Thomas Built Buses, Thomas 1995–2008 Structure recall

Recalled February 26, 2008 · NHTSA recall 08V087000 · Thomas Built Buses

Hazard

IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY, A PERSON ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE BUS MAY BREAK THE DOOR HANDLE TRYING TO OPEN THE EMERGENCY EXIT POTENTIALLY DELAYING EVACUATION AND INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY TO THE VEHICLE'S OCCUPANTS.

Remedy

DAIMLER TRUCKS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND WILL REPLACE THE HANDLES WITH A MORE ROBUST HANDLE FREE OF CHARGE. REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED BY THOMAS BUILT BUSES DEALERSHIPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 18, 2008, AND NOTIFICATION FOR THE REVISED POPULATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT APRIL 29, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THOMAS BUILT AT 336-889-4871.

Units

243,435 units

Description

DAIMLER TRUCKS IS RECALLING 243,435 MY 1995-2008 THOMAS BUILT SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JANUARY 1994, AND MARCH 10, 2008. (ADDITIONAL BUSES HAVE BEEN ADDED TO THIS RECALL CAMPAIGN. PLEASE SEE SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT NO. 4) THE EMERGENCY EXIT DOOR HANDLE BEGINS CORRODING AROUND THE SECURING ROLL PIN AND SQUARE DRIVE MECHANISM CAUSING THE PROTECTIVE FINISH TO CHIP AND FLAKE. CONTINUED CORROSION AND PITTING WEAKENS THE HANDLE. HANDLES WEAKENED BY CORROSION MAY BREAK WHILE TRYING TO OPEN THE DOOR FROM THE EXTERIOR.

What to do

Product

Thomas Built Buses ER · Thomas Built Buses ER TRANSIT · Thomas Built Buses FS-65 · Thomas Built Buses HDX · Thomas Built Buses HDX EF · Thomas Built Buses MINOTOUR · Thomas Built Buses MVP EF · Thomas Built Buses MVP ER · Thomas Built Buses SAF-T-LINER C2

Manufacturer(s)

THOMAS BUILT BUSES, INC. · FREIGHTLINER LLC · Daimler Trucks North America, LLC

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Official recall notice on nhtsa.gov →