ARBOC Specialty Vehicles Recalls Transit Buses Over Wheelchair Restraint Retractor Defect 2026

ARBOC Specialty Vehicles, LLC is recalling approximately 70 transit buses due to a defect in the wheelchair restraint retractor system. The affected vehicles include certain 2025 Spirit of Equess and 2026 Spirit of Freedom, Spirit of Independence, and Spirit of Mobility models. The retractors may fail to lock, leaving wheelchairs unsecured during transit and putting passengers at serious risk of injury.

What Products Are Being Recalled?

The recall affects the following ARBOC Specialty Vehicles transit bus models equipped with wheelchair restraint systems:

• 2025 ARBOC Spirit of Equess transit bus
• 2026 ARBOC Spirit of Freedom transit bus
• 2026 ARBOC Spirit of Independence transit bus
• 2026 ARBOC Spirit of Mobility transit bus

A total of 70 units are potentially affected by this recall, all of which are equipped with the defective wheelchair restraint retractor component classified under adaptive and mobility equipment.

Why Was This Recall Issued?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued this recall under campaign number 26V349000 after it was determined that the wheelchair restraint retractors installed in these buses may not lock as intended. When a retractor fails to engage properly, it cannot hold the wheelchair securely in place during vehicle movement.

This is a significant safety concern because passengers who rely on wheelchairs for mobility depend entirely on the restraint system to keep them stable while the vehicle is in transit. A retractor that does not lock provides no meaningful protection against forward, backward, or lateral movement of the wheelchair.

Who Is Affected?

This recall directly affects operators and owners of the specific ARBOC transit bus models listed above, including public transit agencies, paratransit providers, and private transportation companies that use these vehicles to transport wheelchair-bound passengers. Riders who are transported in wheelchairs aboard these buses are the individuals most at risk in the event of a restraint failure.

Given the nature of these vehicles as accessible transit buses designed specifically for individuals with mobility challenges, the safety implications of an unsecured wheelchair are especially serious. Any sudden stop, sharp turn, or collision could cause an unrestrained wheelchair to move freely within the bus.

What Should You Do?

• Do not delay action: If you operate or own any of the affected ARBOC bus models, contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible to arrange for an inspection.
• Schedule a free inspection and repair: Dealers will inspect the wheelchair restraint retractors and replace them as necessary at no cost to the owner.
• Watch for notification letters: ARBOC is expected to mail owner notification letters on or around July 24, 2026.
• Contact ARBOC directly: Owners may reach ARBOC Specialty Vehicles customer service by calling 1-866-953-5555 for further assistance or to verify whether their vehicle is included in the recall.
• Contact NHTSA: Vehicle owners may also contact the NHTSA Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or visit nhtsa.gov for additional information regarding this recall.

Official Statement

According to the official NHTSA recall filing, ARBOC Specialty Vehicles, LLC has acknowledged that the retractors in the affected buses may not lock, preventing the wheelchair from being properly secured. The company has initiated a voluntary recall and is working with authorized dealers to remedy the defect. The remedy involves inspection and replacement of the faulty retractor components free of charge. Owner notification is scheduled to be completed by late July 2026, and affected vehicle operators are strongly encouraged to act promptly to ensure the safety of all passengers transported in wheelchairs aboard these vehicles.