rub against the mounting structure and/or safety cables. As a result, the tanks could become damaged and rupture.
FMVSS 1 : NR FMVSS 2 : NR
Description of the Safety Risk : A CNG tank rupture can create a risk of an explosion or fire.
Description of the Cause : The root cause of this issue is improper clearance between the CNG cylinder and the mounting structure. In addition, the safety cables may come in contact with the CNG tank and abrade the outer carbon fiber layers. Identification of Any Warning
that can Occur : During periodic inspections of the CNG tanks, the inspector may be able to identify scratches and abrasion marks on the CNG cylinders near the mounting structure and the safety cables. Involved Components : Component Name 1 : CNG Mounting Bracket Component Description : CNG Mounting Bracket Component Part Number : NR Component Name 2 : CNG Tank Clamshell Safety Cables Component Description : CNG Tank Clamshell Safety Cables Component Part Number : NR Component Name 3 : Type III CNG Cylinder Component Description : Type III CNG Cylinder Component Part Number : NR Supplier Identification : Component Manufacturer
Name : Vicinity Motor Corporation Address : 3168 262 St The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573 Part 573 Safety Recall Report 24V-059 Page 3 Aldergrove Foreign States V4W 2Z6 Country : Canada Chronology :
Monday, October 16, 2023
VMC Team’s meeting with customer. Customer raised concerns about CNG tank showing signs of rubbing. Wednesday, October 18, 2023
VMC Engineering visits local customer experiencing issue to obtain data. Thursday, October 19, 2023
VMC commenced working on interim fix for CNG tank. Tuesday, October 31, 2023
CNG Fuel Tank Discussion between customer and VMC. Friday, November 3, 2023
VMC attends meeting with CNG tank supplier (Luxfer) to obtain information on how to identify faulty CNG tanks. Monday, November 6, 2023
VMC attends meeting with CNG tank supplier (Luxfer) to further discuss repair methods. Tuesday, November 7, 2023
VMC attends meeting with CNG tank supplier (Luxfer) to obtain information on approved repair methods. Friday, November 17, 2023
VMC updates customer with additional findings on possible root causes. Thursday, November 23, 2023
CNG Cradle Re Work Meeting between VMC and customer. Friday, December 1, 2023
CNG Cradle Adjustment Meeting between VMC and customer. Thursday, December 7, 2023
VMC Engineering visits customer on Vancouver Island to further investigate issue regarding cradle adjustments. Friday, December 15, 2023
CNG Updates Meeting – Internal VMC Meeting Tuesday, January 9, 2024
VMC Engineering informs Transport Canada of defect and acquires Transport Canada recall number. The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573 Part 573 Safety Recall Report 24V-059
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The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573
Wednesday, January 31, 2024
VMC Engineering informs NHTSA of defect and acquires NHTSA recall number.
Description of Remedy :
Description of Remedy Program : Vicinity Motor Corporation will notify owners in writing and arrange for a
service team to inspect the affected units. As an interim solution for the issue regarding the interference between the CNG tanks and the supporting member, if possible, adjust the mounting structure until an updated replacement member is manufactured. If adjustment is not possible, units must be grounded, and put out of service until the updated replacement member becomes available. Customers will be notified once the replacement member is available. All affected units must have this part replaced.
A finalized solution is available for the issue involving the safety cables contacting the CNG tanks. Depending on the severity of the damage, the CNG tanks can be either repaired or replaced if necessary. Reimbursement and Remedy costs have been covered, and will continue to be covered under warranty to rectify this issue.
How Remedy Component Differs from Recalled Component :
Once available, the revised CNG mounting structure will offer more clearance between the CNG tanks and the structure, thus preventing future incidences of interference and contact. To prevent further damage from the safety cables, a protective rubber shield must be installed as well, as outlined in the Campaign documentation (CA-000-051).
Identify How/When Recall Condition was Corrected in Production :
Corrective actions have been communicated with our manufacturing partners. Final confirmation steps were added to predelivery inspections (PDI) to ensure that the corrective action have been implemented. Recall Schedule :
Description of Recall Schedule : Owner’s and dealerships will be notified by end of February 2024.
Planned Dealer Notification Date : FEB 05, 2024 – FEB 29, 2024
Planned Owner Notification Date : FEB 05, 2024 – FEB 29, 2024
* NR – Not Reported

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