NHTSA vehicle safety data
1997 Thomas MVP Recalls & Complaints
The 1997 Thomas MVP has 9 NHTSA recall campaigns on file as of October 21, 2026. try.vin has no NHTSA owner complaints on file for the 1997 Thomas MVP. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Thomas dealer.
NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 1997 Thomas MVP. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
THOMAS BUILT/HEADLIGHT
NHTSA #00V174000 · Exterior Lighting — Headlights — Switch · NHTSA notice
Reported June 30, 2000 · FREIGHTLINER LLC
Potentially affected: 803 vehicles
Owners notified September 8, 2000 · Vehicles built December 1, 1994 – July 31, 2000 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation
Defect description
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.
Safety consequence
THIS CAN RESULT IN DEFORMATION OF THE PLASTIC CONNECTORS THAT CONNECT THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH TO ITS WIRING HARNESS.
Manufacturer remedy
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.
Notes
ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
THOMAS BUILT BUSES/SUSPENSION
NHTSA #00V041000 · Suspension — Rear · NHTSA notice
Reported February 15, 2000 · THOMAS BUILT BUSES, INC.
Potentially affected: 757 vehicles
Owners notified May 12, 2000 · Vehicles built October 1, 1995 – August 31, 1999 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
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.
Safety consequence
THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Manufacturer remedy
OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A DETAILED REPAIR PROCEDURE AND FREE PARTS.
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).
THOMAS BUILT/WARNING LABEL
NHTSA #99V177000 · Equipment — Other — Labels · NHTSA notice
Reported July 2, 1999 · THOMAS BUILT BUSES, INC.
Potentially affected: 1,123 vehicles
Owners notified August 6, 1999 · Vehicles built March 1, 1994 – January 25, 1999 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
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.
Safety consequence
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.
Manufacturer remedy
OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A WARNING LABEL AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS.
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).
THOMAS BUILT/FMVSS 124/ACCELERATOR PEDAL
NHTSA #99V176000 · Vehicle Speed Control — Accelerator Pedal · NHTSA notice
Reported July 2, 1999 · THOMAS BUILT BUSES, INC.
Potentially affected: 1,307 vehicles
Owners notified November 17, 1999 · Vehicles built March 1, 1994 – March 31, 1999 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
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."
Safety consequence
IF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL CATCHES ON THE FLOOR MAT, ENGINE OVERSPEED COULD OCCUR, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Manufacturer remedy
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW ACCELERATOR PEDAL MOUNTING BRACKET TO RAISE THE ACCELERATOR SO THE PEDAL DOES NOT CATCH ON THE FLOOR MAT.
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).
THOMAS BUILT/DRIVER'S SEAT
NHTSA #98V229000 · Seats · NHTSA notice
Reported September 17, 1998 · THOMAS BUILT BUSES, INC.
Potentially affected: 4,300 vehicles
Owners notified December 7, 1998 · Vehicles built April 1, 1996 – April 10, 1998 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
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.
Safety consequence
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.
Manufacturer remedy
DEALERS WILL ADD A REINFORCEMENT TO THE BRACKET, OR IF THE BRACKET IS DEFORMED AND/OR BROKEN, THE ENTIRE SEAT BASE WILL BE REPLACED.
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).
THOMAS BUILT/FMVSS 124
NHTSA #98V054000 · Vehicle Speed Control — Cables · NHTSA notice
Reported March 12, 1998 · THOMAS BUILT BUSES, INC.
Potentially affected: 2,667 vehicles
Owners notified September 9, 1998 · Vehicles built October 1, 1995 – February 16, 1998 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
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."
Safety consequence
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.
Manufacturer remedy
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.
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).
THOMAS BUILT/FMVSS 222/SEATS
NHTSA #97V192000 · Seats · NHTSA notice
Reported November 1, 1997 · THOMAS BUILT BUSES, INC.
Potentially affected: 2,391 vehicles
Owners notified March 8, 1999 · Vehicles built December 22, 1995 – September 3, 1997 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
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."
Safety consequence
IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY PROTECTED INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
Manufacturer remedy
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.
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.
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/BATTERY CABLE ROUTING
NHTSA #97V133000 · Electrical System — 12V/24V/48V Battery — Cables · NHTSA notice
Reported August 22, 1997 · THOMAS BUILT BUSES, INC.
Potentially affected: 8,107 vehicles
Owners notified October 24, 1997 · Vehicles built August 1, 1988 – June 12, 1997 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
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.
Safety consequence
IF AN ELECTRICAL SHORT OCCURS, IT CAN CAUSE LOSS OF POWER TO THE VEHICLE AND A POSSIBLE VEHICLE FIRE.
Manufacturer remedy
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.
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.
Other Thomas MVP model years
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