1997 Thomas Saf-t-liner Recalls

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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: 97V177000
Manufacturer: THOMAS BUILT BUSES, INC.
Manufactured Begin Date: January 31st, 1997
Manufactured End Date: October 10th, 1997
Date of Owner Notification: October 17th, 1997

Defect Summary:
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL AND TRANSIT BUSES. IF DEBRIS BECOMES TRAPPED BETWEEN THE PLASTIC CUP, WHICH SEALS THE OPENING WHERE THE STEERING COLUMN COMES THROUGH THE BUS FLOOR AND THE STEERING KNUCKLE, THE STEERING LINKAGE CAN BIND.

Consequence Summary:
BINDING OF THE STEERING LINKAGE COULD CAUSE THE DRIVER TO OVER STEER THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE OR A CRASH.

Corrective Summary:
OWNERS ARE REQUESTED TO REMOVE THE PLASTIC SEAL WHICH WILL LEAVE AN OPENING BETWEEN THE VEHICLE FLOOR AND THE STEERING COLUMN. THOMAS BUILT IS IN THE PROCESS OF DESIGNING A PROPER SEAL FOR THAT AREA, AND THIS SEAL WILL BE SENT TO OWNERS FOR INSTALLATION.

Recall Notes:
OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 17, 1997.OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REPAIR SEAL 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.