The problem
Certain 2005 thomas saf-t-liner c2 school buses equipped with 30" or 40" left side emergency door exits manufactured between december 17, 2004, and july 28, 2005. The telescoping slide that holds the side emergency door open is located such that it will move past its normal travel and the mechanism may latch on the end of the slide preventing the door from opening.
The risk
The side emergency door may not open if the latch mechanism is in the incorrect position. Occupants would have to use the front entry door or rear emergency exit if a situation occurred that required an emergency exit.
The fix
Thomas built will notify its customers and will repair the buses free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on march 27, 2006. Owners should contact thomas at 1-336-889-4871 or contact freightliner at 1-800-547-0712.
Contacts
Freightliner recall no. Fl-459. Customers can 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 05V397000.
- 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.