How many recalls does the 2002 Thomas MVP ER have?

NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns for the 2002 Thomas MVP ER as of October 16, 2026. Each includes the defect description, safety consequence, and the remedy Thomas will perform. New recalls can be issued at any time; this page is refreshed from NHTSA daily.

How do I tell if my 2002 Thomas MVP ER is affected by a recall?

Enter your 17-character VIN — stamped at the base of the windshield on the driver side and on the door jamb sticker — at nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's VIN lookup shows whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall; the list on this page covers every campaign for the 2002 Thomas MVP ER.

Are recall repairs on a 2002 Thomas MVP ER free?

Usually. Federal law requires Thomas to remedy recalls on the 2002 MVP ER free of charge at an authorized Thomas dealer, regardless of how many owners the vehicle has had or how many miles are on the odometer — unless it was first sold more than 15 years before the recall was issued (5 years for tires).

Does a recall on the 2002 Thomas MVP ER affect resale value?

An open recall can reduce resale value; a recall that has been repaired (documented in the vehicle history report) generally does not. Before you buy or sell a used 2002 Thomas MVP ER, check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm every recall has been remedied.

How many owner complaints are on file for the 2002 Thomas MVP ER?

No owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA on the 2002 Thomas MVP ER.

NHTSA vehicle safety data

2002 Thomas MVP ER Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 2002 Thomas MVP ER has 9 NHTSA recall campaigns and 0 owner complaints on file as of October 16, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Thomas dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2002 Thomas MVP ER. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

Pre-purchase inspection checklist → Reliability & 5-year cost forecast →

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

NHTSA #08V356000

Reported July 30, 2008 · DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA

Potentially affected: 3,773 vehicles

Defect description

DAIMLER TRUCKS IS RECALLING 3,773 MY 1996 THROUGH 2002 THOMAS BUILT MVP ER SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 8, 1995 THROUGH FEBRUARY 16, 2001, EQUIPPED WITH CATERPILLAR 3116 AND 3126 ENGINES. UN-FUSED POWER CABLES WERE TIE-WRAPPED TO A WIRE BRAID ENGINE FUEL RETURN HOSE. OVER TIME THESE CABLES MAY CHAFE, WEARING THROUGH THE WIRE LOOM AND EVENTUALLY THROUGH THE CABLE INSULATION AND FUEL LINE COVERING IN AN AREA NOT EASILY DETECTABLE DURING NORMAL MAINTENANCE WITHOUT REMOVING THE TIE WRAPS AND OPENING THE WIRE LOOM. UN-FUSED AND UN-SWITCHED POWER CABLES WHICH WEAR THROUGH AND CONTACT THE FUEL LINE WIRE BRAID MAY SHORT CIRCUIT.

Safety consequence

IN THE EVENT OF A SHORT CIRCUIT, A VEHICLE FIRE CAN OCCUR.

Manufacturer remedy

THOMAS BUILT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND INSPECT AND REPLACE THE CABLES AS NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT NOVEMBER 28, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THOMAS BUILT AT 1-336-889-4871.

Notes

DAIMLER TRUCKS' RECALL NO. FL-534.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.

STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS

NHTSA #08V087000

Reported February 26, 2008 · DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA

Potentially affected: 243,435 vehicles

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

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.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS

NHTSA #07V544000

Reported November 29, 2007 · FREIGHTLINER LLC

Potentially affected: 33,303 vehicles

Defect description

CERTAIN 2001 THROUGH 2008 THOMAS BUILT FS-56, ER, MVP ER, HDX, AND MVP EF SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 23, 2000, THROUGH JANUARY 24, 2006, EQUIPPED WITH TYCO PC BOARD AND TYPE II AUTO RESET CIRCUIT BREAKERS. TYPE II AUTO RESET CIRCUIT BREAKER TEMPERATURES MAY EXCEED THE RATING OF THE TYCO PC BOARD CAUSING THE BOARDS TO MELT POTENTIALLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE FIRE.

Safety consequence

A VEHICLE FIRE CAN OCCUR POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

THOMAS BUILT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPAIR THE BUSES BY REPLACING THE TYPE II AUTO RESET CIRCUIT BREAKERS WITH MANUAL CIRCUIT BREAKERS, AND THE JUMPER CABLE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 28, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THOMAS BUILT CUSTOMER SUPPORT OFFICE AT 336-889-4871.

Notes

FREIGHTLINER RECALL NO. FL-516.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.

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR

NHTSA #07V137000

Reported March 23, 2007 · FREIGHTLINER LLC

Potentially affected: 3,000 vehicles

Defect description

CERTAIN MY 2000 THROUGH 2003 THOMAS BUILT HDX AND MVP-ER SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN APRIL 23, 2000, AND NOVEMBER 14, 2003. THE SERVICE AIR BRAKE PEDAL, FOR BOTH NON-ADJUSTABLE AND ADJUSTABLE BRAKE PEDALS, MAY CONTACT THE FRONT STRUCTURE ON THE BUS, LIMITING THE MAXIMUM BRAKE FORCE AVAILABLE.

Safety consequence

INSUFFICIENT AIR BRAKE PRESSURE MAY CAUSE EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCES WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

THOMAS BUILT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPAIR THE AFFECTED BUSES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 14, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT THOMAS BUILT AT 336-889-4871 OR CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 800-547-0712.

Notes

FREIGHTLINER RECALL NO. FL-493.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.

OTHER:SCHOOL BUS STOP ARM ASSEMBLY

NHTSA #05V347000

Reported August 3, 2005 · FREIGHTLINER LLC

Potentially affected: 5,954 vehicles

Defect description

CERTAIN 2002-2005 MY THOMAS BUILT MINOTOUR, CONVENTIONAL, MVP-ER, ER, HDX, AND MVP-EF MODEL SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JANUARY 8, 2002, AND MARCH 8, 2005, EQUIPPED WITH SPECIALTY MFG "5" SERIES STOP ARMS ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN STATES OTHER THAN THE FOLLOWING STATES: ALASKA, COLORADO, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IDAHO, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KANSAS, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, MONTANA, NEBRASKA, NEVADA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW MEXICO, NEW YORK, NORTH DAKOTA, OHIO, OREGON, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, SOUTH DAKOTA, TENNESSEE, UTAH, VERMONT, VIRGINIA, WASHINGTON, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, WYOMING, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. IN EXTREMELY COLD WEATHER, THE MICROSWITCHES USED INTERNALLY TO POSITION THE STOP ARM SIGN IN THE OPEN AND CLOSED POSITIONS MAY MALFUNCTION, CAUSING THE SIGN TO OPEN OR CLOSE IN AN IMPROPER POSITION, OR TO NOT OPEN AT ALL.

Safety consequence

SHOULD THE STOP ARM NOT PERFORM PROPERLY, A CHILD OR PEDESTRIAN MAY BE ENDANGERED BY PASSING VEHICLES SHOULD THE MOTORIST NOT STOP AT THE CORRECT LOCATION.

Manufacturer remedy

FOR THOSE BUSES OPERATED IN OR NEAR ANY OF THE STATES LISTED ABOVE, THOMAS BUILT IS ENCOURAGING THE BUS OWNERS TO OBTAIN THE REPLACEMENT SWITCH. FOR THOSE BUSES OPERATED IN THE WARMER STATES, DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SWITCH UPON OWNER REQUEST. FOR THOSE CUSTOMERS WHO REQUEST THE REMEDY, THOMAS BUILT WILL REPLACE THE ORIGINAL SWITCH WITH A SWITCH PACK THAT IS NOT SENSITIVE TO EXTREME COLD WEATHER AND WILL INSPECT TO ENSURE THE MICROSWITCH HEATER WIRING IS PROPERLY CONNECTED. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 14, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THOMAS BUILT'S CUSTOMER SUPPORT OFFICE AT 336-889-4871.

Notes

THIS ACTION IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN AND IS NOT BEING CONDUCTED UNDER THE SAFETY ACT.FREIGHTLINER/THOMAS BUILT RECALL NO. FL-454.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.

OTHER:SCHOOL BUS STOP ARM ASSEMBLY

NHTSA #05V340000

Reported July 25, 2005 · FREIGHTLINER LLC

Potentially affected: 13,583 vehicles

Defect description

CERTAIN 2002-2005 MY THOMAS BUILT MINOTOUR, CONVENTIONAL, MVP-ER, ER, HDX, AND MVP-EF MODEL SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JANUARY 8, 2002, AND MARCH 8, 2005, EQUIPPED WITH SPECIALTY MFG "5" SERIES STOP ARMS ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: ALASKA, COLORADO, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IDAHO, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KANSAS, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, MONTANA, NEBRASKA, NEVADA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW MEXICO, NEW YORK, NORTH DAKOTA, OHIO, OREGON, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, SOUTH DAKOTA, TENNESSEE, UTAH, VERMONT, VIRGINIA, WASHINGTON, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, WYOMING, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. IN EXTREMELY COLD WEATHER, THE MICROSWITCHES USED INTERNALLY TO POSITION THE STOP ARM SIGN IN THE OPEN AND CLOSED POSITIONS MAY MALFUNCTION, CAUSING THE SIGN TO OPEN OR CLOSE IN AN IMPROPER POSITION, OR TO NOT OPEN AT ALL.

Safety consequence

SHOULD THE STOP ARM NOT PERFORM PROPERLY, A CHILD OR PEDESTRIAN MAY BE ENDANGERED BY PASSING VEHICLES SHOULD THE MOTORIST NOT STOP AT THE CORRECT LOCATION.

Manufacturer remedy

THOMAS BUILT WILL NOTIFY ITS OWNERS AND REPLACE THE ORIGINAL SWITCH WITH A SWITCH PACK THAT IS NOT SENSITIVE TO EXTREME COLD WEATHER AND WILL INSPECT TO ENSURE THE MICROSWITCH HEATER WIRING IS PROPERLY CONNECTED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 14, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THOMAS BUILT'S CUSTOMER SUPPORT OFFICE AT 336-889-4871.

Notes

FREIGHTLINER/THOMAS BUILT RECALL NO. FL-454.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.

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL

NHTSA #05V205000

Reported April 27, 2005 · FREIGHTLINER LLC

Potentially affected: 16,000 vehicles

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

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

Manufacturer remedy

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.

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.

STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY

NHTSA #05V137000

Reported April 1, 2005 · FREIGHTLINER LLC

Potentially affected: 4,819 vehicles

Defect description

CERTAIN 2001-2004 MY THOMAS BUILT MVP-EF, ER TRANSIT, MVP-ER, HD, AND HDX SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 24, 2000, AND MARCH 4, 2004. THE TIE ROD ASSEMBLY CAN FRACTURE AND FAIL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN COMPLETE SEPARATION.

Safety consequence

TIE ROD FAILURE CAN POSSIBLY RESULT IN COMPLETE WHEEL SEPARATION AND A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR.

Manufacturer remedy

THOMAS BUILT WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND WILL REPLACE THE TIE ROD ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN SEPTEMBER 6, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THOMAS BUILT AT (WE DO NOT YET HAVE A TELEPHONE NUMBER).

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.

WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS

NHTSA #02V221000

Reported August 6, 2002 · FREIGHTLINER CORPORATION

Potentially affected: 15 vehicles

Defect description

ON CERTAIN SCHOOL AND TRANSIT BUSES, THE WHEEL LUG NUT MAY NOT TIGHTEN COMPLETELY.

Safety consequence

THE WHEEL COULD LOOSEN INCREASING THE RISK OF LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW WHEEL STUDS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 28, 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.

Notes

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

Other Thomas MVP ER model years

Check your 2002 Thomas MVP ER VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Thomas MVP ER at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

Check a Thomas VIN