1998 Thomas Mvp Ef Recalls

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V087000
Manufacturer: THOMAS BUILT BUSES, INC.
Manufacturer Campaign Number: FL-525
Manufactured Begin Date: January 1st, 1994
Manufactured End Date: March 10th, 2008
Date of Owner Notification: August 18th, 2008

Defect Summary:
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.

Consequence Summary:
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.

Corrective Summary:
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.

Recall Notes:
DAIMLER TRUCKS RECALL NO. FL-525.CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 07V142000
Manufacturer: THOMAS BUILT BUSES, INC.
Manufacturer Campaign Number: FL-495
Manufactured Begin Date: January 23rd, 1994
Manufactured End Date: April 15th, 2002
Date of Owner Notification: February 8th, 2008

Defect Summary:
CERTAIN MY 1994 THROUGH 2002 THOMAS BUILT MINOTOUR, FS-65, MVP-EF, ER, AND HDX-EF SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JANUARY 23, 1994, AND APRIL 15, 2002. THE SEAT BELT MAY CHAFE ON THE EDGE OF A METAL BRACKET AND WEAR PREMATURELY.

Consequence Summary:
IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN PERSONAL INJURY.

Corrective Summary:
THOMAS BUILT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE ANY CHAFED SEAT BELTS AND REPLACE OR MODIFY THE RETAINER STRIP TO PREVENT ANY FURTHER CHAFING. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 8, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THOMAS BUILT AT 336-889-4871 OR CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 800-547-0712.

Recall Notes:
FREIGHTLINER RECALL NO. FL-495.CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 05V205000
Manufacturer: THOMAS BUILT BUSES, INC.
Manufacturer Campaign Number: FL-447
Manufactured Begin Date: December 1st, 1997
Manufactured End Date: January 31st, 2003

Defect Summary:
CERTAIN 1998-2003 MY FREIGHTLINER FS-65 SCHOOL BUS CHASSIS AND MB-45, MB-55, AND XB SHUTTLE BUS CHASSIS, AND THOMAS BUILT BUS: MVP-ER AND MVP-EF SCHOOL BUS AND NON-SCHOOL BUS MODELS EQUIPPED WITH CUMMINS ISB DIESEL ENGINES AND EQUIPPED WITH FEDERAL-MOGAL 12 AND 24 VOLT FUEL LIFT PUMPS. THE FUEL PUMP COULD FAIL TO TRANSFER FUEL APPROPRIATELY CREATING AN ENGINE STALL CONDITION.

Consequence Summary:
SHOULD THE ENGINE STALL WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN USE, A POSSIBLE VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR.

Corrective Summary:
CUMMINS WILL NOTIFY THE CUSTOMERS OF FREIGHTLINER AND THOMAS BUILT AND REPLACE THE FUEL LIFT PUMP FREE OF CHARGE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CUMMINS AT 1-800-DIESELS.

Recall Notes:
CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 03V205000
Manufacturer: THOMAS BUILT BUSES, INC.
Manufacturer Campaign Number: FL-415
Manufactured Begin Date: June 1st, 1998
Manufactured End Date: April 30th, 2003
Date of Owner Notification: July 28th, 2003

Defect Summary:
ON CERTAIN THOMAS SCHOOL BUSES, THE ALTERNATOR CABLE CAN PINCH BETWEEN THE AIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSOR AND ENGINE BLOCK.

Consequence Summary:
THIS CAN RESULT IN DAMAGE TO WIRE INSULATION AND POTENTIALLY CAUSE A SHORT CIRCUIT.

Corrective Summary:
DEALERS WILL RE-ROUTE THE CABLE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 28, 2003. 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 FREIGHTLINER/THOMAS BUILT AT

Recall Notes:
FREIGHTLINER/THOMAS BUILT RECALL NO. FL-415.CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 01V378000
Manufacturer: THOMAS BUILT BUSES, INC.
Manufactured Begin Date: November 1st, 1996
Manufactured End Date: November 30th, 2001
Date of Owner Notification: May 1st, 2002

Defect Summary:
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 217, "BUS EMERGENCY EXITS AND WINDOW RETENTION AND RELEASE." A THIRD ROOF HATCH MUST BE ADDED TO MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS. ONLY VEHICLES LOCATED IN THE STATE OF WASHINGTON ARE INVOLVED.

Consequence Summary:
IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE BUS OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE ABLE TO EXIT THE BUS QUICKLY.

Corrective Summary:
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A THIRD ROOF HATCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 1, 2002. 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 336-889-4871.

Recall Notes:
ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 00V232011
Manufacturer: THOMAS BUILT BUSES, INC.
Manufactured Begin Date: February 13th, 1998
Manufactured End Date: August 3rd, 2000
Date of Owner Notification: August 29th, 2000

Defect Summary:
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL BUS CHASSIS AND EMERGENCY VEHICLES BUILT WITH BENDIX AIR ABS WITH AN EC-17 1030R ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU), THERE HAVE BEEN REPORTS OF UNWANTED ABS ACTIVATION AT LOW SPEEDS CAUSED BY 1) CHAFED ABS WHEEL SPEED SENSOR WIRES ON ROTATING PARTS OR 2) A DAMAGED COMPONENT AT THE WHEEL END THAT GENERATES A CERTAIN TYPE OF ERRATIC SENSOR SIGNAL.

Consequence Summary:
THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE ABS ECU TO EXHAUST THE AIR AT THE AIR BRAKE MODULATORS FOR ONE OR MORE OF THE WHEELS. THIS COULD RESULT IN EXTENDED BRAKING DISTANCES AND A POSSIBLE CRASH.

Corrective Summary:
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ABS ECU.

Recall Notes:
OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 29, 2000, TO SCHOOL BUSES AND EMERGENCY VEHICLE CUSTOMERS. OWNERS OF THE REMAINING POPULATION WERE SENT LETTERS ON SEPTEMBER 9, 2000. 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 FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 00V362000
Manufacturer: THOMAS BUILT BUSES, INC.
Manufactured Begin Date: April 1st, 1996
Manufactured End Date: September 30th, 2000
Date of Owner Notification: February 9th, 2001

Defect Summary:
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES AND TRANSIT BUSES EQUIPPED WITH NATIONAL SEATING'S SERIES 93B-SB DRIVER SEAT. A BRACKET ATTACHING THE GAS SPRING SHOCK TO THE HEIGHT ADJUSTER OF THE SEAT CAN DEFORM AND BREAK. THIS BRACKET IS LOCATED AT THE TOP OF THE HEIGHT ADJUSTER.

Consequence Summary:
IF THE BRACKET IS NOT REPLACED AFTER DEFORMING, AND IS ALLOWED TO BREAK, ITS BREAKING WILL RESULT IN A SUDDEN DROP OF THE DRIVER'S SEAT, INCREASING THE RISK OF LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND A CRASH.

Corrective Summary:
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SEAT BASE AND ADD REINFORCEMENT TO THE SEAT ASSEMBLY

Recall Notes:
OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 9, 2001.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 ATALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 00V232002
Manufacturer: THOMAS BUILT BUSES, INC.
Manufacturer Campaign Number: FL-266
Manufactured Begin Date: February 13th, 1998
Manufactured End Date: August 3rd, 2000
Date of Owner Notification: August 29th, 2000

Defect Summary:
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS AND SCHOOL BUS CHASSIS BUILT WITH BENDIX AIR ABS WITH AN EC-17 1030R ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU), THERE HAVE BEEN REPORTS OF UNWANTED ABS ACTIVATION AT LOW SPEEDS CAUSED BY 1) CHAFED ABS WHEEL SPEED SENSOR WIRES ON ROTATING PARTS OR 2) A DAMAGED COMPONENT AT THE WHEEL END THAT GENERATES A CERTAIN TYPE OF ERRATIC SENSOR SIGNAL.

Consequence Summary:
THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE ABS ECU TO EXHAUST THE AIR AT THE AIR BRAKE MODULATORS FOR ONE OR MORE OF THE WHEELS. THIS COULD RESULT IN EXTENDED BRAKING DISTANCES AND A POSSIBLE CRASH.

Corrective Summary:
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ABS ECU.

Recall Notes:
OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 29, 2000, TO SCHOOL BUSES AND EMERGENCY VEHICLE CUSTOMERS. OWNERS OF THE REMAINING POPULATION WERE SENT LETTERS ON SEPTEMBER 9, 2000. 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 FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).