Thomas MINOTOUR recalls by model year

Reported: 1996-07-23 (July 23, 1996) · Model years: 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996

AN ITEM WORN BY A CHILD, SUCH AS A LONG DRAWSTRING, SASH, OR BACKPACK/BOOKBAG ACCESSORY, CAN BECOME CAUGHT IN THE AREA BETWEEN THE SERVICE DOOR AND THE DOOR CONTROL ROD ATTACHING BRACKET.

Consequence: IF AN ITEM WORN BY A CHILD WERE TO CATCH ON THIS AREA, AND THE DRIVER WERE TO CLOSE THE DOOR AND PUT THE VEHICLE IN MOTION, THIS CAN RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

Remedy: A MOLDED COVER WILL BE INSTALLED BETWEEN THE MANUALLY OPERATED OUTWARD OPENING ENTRANCE DOOR AND THE DOOR CONTROL ROD ATTACHING BRACKET WHICH WILL ELIMINATE THE OPENING THAT COULD ALLOW AN ITEM OF A CHILD'S CLOTHING TO BECOME SNAGGED.

Reported: 1997-07-25 (July 25, 1997) · Model years: 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL BUSES EQUIPPED WITH MANUALLY OPERATED OUTWARD OPENING ENTRANCE DOORS. AN ITEM WORN BY A CHILD, SUCH AS A LONG DRAWSTRING, SASH, OR BACKPACK/BOOKBAG ACCESSORY, CAN BECOMECAUGHT IN THE AREA BETWEEN THE SERVICE DOOR AND THE DOOR CONTROL ROD ATTACHING BRACKET.

Consequence: IF AN ITEM WORN BY A CHILD WERE TO CATCH ON THIS AREA, AND THE DRIVER WERE TO CLOSE THE DOOR AND PUT THE VEHICLE IN MOTION, THIS CAN RESULT IN IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

Remedy: THESE BUSES WERE ORIGINALLY INCLUDED IN RECALL CAMPAIGN 96V-139. HOWEVER, THE REPAIR DID NOT ELIMINATE THE POTENTIAL SNAGGING POINT BETWEEN THE SERVICE DOOR AND THE DOOR CONTROL ROD ATTACHING BRACKET. THEREFORE, OWNERS ARE BEING RENOTIFIED TO INSPECT THE ORIENTATION OF THE DOOR CONTROL. IF THE DOOR CONTROL DOES NOT MATCH THE ORIENTATION DESCRIBED IN THE RENOTIFICATION LETTER, THE OWNER WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE THE EXISTING CONTROL AND THE ORIGINAL RECALL REPAIR PART, REOIRIENT THE DOOR CONTROL, AND REINSTALL THE RECALL REPAIR PART.

Reported: 1980-09-23 (September 23, 1980) · Model years: 1980

SOME OF THE INVOLVED VEHICLES HAVE BEEN RELEASED WITHOUT THE SEATS BEING PROPERLY FASTENED TO THE FLOOR AND SEAT RAIL OF THE VEHICLE. THIS FAILS TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 222, "SCHOOL BUS PASSENGER SEATING AND CRASH PROTECTION".

Remedy: VEHICLES WILL BE INSPECTED AND CORRECTED BY MAIN PLANT PERSONNEL AT NO CHARGE TO OWNER.

Reported: 1980-09-23 (September 23, 1980) · Model years: 1980

THE INVOLVED VEHICLES HAVE EMERGENCY EXIT LABELS OF LESS THAN THE TWO INCH HEIGHT REQUIRED BY FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 217, "BUS WINDOW RETENTION AND RELEASE".

Remedy: EACH VEHICLE WILL BE INSPECTED AND CORRECTED BY MAIN PLANT PERSONNEL.

Reported: 1981-04-07 (April 7, 1981) · Model years: 1980

SOME VEHICLES MAY STILL HAVE A SELECTOR SWITCH FOR AN AUXILIARY FUEL TANK, ALTHOUGH THE TANK ITSELF HAS BEEN REMOVED.

Remedy: MANUFACTURER WILL REMOVE THE SWITCH AND CORRECT THE FUEL GAUGE WIRING. A FUEL TUBE WILL ALSO BE REPLACED.

Reported: 1982-05-08 (May 8, 1982) · Model years: 1980, 1981, 1982

THE GROSS AXLE WEIGHT RATING LISTED ON THE CERTIFICATION PLATE FOR THE FRONT SPRINGS IS INCORRECT. SOME VEHICLES HAVE FRONT SPRINGS RATED AT 2950 LBS. AND PASSENGER CAPACITY AT GREATER THAN 15 PASSENGERS. THIS COMBINATION MAY RESULT IN THE FRONT SPRINGS BEING OVERLOADED BY 150 LBS. WHEN THESE VEHICLES ARE LOADED TO MAXIMUN CAPACITY.

Remedy: DEALER WILL REPLACE THE FRONT SPRINGS WITH 3100 LB. FRONT SPRINGS AT NO COST TO OWNER.

Reported: 1985-11-21 (November 21, 1985) · Model years: 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985

THE BODY IS SUBJECT TO SHIFT FORWARD DURING AN IMPACT AND THE FUEL FILLER HOSE AND/OR FUEL VENT LINE HOSE MAY SEPARATE FROM EITHER THE FUEL FILLER NECK OR THE GAS TANK. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS 301. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: A FUEL SPILL COULD OCCUR AND POSSIBLY RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy: INSTALL NEW FUEL FILLER AND VENT LINE HOSES, WHICH ARE CAPABLE OF BEING STRETCHED BEYOND THE EXTENT TO WHICH THE BODY COULD SHIFT FORWARD DURING A 30 MPH FRONTAL IMPACT.

Reported: 1993-01-01 (January 1, 1993) · Model years: 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993

THE CURRENT PRODUCTION STATIONARY WINDOW ASSEMBLIES ALLOW THE GLASS TO DISENGAGE FROM THE RUBBER AND/OR FRAME.

Consequence: THE WINDOWS DO NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS 217, "BUS WINDOWRETENTION AND RELEASE."

Remedy: INSTALL TWO RETAINING CLIPS AT EACH NON-COMPLYING WINDOW.

Reported: 1996-10-01 (October 1, 1996) · Model years: 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL BUSES BUILT ON GM P3 CUTAWAY CHASSIS. THE SCHOOL BUS, WHEN TESTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH FMVSS NO. 301, EXCEEDED THE ALLOWABLE FUEL SPILLAGE AS SPECIFIED BY THE STANDARD. THE FUEL TANK WAS PUNCTURED AS A RESULT OF THE IMPACT OF THE MOVING BARRIER.

Consequence: IF A VEHICLE CRASH WERE TO OCCUR, FUEL LEAKAGE COULD RESULT. IF AN IGNITION SOURCE WERE PRESENT, THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.

Remedy: GENERAL MOTORS IS WORKING IN CONJUNCTION WITH CARPENTER, THOMAS BUILT AND U.S. BUS IN PROVIDING THE OWNER NOTIFICATION AND REMEDY CAMPAIGN FOR THIS RECALL. DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW SHIELDING FOR THE FUEL TANK, NEW FILL PIPE AND VENT HOSES, AND IF REQUIRED, ADD ADDITIONAL ATTACHMENTS TO SECURE THE SCHOOL BUS BODY TO THE CHASSIS.

Reported: 1996-09-12 (September 12, 1996) · Model years: 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL BUSES BUILT ON GM P3 CUTAWAY CHASSIS. THE SCHOOL BUS, WHEN TESTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH FMVSS NO. 301, EXCEEDED THE ALLOWABLE FUEL SPILLAGE AS SPECIFIED BY THE STANDARD. THE FUEL TANK WAS PUNCTURED AS A RESULT OF THE IMPACT OF THE MOVING BARRIER.

Consequence: IF A VEHICLE CRASH WERE TO OCCUR, FUEL LEAKAGE COULD RESULT. IF AN IGNITION SOURCE WERE PRESENT, THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.

Remedy: GENERAL MOTORS IS WORKING IN CONJUNCTION WITH THOMAS BUILT IN PROVIDING THE OWNER NOTIFICATION AND REMEDY CAMPAIGN FOR THIS RECALL. DEALERS WILL ADD NEW SHIELDING FOR THE FUEL TANK, NEW FILL PIPE AND VENT HOSES; AND, IF REQUIRED, ADD ADDITIONAL ATTACHMENTS TO SECURE THE SCHOOL BUS BODY TO THE CHASSIS.

Reported: 1994-04-04 (April 4, 1994) · Model years: 1993, 1994

SAFETY BELT ANCHORAGES DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE STRENGTH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES."

Consequence: THE SEAT OCCUPANT WOULD SUFFER INCREASED RISK OF INJURY THE SAFETY BELT ANCHORAGE FAILED IN A SUDDEN STOP OR ACCIDENT.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPAIR THESE SAFETY BELT ANCHORAGES.

Reported: 1999-09-07 (September 7, 1999) · Model years: 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL BUSES BUILT ON CHEVROLET CHASSIS WITH A CORRUGATED STEEL FLOOR AND AND EQUIPPED WITH 45" WIDE RESTRAINING PASSENGER SEATS. THE 45" WIDE RESTRAINING PASSENGER SEAT FAILS TO COMPLY WITH THE PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES."

Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL TWO ADDITIONAL ANCHORAGE POINTS CONNECTING THE SEAT TO THE FLOOR.

Reported: 2007-03-27 (March 27, 2007) · Model years: 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002

CERTAIN MY 1994 THROUGH 2002 THOMAS BUILT MINOTOUR, FS-65, MVP-EF, ER, AND HDX-EF SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JANUARY 23, 1994, AND APRIL 15, 2002. THE SEAT BELT MAY CHAFE ON THE EDGE OF A METAL BRACKET AND WEAR PREMATURELY.

Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN PERSONAL INJURY.

Remedy: THOMAS BUILT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE ANY CHAFED SEAT BELTS AND REPLACE OR MODIFY THE RETAINER STRIP TO PREVENT ANY FURTHER CHAFING. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 8, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THOMAS BUILT AT 336-889-4871 OR CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 800-547-0712.

Reported: 1994-09-07 (September 7, 1994) · Model years: 1994

RETROFLECTIVE MARKINGS ON REQUIRED EMERGENCY EXITS DO NOT MEET THE LOCATION REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 217, "BUS WINDOW RETENTION AND RELEASE."

Consequence: CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: IF THE RETROFLECTIVE MARKINGS ARE NOT PROPERLY LOCATED AT EMERGENCY EXITS, OCCUPANTS COULD NOT EASILY IDENTIFY SUCH EXITS IN AN EMERGENCY OR ACCIDENT.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL ADDITIONAL REFLECTIVE TAPE AROUND EACH EMERGENCY DOOR'S OUTSIDE PERIMETER.

Reported: 1995-05-01 (May 1, 1995) · Model years: 1994, 1995

THE ROOF HATCHES ON THESE BUSES DO NOT MEET THE EXTERIOR HANDLE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 217, "BUS WINDOW RETENTION AND RELEASE."

Consequence: CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY, RESCUE PERSONNEL MAY NOT BE ABLE TO OPEN THE ROOF HATCHES FROM THE OUTSIDE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE EXISTING ROOF HATCH LID AND REPLACE IT WITH A LID EQUIPPED WITH AN EXTERIOR HANDLE.

Reported: 1999-07-02 (July 2, 1999) · Model years: 1997, 1998

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL AND TRANSIT BUSES BUILT ON GENERAL MOTORS CHASSIS. TO INSTALL THE NEW ALUMINUM MINOTOUR BODY, TWO FUEL TANK STRAP FASTENERS WERE LOOSENED. RE-TIGHTENING THESE FASTENERS CAN RESULT IN LOSS OF CLAMP LOAD, RESULTING IN THE FUEL TANK FALLING OFF THE VEHICLE.

Consequence: IF THE FUEL TANK FELL, FUEL LEAKAGE COULD OCCUR, INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE OR EXPLOSION.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FASTENERS.

Reported: 2002-08-06 (August 6, 2002) · Model years: 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002

CERTAIN SCHOOL AND TRANSIT BUSES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES." THE SEAT BELT ANCHORAGES WILL ONLY HOLD 4,400 LBS. IN LIEU OF THE REQUIRED 5000 LB.

Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, A SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL ADD A FASTENER TO THE TRACK MOUNTED SEAT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 21, 2003. 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.

Reported: 2001-06-26 (June 26, 2001) · Model years: 2000

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL AND TRANSIT BUSES EQUIPPED WITH SAFETY BELT ASSEMBLIES PRODUCED BY AM-SAFE. ON SOME SEAT BELTS, THE BUCKLE AND CONNECTOR MAY UNLATCH DURING A COLLISION.

Consequence: SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH COULD OCCUR IF THE VEHICLE OCCUPANT IS NOT PROPERLY RESTRAINED.

Remedy: AM-SAFE NOTIFIED THOMAS BUILT'S CUSTOMERS TO RETURN THEIR VEHICLE TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER TO HAVE THE SEAT BELTS REPAIRED FREE OF CHARGE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 21, 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 1-336-889-4871.

Reported: 2002-12-03 (December 3, 2002) · Model years: 2002

ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH CATERPILLAR 3126E HYDRAULICALLY CONTROLLED ELECTRONICALLY ACTUATED UNIT INJECTED DIESEL ENGINES WITH HIGH EFFICIENCY PUMPS (HEP8), THE PUMP COMPONENTS MAY EXPERIENCE A HIGH PRESSURE SEAL FAILURE WHICH CAN RESULT IN A SHORT PERIOD OF ROUGH RUNNING AND SUBSEQUENT ENGINE STALL DUE TO A LOSS OF INJECTION ACTUATION PRESSURE.

Consequence: FREIGHTLINER RECALL NO. FL404. ONCE ENGINE STALL OCCURS, THE ENGINE CANNOT BE RESTARTED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: CATERPILLAR IS CONDUCTING THE OWNER NOTIFICATION AND REMEDY FOR THIS CAMPAIGN. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE PUMP SERIAL NUMBERS AND REPLACE THE PUMP IF NECESSARY. 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 CATERPILLAR AT 1-800-447-4986 OR FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712.

Reported: 2005-07-25 (July 25, 2005) · Model years: 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005

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.

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.

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.

Reported: 2005-08-03 (August 3, 2005) · Model years: 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005

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.

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.

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.