A power connector in the main wiring harness can become corroded causing loss of power.
1980-2002 · 19 model years
Thomas Bus Problems by year
Owners have filed 7 complaints about the Thomas Bus across 19 model years, and it has 13 recalls. The 2000 has the most complaints once its age is allowed for (3), while 1998, 2001, 2002 have far fewer than a typical year. The most reported problem area is the seats & seat belts, followed by the body, doors & structure.
- Complaints
- 7
- Recalls
- 13
- Crashes
- 1
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 2
- Deaths
- 1
Bus complaints by model year
Highlighted: the year with the most complaints for its age. Older vehicles have had more time to collect complaints - the Safety Index grade allows for that.
Most common Bus problems
Thomas Bus recalls 13
A cable installed to temporarily bypass the neutral switch to enable the engine to be started was not removed at delivery. The cable allows the bus to be started while in a forward or reverse drive gear.
The safety belt anchorage bolts do not comply with the requirements of fmvss 210, "seat belt assembly anchorages". The seat anchorages could not maintain load of 5,000 lbs for 10 seconds.
Incorrect screws were used to attach the plywood seat back to the seat frame.
The driveshaft used with some engine/transmission combinations had insufficient welds joining some of the components.
A brake air line plumbing error causes the spring brakes to be applied without brake application when the air pressure in the primary tank drops to a level which automatically activates the spring brake system.
The center actuator that releases two catches via two pull rods can become non-functional from poor or improper maintenance, lack of lubrication, corrosion, or a combination all three causes.
Release handle for rear push out window is not located in area required by s5.2.3.1(B) of fmvss 217.
The fuel shut-off solenoid in the cummins 6c engine may be faulty, causing spontaneous interruption of fuel flow to the engine during normal operation. This results in loss of power to driving wheels, power steering, and other power assisted operating systems.
The steering linkage (drag link) between the steering gear pitman arm and the steering arm on the axle may have been improperly fastened.
Driver's safety belt is too short to meet length requirements of fmvss 209.
Upper anchorage of type 2 safety belt installed at the driver's seating position is not within the specified range as required by fmvss 210.
Latest Bus complaints
Dt: the contact states there was an accident on 8/9/05 involving an suv and a thomas built type c wheel chair bus. The driver of the suv crossed the center line and hit the bus head on. The estimated speed of the suv was in excess of 70 mph at the time of the accident. Upon impact the service door opened and one of the bus occupants was ejected. Two persons in the bus were injured and the driver of the suv was killed. Both vehicles were totaled as a result of the accident. There was a police report taken at the...
Read the full complaint
scene. The door was latched at the time of the accident. Upon inspection there was no visible damage to the latch. The bus manufacturer has been contacted to inspect the service door of the bus. However, there has been no response from the manufacturer at this time. *Jb updated 2/7/2006 - *nm
While driving home at 65 mph rear inside passenger tire blew out. Michelin, size 255/80r22.5, Dot#v6h6ak30100. *Ak
Seat belt ends are sewed so that they pull in to male housing making them inoperable, and dangerous weapons if swung around. *La
Passenger's door opens slowly back and forth intermittently. Manufacturer will be notified. *Ak
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
Seat belts on the buses were installed incorrectly. Have 2 of the buckles near the windows; 3 latch plates in the middle & 1 other buckle is located in the aisle. Cannot place anyone in either of the seats due to not having anything to latch or buckle into. *Ak
Questions about the Thomas Bus
Which Thomas Bus years have the most problems?
Which Thomas Bus years have the fewest complaints?
What are the most common Thomas Bus problems?
Across every model year, owners report problems with the seats & seat belts (3), body, doors & structure (2), transmission & drivetrain (1) most often.
How many recalls does the Thomas Bus have?
NHTSA lists 13 recalls across all Thomas Bus model years. Each year's page lists the recalls for that year; check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether the repair has been done.
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