NHTSA vehicle safety data
1997 Thomas SAF-T-Liner Recalls & Complaints
The 1997 Thomas SAF-T-Liner has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file as of October 21, 2026. try.vin has no NHTSA owner complaints on file for the 1997 Thomas SAF-T-Liner. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Thomas dealer.
NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 1997 Thomas SAF-T-Liner. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
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 SAF-T-Liner model years
Check your 1997 Thomas SAF-T-Liner VIN
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