1996 Thomas Mvp Recalls

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 00V174000
Manufacturer: THOMAS BUILT BUSES, INC.
Manufactured Begin Date: December 1st, 1994
Manufactured End Date: July 31st, 2000
Date of Owner Notification: September 8th, 2000

Defect Summary:
CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES WITH WELDON TECHNOLOGIES' 5050-1400 SURFACE MOUNT MARKER LIGHTS HAVE AN OPTION TO REPLACE EACH OF THE TWELVE CLEARANCE/MARKER/IDENTIFICATION LIGHTS WITH FOUR-CANDLEPOWER LIGHTS, TWICE THE CANDLEPOWER NORMALLY USED. THE HIGHER CURRENT DEMAND CREATED BY THESE LIGHTS CAN CAUSE EXCESSIVE HEAT THROUGH THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH CONNECTION IF A RELAY IS NOT INSTALLED BETWEEN THE COMBINATION TAIL/MARKER LIGHT CIRCUIT AND THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH.

Consequence Summary:
THIS CAN RESULT IN DEFORMATION OF THE PLASTIC CONNECTORS THAT CONNECT THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH TO ITS WIRING HARNESS.

Corrective Summary:
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RELAY TO REDUCE THE CURRENT DRAW THROUGH THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 8, 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 THOMAS BUILT AT 1-336-881-7219.

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: 00V041000
Manufacturer: THOMAS BUILT BUSES, INC.
Manufactured Begin Date: October 1st, 1995
Manufactured End Date: August 31st, 1999
Date of Owner Notification: May 12th, 2000

Defect Summary:
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL BUSES EQUIPPED WITH NEWAY AD 200 REAR AIR SUSPENSIONS. THERE IS INTERFERENCE BETWEEN THE SUSPENSION U-BOLT AND THE REAR AXLE WHICH CAN CAUSE THE U-BOLT TO CRACK AND FALL OFF.

Consequence Summary:
THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Corrective Summary:
OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A DETAILED REPAIR PROCEDURE AND FREE PARTS.

Recall Notes:
OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 12, 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 THOMAS BUILT AT 1-336-881-9986.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: 99V176000
Manufacturer: THOMAS BUILT BUSES, INC.
Manufactured Begin Date: March 1st, 1994
Manufactured End Date: March 31st, 1999
Date of Owner Notification: November 17th, 1999

Defect Summary:
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TRANSIT AND SCHOOL BUSES EQUIPPED WITH ELECTRONIC ENGINES. THE BOTTOM EDGE OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL CAN CATCH ON THE FLOOR MAT WHEN THE PEDAL IS FULLY DEPRESSED. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 124, "ACCELERATOR CONTROL SYSTEMS."

Consequence Summary:
IF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL CATCHES ON THE FLOOR MAT, ENGINE OVERSPEED COULD OCCUR, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Corrective Summary:
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW ACCELERATOR PEDAL MOUNTING BRACKET TO RAISE THE ACCELERATOR SO THE PEDAL DOES NOT CATCH ON THE FLOOR MAT.

Recall Notes:
OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 17, 1999. 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 1-336-841-5992. 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: 99V177000
Manufacturer: THOMAS BUILT BUSES, INC.
Manufactured Begin Date: March 1st, 1994
Manufactured End Date: January 25th, 1999
Date of Owner Notification: August 6th, 1999

Defect Summary:
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TRANSIT AND SCHOOL BUSES EQUIPPED WITH CUMMINS ISB OR CATERPILLAR 3126 ENGINES. A DECAL THAT WARNS OF THE DANGER OF USING ETHER OR OTHER STARTING FLUIDS IN THE ENGINE AIR INTAKE SYSTEM WAS OMITTED. THE LABEL SHOULD BE LOCATED ON THE FIXED HEADLIGHT PANEL ON THE FRONT OF THE BUS.

Consequence Summary:
THE ELECTRICAL PREHEATER ELEMENT COULD POSSIBLY BE IGNITED BY STARTING FLUID SPRAYED INTO THE AIR INTAKE SYSTEM, RESULTING IN EXPLOSION AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY TO THOSE IN AND AROUND THE BUS.

Corrective Summary:
OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A WARNING LABEL AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS.

Recall Notes:
OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 6, 1999. 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 1-336-881-7219.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: 98V229000
Manufacturer: THOMAS BUILT BUSES, INC.
Manufactured Begin Date: April 1st, 1996
Manufactured End Date: April 10th, 1998
Date of Owner Notification: December 7th, 1998

Defect Summary:
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL AND TRANSIT BUSES EQUIPPED WITH NATIONAL SEATING SERIES 93B-SB DRIVER SEAT. A BRACKET ATTACHING TO THE HEIGHT ADJUSTING SHOCK ABSORBER ON THE DRIVER'S SEAT CAN DEFORM AND BREAK.

Consequence Summary:
THIS CONDITION CAN 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 ADD A REINFORCEMENT TO THE BRACKET, OR IF THE BRACKET IS DEFORMED AND/OR BROKEN, THE ENTIRE SEAT BASE WILL BE REPLACED.

Recall Notes:
OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 7, 1998.OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR BUSES 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 1-336-841-5991.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: 98V054000
Manufacturer: THOMAS BUILT BUSES, INC.
Manufactured Begin Date: October 1st, 1995
Manufactured End Date: February 16th, 1998
Date of Owner Notification: September 9th, 1998

Defect Summary:
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL AND TRANSIT BUSES EQUIPPED WITH NON-ELECTRONIC CUMMINS B5.9L ENGINES. THE SLIDING ACTION OF THE ACCELERATOR LINKAGE LEVER OVER THE HAND THROTTLE CABLE CAN CAUSE THE HAND THROTTLE WIRE TO WEAR A NOTCH IN THE ACCELERATOR LINKAGE RESULTING IN BINDING OF THE LINKAGE. THIS FAILS TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 124, "ACCELERATOR CONTROL SYSTEMS."

Consequence Summary:
SUCH BINDING CAN PREVENT THE ACCELERATOR CONTROL FROM RETURNING TO IDLE QUICKLY OR FROM RETURNING TO IDLE POSITION AT ALL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Corrective Summary:
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING ACCELERATOR LINKAGE LEVER AND READJUST THE HAND THROTTLE CABLE, OR REPLACE THE EXISTING HAND THROTTLE ATTACHMENT CLIP AND READJUST THE HAND THROTTLE CABLE.

Recall Notes:
OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 9, 1998.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 1-336-841-5991.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: 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: 97V099000
Manufacturer: THOMAS BUILT BUSES, INC.
Manufactured Begin Date: November 1st, 1995
Manufactured End Date: June 30th, 1996
Date of Owner Notification: June 9th, 1997

Defect Summary:
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL AND TRANSIT BUSES EQUIPPED WITH CUMMINS 6B ENGINES AND DELCO ALTERNATORS. THE BATTERY CABLE ROUTING ALLOWS THE CABLE TO CONTACT THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD.

Consequence Summary:
IF THE CABLE CONTACTS THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD, THE ENGINE COULD STALL AND AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CAN CAUSE A VEHICLE FIRE.

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

Recall Notes:
OWNER NOTIFICATION:OWNER NOTIFICATION WILL BEGIN DURING JULY1997.NOTES: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: 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.