NHTSA vehicle safety data
1997 Thomas ER Model Recalls & Complaints
The 1997 Thomas ER Model has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file as of October 21, 2026. try.vin has no NHTSA owner complaints on file for the 1997 Thomas ER Model. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Thomas dealer.
NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 1997 Thomas ER Model. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
THOMAS BUILT/STEERING LINKAGE
NHTSA #97V177000 · Steering — Steering Wheel/Handle Bar · NHTSA notice
Reported October 20, 1997 · THOMAS BUILT BUSES, INC.
Potentially affected: 953 vehicles
Owners notified October 17, 1997 · Vehicles built January 31, 1997 – October 10, 1997 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
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.
Safety consequence
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.
Manufacturer remedy
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.
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.
THOMAS BUILT/STEERING
NHTSA #97V154000 · Steering — Hydraulic Power Assist — Pump · NHTSA notice
Reported September 12, 1997 · THOMAS BUILT BUSES, INC.
Potentially affected: 200 vehicles
Owners notified July 28, 1998 · Vehicles built April 14, 1997 – June 30, 1997 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TRANSIT BUSES. A BURR ON THE SPOOL BORE OF THE STEERING GEAR PUMPS CAN RESULT IN THE LOSS OF OIL FLOW.
Safety consequence
THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST AND/OR OVERHEATING THE ENGINE.
Manufacturer remedy
THOMAS BUILT IS REQUESTING OWNERS TO INSPECT THE DATE CODE ON THE STEERING GEAR PUMP. IF THE PUMP IS STAMPED WITH A DATE CODE PRIOR TO 6/1/97 AND DOES NOT HAVE AN "L" OR AN "RL" STAMPED ON THE IDENTIFICATION TAG, THE OWNER WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE PUMP. OWNERS WILL BE SHIPPED A REPLACEMENT PUMP AND DETAILED REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS. IF THE OWNER SO DESIRES, THOMAS BUILT CAN DO THE INSPECTION AND REPAIR ON THESE BUSES.
Notes
OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY28, 1998.OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE A FREE REPLACEMENT PUMP AND DETAILED REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT THOMAS BUILT AT 1-800-889-4871.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
Other Thomas ER Model model years
Check your 1997 Thomas ER Model VIN
Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Thomas ER Model at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.
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