- The problem
- The driveshaft used with some engine/transmission combinations had insufficient welds joining some of the components.
- The risk
- The bad welds can develop cracks that can cause completeseparation of the driveshaft. This can result in loss of motive power for thevehicle and possible loss of vehicle control.
- The fix
- Replace defective north american driveshafts with spicer driveshafts.
Vehicle safety record
1989 Thomas Bus Problems, complaints & recalls
No owner complaints about the 1989 Thomas Bus have been filed with NHTSA. It is covered by 6 recalls, the latest in August 1992 for the driveshaft.
NHTSA data checked
FFar more problems than a typical Bus year, for its age
- Complaints
- 0
- Recalls
- 6
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
1989 Thomas Bus recalls 6
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
- 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.
- The problem
- Release handle for rear push out window is not located in area required by s5.2.3.1(B) of fmvss 217.
- The risk
- Buses would not comply with standards; in an emergency,exit from the push-out window could be hampered.
- The fix
- Install new interior handle assembly to meet specifications.
- The problem
- 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 risk
- Loss of engine power and secondary loss of power assistedsystems reduces steering control, braking ability, visual systems and otherpower assisted operating systems, resulting in increased risk of vehicleaccident.
- The fix
- Where necessary, replace the solenoid spring, adjust solenoid, replace wires, and verify maximum power requirements to the solenoid.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- Belts may be uncomfortable and obstruct vision to the left; buses would not comply with standard.
- The fix
- Install reinforcing channel assuring that belts are within specified range.
- The problem
- The adjustable seat back structure and tilt mechanism may not withstand rearward force required by fmvss 207.
- The risk
- Buses are not in compliance with fmvss 207; seatbackcould fail in an accident increasing potential for injury to occupant.
- The fix
- Install new seat back structure and tilt mechanism assembly that complies with standard.
What owners say
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No complaints about the 1989 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 1989 Thomas Bus
Does the 1989 Thomas Bus have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 1989 Thomas Bus: driveshaft (August 1992); glass, side / rear (January 1992); glass, side / rear (October 1991); fuel pump (October 1991) and more. 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 1989 Thomas Bus had?
None have been filed with NHTSA so far.
Is the 1989 Thomas Bus a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 16 out of 100 (grade F: far more 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 1989 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