2009 Thomas Built Buses Minotour problems

What is wrong

Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2008-2021 Thomas Built Buses Minotour school buses. The driver may be able to release the park brake and shift the transmission out of Park and into a drive gear while the wheelchair lift is deployed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 403, "Platform Lift Systems."

Risk

If the vehicle is put into drive while the wheelchair lift is deployed, the vehicle may move forward or backward, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will have the wheelchair lift wiring modified as needed, free of charge. DTNA issued owners an interim notification on January 6, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 19, 2021. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1‑800‑547‑0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-868.

Recall number 20V690000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2003-2019 Thomas Built Buses Minotour school buses built on a Ford chassis equipped with a specific wheelchair lift option. The wheelchair lift can be operated without the parking brake being engaged after they key is turned off.

Risk

When the vehicle is in neutral with the ignition and the parking brake off, the vehicle may move. Using the wheelchair lift during this time can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

DTNA has notified owners, and dealers will modify the wheelchair lift wiring harness, free of charge. DTNA issued owners an interim notification on April 10, 2019. The recall began December 20, 2019. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1‑800‑547‑0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-811.

Recall number 19V170000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2002-2018 Thomas Built Buses Minotour school buses built on a Ford chassis and equipped with an optional wheelchair lift. The wheelchair lift may be allowed to operate when the vehicle is in neutral or drive, due to missing relay in the interlock wiring harness.

Risk

If the vehicle can be moved while the wheelchair lift is being used, there is an increased the risk of injury.

Remedy

DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the wheelchair lift wiring, correcting it as necessary, free of charge. Daimler issued an interim notification to owners on June 19, 2018. The recall began November 15, 2019. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1‑800‑547‑0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-770.

Recall number 18V301000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2007-2018 Thomas Built Buses Minotour school buses built on GM chassis and equipped with wheelchair lifts. The wheelchair lift may be operated while the vehicle is in Neutral or Drive.

Risk

If the wheelchair lift can be operated when the vehicle is not in Park, there is increased risk of injury to the lift user.

Remedy

DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the wheelchair lift, correcting the electrical connections as necessary, free of charge. DTNA issued owners an interim notification on April 26, 2018. The recall began November 15, 2018. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1‑800‑547‑0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-761.

Recall number 18V157000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2007-2018 Thomas Built Buses Minotour transit buses built on GM chassis and equipped with wheelchair lifts. The wheelchair lift may be operated while the vehicle is in Neutral or Drive.

Risk

If the wheelchair lift can be operated when the vehicle is not in Park, there is increased risk of injury to the lift user.

Remedy

DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the wheelchair lift, correcting the electrical connections as necessary, free of charge. DTNA issued owners an interim notification on April 26, 2018. The recall began November 15, 2018. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1‑800‑547‑0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-761.

Recall number 18V158000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2002-2017 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2, Saf-T-Liner HDX, FS65, and Minotour school buses, equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit:

Risk

In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

DTNA will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 30, 2018. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1‑800‑547‑0712 or Kidde customer service at 1‑855‑262‑3540 or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-759.

Recall number 18V083000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2006-2015 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner HDX, Saf-T-Liner EF, Saf-T-Liner EFX, and Minotour DRW transit buses manufactured January 3, 2006, to August 1, 2014, and equipped with certain Ricon model S2005, S2010, S5005, S5010, S5505, S5510 wheelchair lifts. The affected lifts are equipped with folding link arms that may have pivot holes that are too big, allowing the bearings to move out of position.

Risk

If the bearings move out of position, the stowed platform may have excessive movement resulting in failure of the platform mounting. This failure could cause the wheel chair lift platform to fall out of the vehicle when the doors are opened, increasing the risk of injury for the lift operator.

Remedy

DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the link arms for damage or for displaced bearings. The platform will be inspected for cracks. Any damaged parts will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on November 2, 2015. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1‑800‑745‑8000. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-686.

Recall number 15V564000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2006-2015 Thomas Built Buses FS-65, Saf-T-Liner C2, Saf-T-Liner EF, Saf-T-Liner EFX, Saf-T-Liner HDX, and Minotour DRW school buses manufactured January 3, 2006, to August 1, 2014, and equipped with certain Ricon model S2005, S2010, S5005, S5010, S5505, S5510 wheelchair lifts. The affected lifts are equipped with folding link arms that may have pivot holes that are too big, allowing the bearings to move out of position.

Risk

If the bearings move out of position, the stowed platform may have excessive movement resulting in failure of the platform mounting. This failure could cause the wheel chair lift platform to fall out of the vehicle when the doors are opened, increasing the risk of injury for the lift operator.

Remedy

DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the link arms for damage or for displaced bearings. The platform will be inspected for cracks. Any damaged parts will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began onNovember 2, 2015. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1‑800‑745‑8000. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-686.

Recall number 15V565000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Daimler trucks north america (dtna) is recalling certain model year 2007 through 2011 saf-t-liner ef, minotour, saf-t-liner c2, and saf-t-liner hdx school buses equipped with braun century-2 and vista-2 wheelchair lifts. Over time, and with frequent use, the roll stop latches on the outer barrier may become bent or misaligned.

Risk

A wheelchair occupant may defeat or ride over the insufficiently latched roll stop. If this occurs when the lift platform is in an elevated position, the wheelchair’s occupant could fall and sustain injury.

Remedy

Dtna will notify owners, and the repairs will be performed by authorized braun dealers free of charge. The safety recall began on june 28, 2012. Owners may contact dtna at 1‑800‑547‑0712.

Recall number 12V225000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Daimler trucks north america (dtna) is recalling certain model year 2007 through 2011 saf-t-liner ef, minotour, saf-t-liner c2, saf-t-liner hdx transit buses equipped with braun century-2 and vista-2 wheelchair lifts. Over time, and with frequent use, the roll stop latches on the outer barrier may become bent or misaligned.

Risk

A wheelchair occupant may defeat or ride over the insufficiently latched roll stop. If this occurs when the lift platform is in an elevated position, the wheelchair’s occupant could fall and sustain injury.

Remedy

Dtna will notify owners, and the repairs will be performed by authorized braun dealers, free of charge. The safety recall began on june 28, 2012. Owners may contact dtna at 1‑800‑547‑0712.

Recall number 12V226000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Daimler trucks (dtna) is recalling certain model year 2006 through 2011 saf-t-liner c2, saf-t-liner hdx, mvp-ef, fs-65, and minotor school buses manufactured from january 2, 2006, through january 31, 2011, equipped with carrier genv em-1 evaporator units. Due to time, temperature, and/or vibration, the fuse may loosen in the fuse holder resulting in high resistance and arcing.

Risk

If sufficient arcing occurs, the fuse holder may melt, and a vehicle fire may occur.

Remedy

Dtna will notify owners and provide information on how to obtain the retrofit kit from carrier along with repair instructions. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on may 20, 2011. (see carrier's recall campaign 11e-003.) owners may contact carrier at 1‑800‑793‑4741 or dtna at 1‑800‑547‑0712.

Recall number 11V222000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Daimler trucks (dtna) is recalling certain model year 2006 through 2011 saf-t-liner hdx, mvp-ef, and minotor non school buses manufactured from january 2, 2006, through january 31, 2011, equipped with carrier genv em-1 evaporator units. Due to time, temperature, and/or vibration, the fuse may loosen in the fuse holder resulting in high resistance and arcing.

Risk

If sufficient arcing occurs, the fuse holder may melt, and a vehicle fire may occur.

Remedy

Dtna will notify owners and provide information on how to obtain the retrofit kit from carrier along with repair instructions. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on may 20, 2011. (see carrier's recall campaign 11e-003.) owners may contact carrier at 1‑800‑793‑4741 or dtna at 1‑800‑547‑0712.

Recall number 11V223000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Certain model year 2000 through 2009 thomas built school buses manufactured from april 17, 2000, through december 21, 2009, were equipped with an incorrect tire load certification label. The certification labels list "d" load range tires with a recommended cold tire inflation pressure greater than 65 psi. The buses are equipped with load range "e" tires that require a higher minimum tire pressure. Accordingly, these buses fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 120, "tire selection and rims for motor vehicles other than passenger cars."

Risk

Incorrect tire information may lead to vehicle overloading that can result in a tire failure which may lead to a vehicle crash.

Remedy

Dtna will notify owners and dealers will replace the incorrect label with a correct label free of charge or, if the owner wishes, they may replace the label themselves. Owners should contact dtna at 1‑800‑547‑0712 or thomas built at 1‑336‑889‑4871 to obtain the label if they wish to affix it themselves. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about may 28, 2011.

Recall number 11V201000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Certain model year 2000, 2002 through 2006, and 2009 thomas built minotour non school buses manufactured from april 17, 2000, through january 5, 2001, were equipped with an incorrect tire load certification label. The certification labels list "d" load range tires with a recommended cold tire inflation pressure greater than 65 psi. The buses are equipped with load range "e" tires that require a higher minimum tire pressure. Accordingly, these buses fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 120, "tire selection and rims for motor vehicles other than passenger cars."

Risk

Incorrect tire information may lead to vehicle overloading that can result in a tire failure which may lead to a vehicle crash.

Remedy

Dtna will notify owners and dealers will replace the incorrect label with a correct label free of charge or, if the owner wishes, they may replace the label themselves. Owners should contact dtna at 1‑800‑547‑0712 or thomas built at 1‑336‑889‑4871 to obtain the label if they wish to affix it themselves. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about may 28, 2011.

Recall number 11V202000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Daimler trucks is recalling certain model year 2004 through 2010 school buses built on ford chassis manufactured from may 6, 2004 through february 2, 2010. On affected vehicles, main body power cables were routed in the area of an unprotected edge on the passenger's side inner-fender. Under certain conditions a power cable may contact the sharp edge. If undetected, continued contact could wear through the power cable's insulation potentially resulting in a short circuit.

Risk

A short circuited power cable could result in a vehicle fire and injury to vehicle occupants.

Remedy

Daimler trucks will inspect and reroute and/or replace as needed. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before november 15, 2010. Owners may contact daimler trucks toll-free at 1‑800‑547‑0712.

Recall number 10V393000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Daimler trucks is recalling certain model year 2004 through 2010 minotour non school buses built on ford chassis manufactured from may 6, 2004 through february 2, 2010. On affected vehicles, main body power cables were routed in the area of an unprotected edge on the passenger's side inner-fender. Under certain conditions a power cable may contact the sharp edge. If undetected, continued contact could wear through the power cable's insulation potentially resulting in a short circuit.

Risk

A short circuited power cable could result in a vehicle fire and injury to vehicle occupants.

Remedy

Daimler trucks will inspect and reroute and/or replace as needed. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before november 15, 2010. Owners may contact daimler trucks toll-free at 1‑800‑547‑0712.

Recall number 10V394000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Daimler trucks is recalling 216 model year 2004 through 2009 thomas built minotour school buses manufactured from february 5, 2003 through july 3, 2008. Vehicles with certain seat back and window combinations may be configured in such a way that the emergency window release mechanism is located outside of the low-force region which fails to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 217, "bus emergency exists and window retention and release."

Risk

In the event of an emergency evacuation, improperly located emergency exit release mechanisms may delay evacuation and increase the risk of personal injury to vehicle occupants.

Remedy

Daimler trucks will notify owners and repair the buses free of charge. Repairs will be performed by daimler trucks north america. The safety recall began on november 17, 2009. Owners may contact daimler trucks customer support office at 1‑336‑889‑4871.

Recall number 09V219000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Daimler trucks north america (dtna) is recalling 2,590 my 2005 through 2009 thomas built minotour school buses with gvwr of 10,000 pounds or less, manufactured between september 1, 2004 and november 26, 2008. The tire placard contains incorrect information which fails to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, tire selection and rims.

Risk

Incorrect information on the tire placard may lead to tire overloading and possibly cause tire failure which may result in a vehicle crash.

Remedy

New labels will be sent to owners for installation. The recall is expected to begin on or about november 3, 2009. Owners may contact dtna at 1‑800‑547‑0712 or thomas built at 1‑336‑889‑4871.

Recall number 08V648000 · Recall details

On April 23, 2018, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (“the federal safety agency”) opened Audit Query (AQ18002) to assess the timeliness and scope of four recalls filed by Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (“DTNA”). the federal safety agency subsequently expanded AQ18002 to examine the timeliness and scope of three additional DTNA recalls and compliance with early warning reporting and manufacturer communications reporting requirements. the federal safety agency and DTNA entered into a Consent Order on December 29, 2020, to resolve the federal safety agency’s assertions that certain recalls within the scope of AQ18002 were untimely, DTNA failed to timely submit certain manufacturer communications to the federal safety agency, and DTNA failed to submit field reports to the federal safety agency as required. As part of the Consent Order, DTNA agreed to a total civil penalty of thirty million dollars ($30,000,000), of which ten million dollars ($10,000,000) was paid on January 12, 2021. Also, of that total civil penalty, DTNA agreed to spend five million dollars ($5,000,000) on the specific performance obligations to develop advanced data analytics capabilities to enhance its ability to detect and study emerging safety-related defect trends on its vehicles (“Safety Data Analytics infrastructure”) and an advanced data analytics and reporting platform that integrates data on emerging safety-related defect trends on its vehicles and recall lessons learned (“Safety Communications Platform”). The Consent Order also held fifteen million dollars ($15,000,000) of the civil penalty in abeyance pending DTNA’s satisfactory completion of the requirements of the Consent Order, and its compliance with the Safety Act, and regulations thereunder. the federal safety agency and DTNA agreed to a two-year term for the Consent Order—with an option for the federal safety agency to extend the Consent Order for an additional year, if warranted. In the Consent Order, DTNA agreed to numerous performance obligations, including monthly meetings with the federal safety agency to discuss potential safety issues, recent manufacturer communications, and recall decision-making, among other things; quarterly meetings with the federal safety agency to discuss DTNA’s progress on the performance obligations under the Consent Order, including the Safety Data Analytics infrastructure and Safety Communications Platform, and any issues related to compliance with the Consent Order, Safety Act, or regulations; development of written procedures and employee training materials to help DTNA comply with its legal obligations to timely identify and report safety defects and noncompliances, submit complete and accurate recall filings, and timely submit manufacturer communications and field reports to the federal safety agency; and identifying and reporting previously unreported manufacturer communications and field reports. Also, via the Consent Order, DTNA acknowledged that the failure or inability to identify a specific root cause, develop an adequate remedy or repair, or confirm the affected population of vehicles are not bases for delaying filing a recall with the federal safety agency. On December 22, 2022, the federal safety agency extended the Consent Order for a term of one year due to concerns about DTNA’s compliance with its recall-related obligations. Specifically, the federal safety agency expressed concerns about the completeness of DTNA’s recall reports and issues identified with owner notification letters during the term of the Consent Order, as well as the length of time that DTNA took to consider a straightforward noncompliance issue before filing a recall and DTNA’s interactions with the federal safety agency during the term of the Consent Order. the federal safety agency addressed these concerns with DTNA during the third year of the Consent Order. The extended term of the Consent Order expired on December 28, 2023. Based on the Consent Order, this investigation, AQ18002, is closed. Closure of this AQ has no bearing on the terms of the Consent Order or DTNA’s ongoing legal obligations, and it does not represent a determination by the federal safety agency as to DTNA’s performance under the Consent Order.

AQ18002