1996 Thomas Saf-t-liner Recalls

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V398000
Manufacturer: THOMAS BUILT BUSES, INC.
Manufacturer Campaign Number: FL-429
Manufactured Begin Date: January 1st, 1995
Manufactured End Date: February 29th, 1996
Date of Owner Notification: August 10th, 2004

Defect Summary:
CERTAIN 1995 AND 1996 MY THOMAS BUILT SCHOOL BUSES BUILT BETWEEN JANUARY 1, 1995, AND FEBRUARY 29, 1996, WHICH ARE PREDOMINATELY OPERATED ON UNIMPROVED ROADS MAY HAVE DEVELOPED CRACKS IN THE BUS BODY FRAMING STRUCTURE MEMBERS (RAFTERS) NEAR THE HORIZONTAL WINDOW HEADER WELDS AND AT THE SIDE EMERGENCY EXIT DOORS.

Consequence Summary:
IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, PASSENGERS COULD BE SERIOUSLY INJURED.

Corrective Summary:
THOMAS BUILT WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND PROVIDE A FREE REMEDY. THE RECALL BEGAN AUGUST 5, 2005. OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE A FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME SHOULD CONTACT THOMAS BUILT CUSTOMER SUPPORT OFFICE AT 336-889-4871.

Recall Notes:
CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236.

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 97V192000
Manufacturer: THOMAS BUILT BUSES, INC.
Manufactured Begin Date: December 22nd, 1995
Manufactured End Date: September 3rd, 1997
Date of Owner Notification: March 8th, 1999

Defect Summary:
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL BUSES. THE FLIP SEATS INSTALLED ON THESE BUSES DO NOT MEET THE REARWARD PUSH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 222, "SCHOOL BUS PASSENGER SEATING AND CRASH PROTECTION."

Consequence Summary:
IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY PROTECTED INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.

Corrective Summary:
OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH REPAIR PARTS AND A DETAILED REPAIR PROCEDURE. IF AN OWNER SO DESIRES, THOMAS BUILT WILL PERFORM THE REPAIR FOR THEM.

Recall Notes:
OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 8, 1999.A PRELIMINARY OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTER WAS MAILED JUNE 12, 1998.OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REPAIR PARTS AND DETAILED REPAIR PROCEDURE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT THOMAS BUILT AT 1-910-889-4871. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 97V133000
Manufacturer: THOMAS BUILT BUSES, INC.
Manufactured Begin Date: August 1st, 1988
Manufactured End Date: June 12th, 1997
Date of Owner Notification: October 24th, 1997

Defect Summary:
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL AND TRANSIT BUSES EQUIPPED WITH IN-LINE SIX ENGINE,"S" TYPE FRAME RAILS AND SIDE MOUNTED BATTERY BOX. THE BATTERY CABLE ROUTING ALLOWS THE POSITIVE CABLE TO CHAFE RESULTING IN A POSSIBLE SHORT CIRCUIT OF THE CABLE.

Consequence Summary:
IF AN ELECTRICAL SHORT OCCURS, IT CAN CAUSE LOSS OF POWER TO THE VEHICLE AND A POSSIBLE VEHICLE FIRE.

Corrective Summary:
THOMAS BUILT WILL PROVIDE OWNERS WITH REPAIR PARTS AND DETAILED REPAIR PROCEDURES TO SECURE THE CABLE TO PREVENT FURTHER DAMAGE. IF THE OWNER SO DESIRES, THOMAS BUILT WILL PERFORM THE REPAIR FOR THEM.

Recall Notes:
OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 24, 1997. OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REPAIR PARTS AND DETAILED REPAIR PROCEDURE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT THOMAS BUILT AT 1-910-889-4871.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 97V030000
Manufacturer: THOMAS BUILT BUSES, INC.
Manufactured Begin Date: September 1st, 1988
Manufactured End Date: January 31st, 1996
Date of Owner Notification: April 28th, 1997

Defect Summary:
CONTACT BETWEEN THE BRAKE CHAMBER AND THE SUSPENSION BEAM CAN RESULT IN DAMAGE TO THE BRAKE CHAMBER CLAMP BAND.

Consequence Summary:
IF THE DAMAGE TO THE CLAMP BAND RESULTED IN BAND BREAKAGE, THE CHAMBER COULD COME APART RESULTING IN LOSS OF THE SERVICE BRAKES. THE EMERGENCY BRAKES WOULD AUTOMATICALLY APPLY.

Corrective Summary:
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BRAKE CHAMBER FOR SIGNS OF CONTACT. IF CONTACT IS INDICATED, THE BRAKE CAM SHAFT AND CHAMBER SUPPORT BRACKET WILL BE REPLACED, ELIMINATING THE POSSIBILITY OF CONTACT BETWEEN THE BRAKE CHAMBER AND THE SUSPENSION BEAM.

Recall Notes:
OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DURING APRIL 1997. 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 THOMAS BUILT AT 1-910-889-4871.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 97V018000
Manufacturer: THOMAS BUILT BUSES, INC.
Manufactured Begin Date: November 1st, 1994
Manufactured End Date: November 19th, 1996
Date of Owner Notification: March 31st, 1997

Defect Summary:
THE NUT THAT SECURES THE VEHICLE'S MAIN POWER SUPPLY CAN LOOSEN CAUSING LOSS OF CONTACT.

Consequence Summary:
THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE POWER INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Corrective Summary:
THOMAS BUILT WILL SHIP REPAIR PARTS AND A DETAILED REPAIR PROCEDURE TO THE BUS OWNERS. THE REPAIR WILL CONSIST OF REMOVING THE ORIGINAL NUT, LOCATED AT THE ELECTRICAL PANEL, THAT SECURES THE VEHICLE'S MAIN POWER SUPPLY, AND REPLACING IT WITH A FLAT WASHER AND LOCKING NUT.

Recall Notes:
OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 31, 1997. OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE REPAIR PARTS AND A DETAILED REPAIR PROCEDURE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME FREE OF CHARGE SHOULD CONTACT THOMAS BUILT AT 1-910-841-5708.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 97V020000
Manufacturer: THOMAS BUILT BUSES, INC.
Manufactured Begin Date: July 1st, 1995
Manufactured End Date: April 30th, 1996
Date of Owner Notification: May 12th, 1997

Defect Summary:
THESE BUSES WITH GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATINGS (GVWR) OF 36,200, DO NOT MEET THE BRAKE SIZE AND POWER REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD (FMVSS) NO. 121, "AIR BRAKE SYSTEMS," FOR VEHICLES OF THAT GVWR.

Consequence Summary:
THESE BUSES DO NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 121.

Corrective Summary:
THOMAS BUILT WILL PROVIDE THE OWNERS WITH REPAIR PARTS AND A DETAILED REPAIR PROCEDURE. THE REPAIR WILL CONSIST OF CHANGING THE ORIGINAL REAR SLACK ADJUSTERS AND FRONT BRAKE CHAMBERS AND INCREASING THE AIR RESERVOIR VOLUME.

Recall Notes:
NOTES:OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 6, 1997. OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REPAIR PARTS AND A DETAILED REPAIR PROCEDURE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT THOMAS BUILT AT 1-910-889-4871.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 96V178008
Manufacturer: THOMAS BUILT BUSES, INC.
Manufactured Begin Date: January 1st, 1996
Manufactured End Date: September 1st, 1996

Defect Summary:
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TRANSIT BUSES EQUIPPED WITH ISRINGHAUSEN SEATS IN THE DRIVER POSITION. TWO WELDS LOCATED ON THE BACK REST ADJUSTMENT SIDE OF THE SEAT FRAME DID NOT MEET THE MANUFACTURER'S SPECIFICATIONS.

Consequence Summary:
IF THESE WELDS WERE NOT TO SPECIFICATION, BACK REST LOADS COULD CAUSE THE WELDS TO FAIL. THE BACK REST WOULD DISENGAGE FROM THE SEAT FRAME ALLOWING LOSS OF SUPPORT TO THE DRIVER'S TORSO AND POSSIBLY CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.

Corrective Summary:
ISRINGHAUSEN IS CONDUCTING THE OWNER NOTIFICATION AND REMEDY CAMPAIGN FOR THIS RECALL. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE SEATS AND REPLACE THE SEAT FRAME ASSEMBLY.

Recall Notes:
OWNER NOTIFICATION:OWNER NOTIFICATION IS BEING CONDUCTED BY ISRINGHAUSEN AND WILL BEGIN DURING FEBRUARY 1997.NOTE: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 THOMAS BUILT AT 1-910-889-4871 OR ISRINGHAUSEN AT 616-968-5333, EXT. 301. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 96V164000
Manufacturer: THOMAS BUILT BUSES, INC.
Manufactured Begin Date: January 1st, 1992
Manufactured End Date: July 31st, 1996
Date of Owner Notification: December 2nd, 1996

Defect Summary:
AN ITEM WORN BY A CHILD, SUCH AS A LONG DRAWSTRING, SASH, OR BACKPACK/BOOKBAG ACCESSORY, CAN BECOME CAUGHT ON THE FATENERS THAT SECURE THE HANDRAIL SUPPORT TO THE HANDRAIL.

Consequence Summary:
IF AN ITEM WORN BY A CHILD WERE TO CATCH ON THIS AREA, AND THE DRIVER WERE TO CLOSE THE DOOR AND PUT THE VEHICLE IN MOTION, THIS CAN RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

Corrective Summary:
THE EXISTING 1" BOLTS THAT SECURE THE HANDRAIL SUPPORT WILL BE REPLACED WITH 1/2" BOLTS.

Recall Notes:
OWNER NOTIFICATION:OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURINGNOTE: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 THOMAS BUILT AT 1-910-889-4871.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 96V139000
Manufacturer: THOMAS BUILT BUSES, INC.
Manufactured Begin Date: April 1st, 1977
Manufactured End Date: July 1st, 1996
Date of Owner Notification: October 8th, 1996

Defect Summary:
AN ITEM WORN BY A CHILD, SUCH AS A LONG DRAWSTRING, SASH, OR BACKPACK/BOOKBAG ACCESSORY, CAN BECOME CAUGHT IN THE AREA BETWEEN THE SERVICE DOOR AND THE DOOR CONTROL ROD ATTACHING BRACKET.

Consequence Summary:
IF AN ITEM WORN BY A CHILD WERE TO CATCH ON THIS AREA, AND THE DRIVER WERE TO CLOSE THE DOOR AND PUT THE VEHICLE IN MOTION, THIS CAN RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

Corrective Summary:
A MOLDED COVER WILL BE INSTALLED BETWEEN THE MANUALLY OPERATED OUTWARD OPENING ENTRANCE DOOR AND THE DOOR CONTROL ROD ATTACHING BRACKET WHICH WILL ELIMINATE THE OPENING THAT COULD ALLOW AN ITEM OF A CHILD'S CLOTHING TO BECOME SNAGGED.

Recall Notes:
SYSTEM: STRUCTURE; BODY; HANDRAILS. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL BUSES EQUIPPED WITH MANUALLY OPERATED OUTWARD OPENING SERVICE DOORS. NOTE: 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 THOMAS BUILT AT 1-910-889-4871. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 96V021000
Manufacturer: THOMAS BUILT BUSES, INC.
Manufactured Begin Date: September 1st, 1988
Manufactured End Date: January 1st, 1996
Date of Owner Notification: April 8th, 1996

Defect Summary:
CONTACT BETWEEN THE BRAKE CHAMBER AND THE SUSPENSION BEAM CAN RESULT IN DAMAGE TO THE BRAKE CHAMBER CLAMP BAND.

Consequence Summary:
IF THE DAMAGE TO THE CLAMP BAND RESULTED IN BAND BREAKAGE, THE CHAMBER COULD COME APART RESULTING IN LOSS OF THE SERVICE BRAKES. THE EMERGENCY BRAKES WOULD AUTOMATICALLY APPLY.

Corrective Summary:
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BRAKE CHAMBER FOR SIGN OF CONTACT. IF CONTACT IS INDICATED, THE BRAKE CAM SHAFT AND CHAMBER SUPPORT BRACKET WILL BE REPLACED, ELIMINATING THE POSSIBLITY OF CONTACT BETWEEN THE BRAKE CHAMBER AND THE SUSPENSION BEAM.

Recall Notes:
THIS RECALL CAMPAIGN HAS BEEN SUPERSEDED BY CAMPAIGN 97V030000.SYSTEM: BRAKES; AIR; DRUM AND SHOE SYSTEMS; CHAMBER; BRAKE. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL AND TRANSIT BUSES, 66-90 PASSENGER, TYPE "D", REAR ENGINE EQUIPPED WITH 10" BRAKES AND "NEWAY" AIR SUSPENSION. NOTE: 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 THOMAS BUILT AT 1-910-889-4871. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.1-800-424-9393.