Thomas Built Buses Fs-65 2007

Model Fs-65 made in 2007 by Thomas Built Buses got 4 consumer complains, 5 investigations there are 8 recalls as well as 2 service bulletins. Consumer complaints with reference, among others things, to service brakes, air, steering and suspension. Technical service bulletines regarding structure. The car had some investigations: electrical system, service brakes, hydraulic and structure. There were some recalls concerningelectrical system, equipment adaptive and equipment.

Model 2007

Recalls


CampaignManufacturerManufacturing dateType# of units affectedDate Owner notified MfgRecall Initiated byManufacturers of recalled vehicles/productsReport Recieved DateRecord Creation DateRegulation Part NumberFMVSS Number
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS
07V544000FREIGHTLINER LLCfrom 10/23/2000 to 01/24/2006V (Vehicle)3330303/28/2008ODIFREIGHTLINER LLC11/29/200711/29/2007
Defect SummaryCertain 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.
Consequence SummaryA vehicle fire can occur possibly resulting in a crash.
Corrective SummaryThomas 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.
NotesFreightliner 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.
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE
08V088000DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICAfrom 07/06/2005 to 07/19/2006V (Vehicle)76008/08/2008MFRFREIGHTLINER LLC02/26/200802/27/2008571403
Defect SummaryDaimler trucks is recalling 760 my 2003-2007 thomas built school buses manufactured between july 6, 2005 and july 19, 2006, equipped with braun wheelchair lifts, models nl, ncl, or nvl. the threshold warning systems of the subject model wheelchair lifts fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 403, platform lift systems for motor vehicles.
Consequence SummaryShould the threshold warning system fail to operate, the lift user can fall from the vehicle and be seriously injured.
Corrective SummaryDaimler trucks will notify owners and provide a free remedy which will be performed by thomas built dealerships. the recall began on august 8, 2008. owners may contact thomas built at 336-889-4871.
NotesDaimler trucks recall no. fl-524.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.
06V150000FREIGHTLINER LLCfrom 06/16/2005 to 07/01/2005V (Vehicle)4506/23/2006MFRFREIGHTLINER LLC05/03/200605/03/2006
Defect SummaryCertain my 2004-2007 thomas built minotour, fs65, mvp-ef, and hdx model school buses, manufactured between june 16 and july 1, 2005, equipped with ricon wheelchair lifts. cracks in the lift arms may allow the mechanism to twist during stowage, preventing closure of the safety interlock switches.
Consequence SummaryIn the event this condition occurs during passenger operations it may not be possible to close the lift door causing the vehicle interlocks to remain engaged preventing movement of the vehicle or the ability to load or unload passengers with disabilities from the vehicle.
Corrective SummaryRicon is conducting this recall (please see 06e008000) and will replace the two vertical arms even if only one arm is cracked free of charge. the recall is expected to begin on may 30, 2006. owners may contact ricon customer support dept. at 800-322-2884 or owners may contact thomas bus customer support office at 336-889-4871.
NotesFreightliner recall no. fl-473.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.
07V135000FREIGHTLINER LLCfrom 01/06/2006 to 09/06/2006V (Vehicle)32908/06/2007MFRFREIGHTLINER LLC03/23/200703/23/2007571404
Defect SummaryCertain my 2006 and 2007 thomas built minotour, fs-65, c2, hdx, and ef school buses manufactured between january 6 and september 6, 2006, equipped with ricon wheelchair platform lift models s2003, s2005, s2010, s5503, s5505, s5510, k2003, k2005, k2010, k5503, k5505, k5510. the lifts interlock switch system may not detect the presence of a passenger (either wheelchair or standee) on the platform lift which fails to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 404, platform lift systems for motor vehicles.
Consequence SummaryThe defect involves the interlock switch system in the lift not detecting the presence of a passenger (either wheelchair or standee) on the ricon wheelchair platform lift. in the event this condition occurs during passenger operations it may be possible for the wheelchair to tip backwards onto the platform when the platform was lowered. this could result in injury to the wheelchair
Corrective SummaryFreightliner will notify owners and will repair the affected buses free of charge. the recall is expected to begin on august 6, 2007. owners can contact freightliner's customer assistance center at 800-385-4357 or contact ricon at 800-322-2884.
NotesFreightliner recall no. fl-492.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.
EQUIPMENT - ELECTRICAL - AIR CONDITIONER
11V222000DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICAfrom 01/02/2006 to 01/31/2011V (Vehicle)682805/20/2011MFRFREIGHTLINER LLC04/06/201104/06/2011
Defect SummaryDaimler trucks (dtna) is recalling certain model year 2006 through 2011 saf-t-liner c2, saf-t-liner hdx, mvp-ef, fs-65, and minotor school buses manufactured from january 2, 2006, through january 31, 2011, equipped with carrier genv em-1 evaporator units. due to time, temperature, and/or vibration, the fuse may loosen in the fuse holder resulting in high resistance and arcing.
Consequence SummaryIf sufficient arcing occurs, the fuse holder may melt, and a vehicle fire may occur.
Corrective SummaryDtna will notify owners and provide information on how to obtain the retrofit kit from carrier along with repair instructions. this service will be performed free of charge. the safety recall began on may 20, 2011. (see carrier's recall campaign 11e-003.) owners may contact carrier at 1-800-793-4741 or dtna at 1-800-547-0712.
NotesDtna's recall campaign number is fl-604.owners 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 .
EQUIPMENT - OTHER - LABELS
11V201000DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICAfrom 04/17/2000 to 12/21/2009V (Vehicle)6360MFRFREIGHTLINER LLC03/31/201103/31/2011571120
Defect SummaryCertain model year 2000 through 2009 thomas built school buses manufactured from april 17, 2000, through december 21, 2009, were equipped with an incorrect tire load certification label. the certification labels list d load range tires with a recommended cold tire inflation pressure greater than 65 psi. the buses are equipped with load range e tires that require a higher minimum tire pressure. accordingly, these buses fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 120, tire selection and rims for motor vehicles other than passenger cars.
Consequence SummaryIncorrect tire information may lead to vehicle overloading that can result in a tire failure which may lead to a vehicle crash.
Corrective SummaryDtna will notify owners and dealers will replace the incorrect label with a correct label free of charge or, if the owner wishes, they may replace the label themselves. owners should contact dtna at 1-800-547-0712 or thomas built at 1-336-889-4871 to obtain the label if they wish to affix it themselves. the safety recall is expected to begin on or about may 28, 2011.
NotesDtna's recall campaign number is fl-601.owners 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 .
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
07V234000FREIGHTLINER LLCfrom 08/11/2005 to 07/03/2006V (Vehicle)43107/12/2007MFRFREIGHTLINER LLC06/07/200706/08/2007
Defect SummaryCertain my 2006 and 2007 freightliner fs-65 school and shuttle bus chassis equipped with caterpillar c7 engines and hydraulic brake line p/no a12-21572-000. the front brake lines may have been improperly secured allowing the brake line to contact the engine coolant plumbing components.
Consequence SummaryThis could cause a loss of brake fluid and reduced brake performance potentially resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
Corrective SummaryFreightliner will notify owners and repair the buses free of charge. the recall began on july 12, 2007. owners can contact thomas built at 336-889-4871 or contact freightliner at 800-547-0712.
NotesFreightliner recall no. fl-497.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
08V087000DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICAfrom 01/01/1994 to 03/10/2008V (Vehicle)24343508/18/2008ODIFREIGHTLINER LLC02/26/200802/27/2008
Defect SummaryDaimler 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.
Consequence SummaryIn 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.
Corrective SummaryDaimler 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.
NotesDaimler 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.

Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
STRUCTURE - BODY - DOOR
51R302/14/200810025902Thomas built buses: there have been reports of the forward door leaf hex shaft breaking. *pe09/15/2008
STRUCTURE - BODY - DOOR - HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
51R302/14/200810025902Thomas built buses: there have been reports of the forward door leaf hex shaft breaking. *pe09/15/2008

Investigations


NHTSA IDManufacturerDate openDate closeSubjectRecall campaign
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
PE07029FREIGHTLINER LLC06/20/200711/29/2007SIDE ELECTRICAL FUSE PANEL FIRES07V544000
 The office of defects investigation (odi) opened this investigation after becoming aware of two school bus fires that started in the side mounted electrical fuse panel on a pair of thomas built school buses.thefleet owner had reported the bus interiors filled with smoke, certain electrical devices became inoperative, and the buses stalled. the two buses involved in the fire incidents have consecutive vin numbers and the fires were similar, but not identical to a previous recall (06v-136) conducted by thomas built.these buses were not included in the prior recall, which involved a defective power distribution module (pdm).after further technical evaluation, freightliner decided they would conduct a safety recall to correct deficiencies in theprevious recall and also expand the population to capture all affected buses.the corrective action freightliner plans to take will be forwarded to odi when available. accordingly, this investigation is closed.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
PE09004FREIGHTLINER LLC01/21/200904/16/2009BRAKE HOSE/TUBE ABRADING09V265000
 This investigation was opened after odi received a complaint from a fleet indicating that the brake hoses were rubbing against the transmission dipstick tube.on april 2, 2009, daimler trucks north america llc filed a safety recall to inspected and reroute the affected brake hoses and anydamaged hoses will be replaced. the recall number assigned is 09v-114.this recall action resolves the issues raised by this investigation. accordingly, this investigation is closed.
PE09004FREIGHTLINER LLC01/21/200904/16/2009BRAKE HOSE/TUBE ABRADING09V114000
 This investigation was opened after odi received a complaint from a fleet indicating that the brake hoses were rubbing against the transmission dipstick tube.on april 2, 2009, daimler trucks north america llc filed a safety recall to inspected and reroute the affected brake hoses and anydamaged hoses will be replaced. the recall number assigned is 09v-114.this recall action resolves the issues raised by this investigation. accordingly, this investigation is closed.
PE09004FREIGHTLINER LLC01/21/200904/16/2009BRAKE HOSE/TUBE ABRADING09V266000
 This investigation was opened after odi received a complaint from a fleet indicating that the brake hoses were rubbing against the transmission dipstick tube.on april 2, 2009, daimler trucks north america llc filed a safety recall to inspected and reroute the affected brake hoses and anydamaged hoses will be replaced. the recall number assigned is 09v-114.this recall action resolves the issues raised by this investigation. accordingly, this investigation is closed.
STRUCTURE - BODY - DOOR - HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
PE07054FREIGHTLINER LLC11/09/200703/04/2008EMERGENCY DOOR HANDLE FAILURE08V087000
 The office of defects investigation opened this preliminary evaluationafterbecoming aware that fleets were having handle failures on the rear emergency door exit.the failure resulted in the door handle separating from thedoor latch mechanism.when the handle fails, the rear emergency exit door can not be opened from outside the bus.the failure results from corrosion of the exterior door handle around the securing roll pin and square drive latch mechanism, causing the protective finish to chip and flake.continued corrosion weakens the handle and eventually the handle may break while trying to open the exit door.odi was concerned that during an emergency, a person outside of the bus would break the door handle while trying to open the emergency exit door,potentially delaying evacuation of the bus.under the safety recall, the aluminum handles will be replaced with a more robust handle.the recall action resolves the issues raised by this investigation. accordingly, this investigation is closed.

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR - DRUM - SHOES/LININGS
10/01/20063500107/13/2006
 Front end shake/shimmy when brakes are applied at all speeds, so violent at times will take steering wheel out of hands. *jb
STEERING
10/01/20063500107/13/2006
 Front end shake/shimmy when brakes are applied at all speeds, so violent at times will take steering wheel out of hands. *jb
10/01/20063500407/13/2006
 Front end shake/shimmy when brakes are applied at all speeds, so violent at times will take steering wheel out of hands, also unit has hard pull to the left along with front end shimmy. *jb
SUSPENSION
10/01/20063500407/13/2006
 Front end shake/shimmy when brakes are applied at all speeds, so violent at times will take steering wheel out of hands, also unit has hard pull to the left along with front end shimmy. *jb

Car dealers selling


StateCityZipNamePhone
NCHIGH POINTTHOMAS BUILT BUSES336-471-6672