THOMAS ER MODEL 1997: STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
NHTSA Campaign ID Number: 97V177000
| Make | Model | Year |
|---|---|---|
| THOMAS | ER MODEL | 1997 |
| Date Owners Notified | Date Received by ODI | Date Added to Database |
| 1997-10-17 | 1997-10-20 | 1997-10-21 |
Production Dates: 1997-01-31 - 1997-10-10
Manufacturers Involved: THOMAS BUILT BUSES, INC.
Component: STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
Potential Number Of Units Affected: 953
Report Initiator: MFR MFR Report
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL AND TRANSIT BUSES. IF DEBRIS BECOMES TRAPPED BETWEEN THE PLASTIC CUP, WHICH SEALS THE OPENING WHERE THE STEERING COLUMN COMES THROUGH THE BUS FLOOR AND THE STEERING KNUCKLE, THE STEERING LINKAGE CAN BIND.
BINDING OF THE STEERING LINKAGE COULD CAUSE THE DRIVER TO OVER STEER THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE OR A CRASH.
OWNERS ARE REQUESTED TO REMOVE THE PLASTIC SEAL WHICH WILL LEAVE AN OPENING BETWEEN THE VEHICLE FLOOR AND THE STEERING COLUMN. THOMAS BUILT IS IN THE PROCESS OF DESIGNING A PROPER SEAL FOR THAT AREA, AND THIS SEAL WILL BE SENT TO OWNERS FOR INSTALLATION.
OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 17, 1997.OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REPAIR SEAL WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT THOMAS BUILT AT 1-910-889-4871.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
