Modified Ford Paratransit Vans Recalled
The Ricon-made wheelchair lifts in 667 MobilityWorks-modified vans may have faulty parts that could lead to failure of the stowed platform mounting.

The recall covers modified Ford E-Series vans in the 2006-2014 model years. Photo by IFCAR via Wikimedia Commons.

The recall covers modified Ford E-Series vans in the 2006-2014 model years. Photo by IFCAR via Wikimedia Commons.
MobilityWorks, a national provider of wheelchair-accessible vans, is notifying the owners of 667 modified Ford vans that the installed wheelchair lifts in their vehicles may have faulty parts in need of replacement.
The safety recall covers 2006-2014 model-year Ford E-150, E-250 and E-350 vans that MobilityWorks modified to equip with a model S2005, S2010, S5005, S5010, S5505 or S5510 wheelchair lift manufactured by Ricon Corp.
The affected lifts have folding link arms that may have oversized pivot holes, allowing the bearings to move out of position, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. As a result, the stowed platform may move excessively and lead to failure of the platform mounting.
This failure could cause the wheelchair lift platform to fall out of the vehicle when the doors are opened, increasing the risk of injury for the lift operator, NHTSA said.
Ricon dealers will inspect the link arms for damage and for displaced bearings. The platform will be inspected for cracks. Any damaged parts will be replaced, free of charge.
Van owners can reach MobilityWorks customer service at (800) 769-8267, or Ricon customer service at (800) 322-2884.
These vehicles and wheelchair lifts were subject to a similar recall in 2014, NHTSA said, but all vehicles that received that recall remedy are still affected by this new recall.
More Safety

Which Fleet Types Have the Highest Severe Speeding Rates?
New research from SambaSafety finds significant differences in speeding rates across fleet industries, even as nearly 90% of surveyed fleets report using telematics.
Read More →
When a Cyberattack Hits Your Fleet: What Happens Next?
“You have two opportunities to test your plans: when you choose or when the threat actor chooses.” A cybersecurity expert reveals what fleet managers need to know before a cyberattack puts their operations at risk — and why the decisions made in the first moments can shape the entire recovery.
Read More →
Tips for Driving Safely on Halloween Night
This video features a reminder from the Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association, urging drivers to prioritize safety this Halloween.
Read More →
IIHS Crash Avoidance Tests Reveal Safety Gaps in Cargo Vans and Work Trucks
New IIHS crash avoidance ratings show uneven performance among cargo vans and heavy-duty pickups, with most struggling to avoid vehicle-to-vehicle collisions.
Read More →
What’s Next for Fleet? Safety, AI & Industry Recognition | AF News Recap
Could your company's culture be encouraging distracted driving? This week, we're exploring how workplace expectations affect driver safety, what AI, EVs, and autonomous vehicles could mean for the future of fleet management, and how fleet professionals can strengthen their award nominations.
Read More →
Does Your Fleet's Culture Encourage Distracted Driving?
What happens when the people responsible for enforcing safety rules are the ones setting the wrong example? The answer may reveal why some of the biggest risks to fleet drivers have little to do with what's written in the employee handbook.
Read More →
Fleet Manager’s Ultimate Playbook: Navigating the New Standard in OEM Connectivity
Rising operating costs, driver safety concerns, and unplanned downtime are putting unprecedented pressure on modern fleets. Discover how fleet managers use embedded OEM connectivity and real-time vehicle data to cut TCO, prevent downtime, and protect drivers without aftermarket telematics hardware.
Read More →
From Driver Well-Being to EV Charging | AF News Recap
Mental health belongs in the fleet safety conversation. This week, we’re looking at five ways fleets can support employee well-being before a crisis, plus Holman’s expansion in Mexico, new one-day Fleet Forward passes, and why EV charging demand is outpacing infrastructure growth.
Read More →
Nexar-Nauto Merger Aims to Give Fleets Better Safety Intelligence Through Larger Driving Dataset
Stefan Heck tells Automotive Fleet that combining more than 10 billion miles of driving history with Nexar's AI models will give fleets deeper insights into driver risk and roadway conditions than either company could provide independently.
Read More →
Don't Wait for a Crisis: 5 Ways to Build Mental Health Into Your Fleet Safety Program
For Suicide Prevention Month, fleet and safety leaders have an opportunity to put mental health where it belongs: at the center of workplace safety.
Read More →