The problem
Certain my 2004 and 2005 thomas built saf-t-liner c2 school buses manufactured between august 2004, and may 5, 2005. There is an excessive gap between adjoining interior panels above the rear right side window which does not conform to the strength requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 221, School bus body joint strength.
The risk
A noncompliance with fmvss 221 may, without warning, result in an increase of a structural collapse of the school bus in the event of a crash.
The fix
Thomas built will notify it customers and repair the joint by adding a bracket secured with screws and adhesive free of charge. The recall began on april 3, 2006. Owners may contact thomas built at 1-877-660-4938.
Contacts
Freightliner recall no. Fl-456. 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.
What to do
- Check your VIN. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls - it shows whether this recall applies to your vehicle and whether the repair has been done.
- Call a dealer. Any authorized Thomas dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 05V392000.
- Ask about parts and a loaner. If parts aren't available yet, ask what to do in the meantime.
- Keep your paperwork. If you paid for this repair before the recall, you may be able to get reimbursed - here's how.