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Safety recall · 81V043000

Suspension: u-bolt, leaf spring to axle Thomas recall

THOMAS BUILT BUSES, INC. reported this recall to NHTSA on April 1, 1981. It covers about 280 vehicles across 3 model years listed below. The repair is free.

Campaign
81V043000
Reported
Apr 1, 1981
Vehicles
280
Area
Suspension

The problem

Certain "u" shaped bolts used to attach the axles to the springs, when installed and tightened to specifications, may be stretched beyond the yield point of the material and could break.

The fix

All units will have the "u" bolts replaced without charge. This includes nuts and lockwashers.

Contacts

Vehicle description: school buses.System: suspension; "u" bolts.Consequences of defect: failure of the "u" bolts can lead to a misplaced axle,which may adversely affect vehicle handling and can result in an accident.

What to do

  1. 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.
  2. Call a dealer. Any authorized Thomas dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 81V043000.
  3. Ask about parts and a loaner. If parts aren't available yet, ask what to do in the meantime.
  4. Keep your paperwork. If you paid for this repair before the recall, you may be able to get reimbursed - here's how.

Vehicles covered

VehicleComplaintsRecallsGrade
1979 Thomas Thomas02B
1980 Thomas Thomas06D
1981 Thomas Thomas06D

Questions

Is the 81V043000 recall repair free?

Yes. Federal law requires the manufacturer to fix safety recalls free of charge. THOMAS BUILT BUSES, INC.'s dealers do the work; the remedy is described above.

How do I know if my vehicle is part of recall 81V043000?

Not every vehicle of a listed model year is included. Enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or call a dealer with your VIN.

When was recall 81V043000 announced?

THOMAS BUILT BUSES, INC. reported it to NHTSA on April 1, 1981. Owners are usually notified by mail within about two months.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked daily. Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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