- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- When the center actuator is non-functional, the windowis very difficult to open, and would not function as an emergency exit in caseof a vehicular accident.
- The fix
- Remove the old center actuator and install an improved actuator.
Vehicle safety record
1981 Thomas Bus Problems, complaints & recalls
No owner complaints about the 1981 Thomas Bus have been filed with NHTSA. It is covered by 1 recall, the latest in January 1992 for the glass, side / rear.
NHTSA data checked
BFewer problems than a typical Bus year, for its age
- Complaints
- 0
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
1981 Thomas Bus recalls 1
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
What owners say
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No complaints about the 1981 Thomas Bus yet
No owner has filed a complaint about this vehicle with NHTSA. If yours has a problem, share it here and report it to NHTSA.
Thomas Bus: every year compared
All Bus yearsQuestions about the 1981 Thomas Bus
Does the 1981 Thomas Bus have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 1981 Thomas Bus: glass, side / rear (January 1992). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
How many complaints has the 1981 Thomas Bus had?
None have been filed with NHTSA so far.
Is the 1981 Thomas Bus a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 74 out of 100 (grade B: fewer problems than a typical Thomas Bus year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Thomas Bus years have the most complaints?
2000 (3), 2001 (2), 1998 (1). See every Thomas Bus year compared.
What should I do if my 1981 Thomas Bus has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data