- The problem
- Certain school buses with weldon technologies' 5050-1400 surface mount marker lights have an option to replace each of the twelve clearance/marker/identification lights with four-candlepower lights, twice the candlepower normally used. The higher current demand created by these lights can cause excessive heat through the headlight switch connection if a relay is not installed between the combination tail/marker light circuit and the headlight switch.
- The risk
- This can result in deformation of the plastic connectors that connect the headlight switch to its wiring harness.
- The fix
- Dealers will install a relay to reduce the current draw through the headlight switch. Owner notification began september 8, 2000. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact thomas built at 1-336-881-7219.
Vehicle safety record
1994 Thomas MVP Problems, complaints & recalls
No owner complaints about the 1994 Thomas MVP have been filed with NHTSA. It is covered by 8 recalls, the latest in June 2000 for the switch.
NHTSA data checked
FFar more problems than a typical MVP year, for its age
- Complaints
- 0
- Recalls
- 8
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
1994 Thomas MVP recalls 8
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
- Vehicle description: transit and school buses equipped with cummins isb or caterpillar 3126 engines. A decal that warns of the danger of using ether or other starting fluids in the engine air intake system was omitted. The label should be located on the fixed headlight panel on the front of the bus.
- The risk
- The electrical preheater element could possibly be ignited by starting fluid sprayed into the air intake system, resulting in explosion and possible personal injury to those in and around the bus.
- The fix
- Owners will be provided with a warning label and installation instructions.
- The problem
- Vehicle description: transit and school buses equipped with electronic engines. The bottom edge of the accelerator pedal can catch on the floor mat when the pedal is fully depressed. This does not meet the requirements of fmvss no. 124, "Accelerator control systems."
- The risk
- If the accelerator pedal catches on the floor mat, engine overspeed could occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will install a new accelerator pedal mounting bracket to raise the accelerator so the pedal does not catch on the floor mat.
- The problem
- Vehicle description: school and transit buses equipped with in-line six engine,"s" type frame rails and side mounted battery box. The battery cable routing allows the positive cable to chafe resulting in a possible short circuit of the cable.
- The risk
- If an electrical short occurs, it can cause loss of power to the vehicle and a possible vehicle fire.
- The fix
- Thomas built will provide owners with repair parts and detailed repair procedures to secure the cable to prevent further damage. If the owner so desires, thomas built will perform the repair for them.
- The problem
- An item worn by a child, such as a long drawstring, sash, or backpack/bookbag accessory, can become caught on the fateners that secure the handrail support to the handrail.
- The risk
- If an item worn by a child were to catch on this area, and the driver were to close the door and put the vehicle in motion, this can result in serious injury or death.
- The fix
- The existing 1" bolts that secure the handrail support will be replaced with 1/2" bolts.
- The problem
- An item worn by a child, such as a long drawstring, sash, or backpack/bookbag accessory, can become caught in the area between the service door and the door control rod attaching bracket.
- The risk
- If an item worn by a child were to catch on this area, and the driver were to close the door and put the vehicle in motion, this can result in serious injury or death.
- The fix
- A molded cover will be installed between the manually operated outward opening entrance door and the door control rod attaching bracket which will eliminate the opening that could allow an item of a child's clothing to become snagged.
- The problem
- The automatic transmission will not shift into low gear due to a misalignment in the prndl indicator.
- The risk
- Prndl misalignment can cause the driver to be unawareof the gear position increasing the potential for a vehicle accident.
- The fix
- Dealers will correct the misalignment of the automatic transmission.
- The problem
- The metal housing of the safety belt retractors on automatic locking retractor/emergency locking retractor safety belts can become deformed preventing extension and/or retraction of the belt.
- The risk
- Passengers would be unable to extend or retract their safety belts and would be at a risk of injury in the event of an accident.
- The fix
- Dealers will install a hardened washer which will decrease the possibility of deformation of the safety belt retractor. Damaged retractors will be replaced.
What owners say
Be the first MVP owner to share.
Problems or none - your experience is exactly what the next buyer is looking for. Write it now
No complaints about the 1994 Thomas MVP 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 MVP: every year compared
All MVP yearsQuestions about the 1994 Thomas MVP
Does the 1994 Thomas MVP have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 8 recalls for the 1994 Thomas MVP: switch (June 2000); labels (July 1999); accelerator pedal (July 1999); cables (August 1997) 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 1994 Thomas MVP had?
None have been filed with NHTSA so far.
Is the 1994 Thomas MVP a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 4 out of 100 (grade F: far more problems than a typical Thomas MVP 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.
What should I do if my 1994 Thomas MVP 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