Is This A Lemon?

NHTSA recall campaign

97V031000

ManufacturerTHOMAS BUILT BUSES, INC.Reported1997-03-05Affected24,082 vehicles

What was wrong

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL BUSES EQUIPPED WITH OUTWARD OPENING SERVICE DOORS. THE POSSIBILITY EXISTS FOR AN ITEM WORN BY A CHILD, SUCH AS A LONG DRAWSTRING, SASH, OR BACKPACK/BOOKBAG ACCESSORY, CAN BECOME CAUGHT IN A SMALL OPENING AT THE FLOOR LEVEL OF THE FORWARD DOOR POST.

Risk

IF AN ITEM WORN BY A CHILD WERE TO CATCH IN THE OPENING, AND THE DRIVER WERE TO CLOSE THE DOOR AND PUT THE VEHICLE IN MOTION, IT COULD RESULT IN INJURY OR DEATH TO THE CHILD.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FORWARD DOOR POST TO VERIFY THAT THE OPENING IS COMPLETELY ELIMINATED, AND IF NECESSARY, WILL INSTALL SEALANT IN ANY REMAINING PORTION OF THE OPENING.

To check whether your specific VIN is covered and to find a participating dealer, look this campaign up on NHTSA.gov →

Affected vehicles

6 entries