The problem
Certain thomas built school buses manufactured between march 8, 2006, and august 10, 2007, equipped with one or more "pro lo roof hatch" option numbers d107307001, d107307002, or d107307003. Retroreflective tape was not installed around the perimeter of the roof mounted emergency exit hatch. These buses fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 217, Bus emergency exits and window retention and release.
The risk
Improperly identified emergency exits may hinder evacuation efforts.
The fix
Thomas built will notify owners and repair the buses by installing retroreflective tape free of charge. The recall began on december 4, 2007. Owners may call thomas built at 336-889-4871 or contact freightliner at 800-547-0712.
Contacts
Freightliner recall no. Fl-510. 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 Built Buses dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 07V459000.
- 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.