Thomas Bus 2000

Model Bus made in 2000 by Thomas got 3 consumer complains as well as 5 investigations. Consumer complaints with reference, among others things, to latches/locks/linkages and seat belts. The car had some investigations: exterior lighting and interior lighting.

Model 2000

Investigations


NHTSA IDManufacturerDate openDate closeSubjectRecall campaign
EXTERIOR LIGHTING - HEADLIGHTS - SWITCH
PE04012THOMAS BUILT BUSES, INC.02/02/200406/09/2004HEADLIGHT SWITCH FAILURES
 Odi has received several failed switches that show signs of melting or damage from over- heating.the switch supplier has initiated a test program to determine the cause of these failures.odi is concerned about the presence of a heat source that potentially could lead to an electrical fire, as well as the absence of necessary vehicle lighting.odi will continue its investigation to verify the extent of the problem represented by the reported failures and evaluate the associated risks.
EA04014THOMAS BUILT BUSES, INC.06/09/200412/20/2004SCHOOL BUS LIGHTING FAILURES
 See attached four page technical report for details.
INTERIOR LIGHTING
PE04012THOMAS BUILT BUSES, INC.02/02/200406/09/2004HEADLIGHT SWITCH FAILURES
 Odi has received several failed switches that show signs of melting or damage from over- heating.the switch supplier has initiated a test program to determine the cause of these failures.odi is concerned about the presence of a heat source that potentially could lead to an electrical fire, as well as the absence of necessary vehicle lighting.odi will continue its investigation to verify the extent of the problem represented by the reported failures and evaluate the associated risks.
EA04014THOMAS BUILT BUSES, INC.06/09/200412/20/2004SCHOOL BUS LIGHTING FAILURES
 See attached four page technical report for details.
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR - CONTROLS - FOOT CONTROL
PE07008THOMAS BUILT BUSES, INC.02/12/200704/16/2007RESTRICTED BRAKE PEDAL MOVEMENT07V137000
 Odi was contacted by the new york dot who reportedseveral buses failed braking tests when being tested during an annual inspection. the subject school buses are optioned with an adjustable foot pedal positioning device that allows the driver to raise and lower the brake pedal height to suit his/her seating position.when the lowest pedal position is selected (by a button on the dashboard), nydot reported that the brake pedal bottomed out on the floor, thus preventing a full brake pedal application.this resulted in a reduction of brake torque at the wheel ends.freightliner will conduct a safety recall to correct this problem.the remedy calls for a longer pedal push rod being installed in- place of the original push rod. they also increased the population to include the mvp-er model buses.this resolves the issue raised by this investigation. accordingly, this investigation is closed.

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES - DOORS - LATCH
08/09/2005115347111/29/2000
 Dt: the contact states there was an accident on 8/9/05 involving an suv and a thomas built type c wheel chair bus. the driver of the suv crossed the center line and hit the bus head on. the estimated speed of the suv was in excess of 70 mph at the time of the accident. upon impact the service door opened and one of the bus occupants was ejected. two persons in the bus were injured and the driver of the suv was killed. both vehicles were totaled as a result of the accident. there was a police report taken at the scene. the door was latched at the time of the accident. upon inspection there was no visible damage to the latch. the bus manufacturer has been contacted to inspect the service door of the bus. however, there has been no response from the manufacturer at this time. *jb updated 2/7/2006 - *nm
SEAT BELTS - FRONT - BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
08/29/2000
 Seat belts on the buses were installed incorrectly. have 2 of the buckles near the windows; 3 latch plates in the middle & 1 other buckle is located in the aisle. cannot place anyone in either of the seats due to not having anything to latch or buckle into. *ak
TIRES
03/15/2004240001
 While driving home at 65 mph rear inside passenger tire blew out. michelin, size 255/80r22.5, dot#v6h6ak30100. *ak