RecallMyCar

Thomas Bus Recalls & Complaints by Model Year

NHTSA lists 14 safety recalls and 7 owner complaints across 20 model years of the Thomas Bus (1977–2002). The most-complained-about year is 2000.

14
safety recalls, all years
7
owner complaints, all years
1990
year with most recalls
2000
year with most complaints

Pick your Thomas Bus model year

Model yearRecallsComplaints
2002 Thomas Bus01
2001 Thomas Bus02
2000 Thomas Bus03
1998 Thomas Bus01
1995 Thomas Bus10
1994 Thomas Bus20
1992 Thomas Bus50
1991 Thomas Bus60
1990 Thomas Bus70
1989 Thomas Bus60
1988 Thomas Bus50
1987 Thomas Bus20
1986 Thomas Bus20
1985 Thomas Bus20
1984 Thomas Bus10
1983 Thomas Bus10
1982 Thomas Bus10
1981 Thomas Bus10
1980 Thomas Bus10
1977 Thomas Bus10

What Thomas Bus owners complain about

Across all model years, owners have filed 7 complaints with NHTSA. The 2000 model year has the most, with 3.

All Thomas Bus recalls (14)

Every NHTSA safety campaign that lists a Thomas Bus, most recent first, with the model years each one covers.

  1. Electrical system: wiring

    NHTSA 95V006000 Reported 80 vehicles potentially affected THOMAS BUILT BUSES, INC.

    A power connector in the main wiring harness can become corroded causing loss of power.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace and seal the connectors.

    Model years: 1994, 1995

  2. Alternator/generator/regulator (electrical system)

    NHTSA 94V120000 Reported 285 vehicles potentially affected THOMAS BUILT BUSES, INC.

    A cable installed to temporarily bypass the neutral switch to enable the engine to be started was not removed at delivery. The cable allows the bus to be started while in a forward or reverse drive gear.

    Remedy: Dealers will remove the temporary cable and install a new relay.

    Model years: 1994

  3. Seats

    NHTSA 93V029000 Reported 188 vehicles potentially affected THOMAS BUILT BUSES, INC.

    The safety belt anchorage bolts do not comply with the requirements of FMVSS 210, "seat belt assembly anchorages". The seat anchorages could not maintain load of 5,000 lbs for 10 seconds.

    Remedy: Replace the anchorage bolts with bolts of a larger diameter, which meet the load requirements of FMVSS 210.

    Model years: 1991, 1992

  4. Seats

    NHTSA 92V126000 Reported 1,526 vehicles potentially affected THOMAS BUILT BUSES, INC.

    Incorrect screws were used to attach the plywood seat back to the seat frame.

    Remedy: Remove incorrect screws attaching the plywood back to the seat frame and install proper screws.

    Model years: 1991, 1992

  5. Driveshaft (power train)

    NHTSA 92V120000 Reported 1 vehicles potentially affected THOMAS BUILT BUSES, INC.

    The driveshaft used with some engine/transmission combinations had insufficient welds joining some of the components.

    Remedy: Replace defective north american driveshafts with spicer driveshafts.

    Model years: 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992

  6. Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings (service brakes)

    NHTSA 92V078000 Reported 24 vehicles potentially affected THOMAS BUILT BUSES, INC.

    A brake air line plumbing error causes the spring brakes to be applied without brake application when the air pressure in the primary tank drops to a level which automatically activates the spring brake system.

    Remedy: Replace and reroute air brake hose to comply with FMVSS 121.

    Model years: 1992

  7. Glass, side/rear (visibility)

    NHTSA 92V013000 Reported 7,500 vehicles potentially affected THOMAS BUILT BUSES, INC.

    The center actuator that releases two catches via two pull rods can become non-functional from poor or improper maintenance, lack of lubrication, corrosion, or a combination all three causes.

    Remedy: Remove the old center actuator and install an improved actuator.

    Model years: 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992

  8. Glass, side/rear (visibility)

    NHTSA 91V006000 Reported 2,986 vehicles potentially affected THOMAS BUILT BUSES, INC.

    Release handle for rear push out window is not located in area required by s5.2.3.1(b) of FMVSS 217.

    Remedy: Install new interior handle assembly to meet specifications.

    Model years: 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990

  9. Fuel pump (fuel system)

    NHTSA 91V169000 Reported 407 vehicles potentially affected THOMAS BUILT BUSES, INC.

    The fuel shut-off solenoid in the cummins 6c engine may be faulty, causing spontaneous interruption of fuel flow to the engine during normal operation. This results in loss of power to driving wheels, power steering, and other power assisted operating systems.

    Remedy: Where necessary, replace the solenoid spring, adjust solenoid, replace wires, and verify maximum power requirements to the solenoid.

    Model years: 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991

  10. Connection (steering)

    NHTSA 91V159000 Reported 800 vehicles potentially affected THOMAS BUILT BUSES, INC.

    The steering linkage (drag link) between the steering gear pitman arm and the steering arm on the axle may have been improperly fastened.

    Remedy: Install correct pins and properly tighten the castellated nuts.

    Model years: 1990, 1991

  11. Anchorage (seat belts)

    NHTSA 91V058000 Reported 1,393 vehicles potentially affected THOMAS BUILT BUSES, INC.

    Driver's safety belt is too short to meet length requirements of FMVSS 209.

    Remedy: Replace the belt assembly with a compliant version.

    Model years: 1990

  12. Anchorage (seat belts)

    NHTSA 90V025000 Reported 48 vehicles potentially affected THOMAS BUILT BUSES, INC.

    Upper anchorage of type 2 safety belt installed at the driver's seating position is not within the specified range as required by FMVSS 210.

    Remedy: Install reinforcing channel assuring that belts are within specified range.

    Model years: 1988, 1989, 1990

  13. Recliner (seats)

    NHTSA 89V192000 Reported 561 vehicles potentially affected THOMAS BUILT BUSES, INC.

    The adjustable seat back structure and tilt mechanism may not withstand rearward force required by FMVSS 207.

    Remedy: Install new seat back structure and tilt mechanism assembly that complies with standard.

    Model years: 1989

  14. Seats

    NHTSA 79V068000 Reported 258 vehicles potentially affected THOMAS BUILT BUSES, INC.

    Vehicles fail to meet federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 222, "school bus passenger seating and crash protection", in regard to barrier force level performance. The barrier performance forward exceeded the force level of 2400 pounds.

    Remedy: Defect free barriers will be provided for owner installation free of charge. Reimbursement for labor will be paid at the usual rate for warranty work.

    Model years: 1977

Other Thomas models

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint databases and EPA fuel economy data, October 2026. Complaint counts are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. Recall counts are safety campaigns that list this model year; whether a particular car was already repaired depends on its VIN. How this data is compiled.