1997 Thomas MVP recalls

There are 9 safety recalls on record for the 1997 Thomas MVP, covering 22,408 vehicles in total across all the models in each campaign. Newest first.

All recalls

Exterior lighting: headlights: switchReported June 30, 2000 · 803 vehicles affected

What is wrong: 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.
Risk: This can result in deformation of the plastic connectors that connect the headlight switch to its wiring harness.
Remedy: 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.

Recall number 00V174000 · Recall details

Suspension: rearReported February 15, 2000 · 757 vehicles affected

What is wrong: Vehicle description: school buses equipped with neway ad 200 rear air suspensions. There is interference between the suspension u-bolt and the rear axle which can cause the u-bolt to crack and fall off.
Risk: This condition could cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Owners will be provided with a detailed repair procedure and free parts.

Recall number 00V041000 · Recall details

Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedalReported July 2, 1999 · 1,307 vehicles affected

What is wrong: 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."
Risk: If the accelerator pedal catches on the floor mat, engine overspeed could occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install a new accelerator pedal mounting bracket to raise the accelerator so the pedal does not catch on the floor mat.

Recall number 99V176000 · Recall details

Equipment: other: labelsReported July 2, 1999 · 1,123 vehicles affected

What is wrong: 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.
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.
Remedy: Owners will be provided with a warning label and installation instructions.

Recall number 99V177000 · Recall details

SeatsReported September 17, 1998 · 4,300 vehicles affected

What is wrong: Vehicle description: school and transit buses equipped with national seating series 93b-sb driver seat. A bracket attaching to the height adjusting shock absorber on the driver's seat can deform and break.
Risk: This condition can result in a sudden drop of the driver's seat, increasing the risk of loss of control of the vehicle and a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will add a reinforcement to the bracket, or if the bracket is deformed and/or broken, the entire seat base will be replaced.

Recall number 98V229000 · Recall details

Vehicle speed control: cablesReported March 12, 1998 · 2,667 vehicles affected

What is wrong: Vehicle description: school and transit buses equipped with non-electronic cummins b5.9l engines. The sliding action of the accelerator linkage lever over the hand throttle cable can cause the hand throttle wire to wear a notch in the accelerator linkage resulting in binding of the linkage. This fails to comply with the requirements of fmvss no. 124, "accelerator control systems."
Risk: Such binding can prevent the accelerator control from returning to idle quickly or from returning to idle position at all, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the existing accelerator linkage lever and readjust the hand throttle cable, or replace the existing hand throttle attachment clip and readjust the hand throttle cable.

Recall number 98V054000 · Recall details

SeatsReported November 1, 1997 · 2,391 vehicles affected

What is wrong: Vehicle description: school buses. The flip seats installed on these buses do not meet the rearward push requirements of fmvss no. 222, "school bus passenger seating and crash protection."
Risk: In the event of a vehicle crash, the seat occupant may not be properly protected increasing the risk of personal injury.
Remedy: Owners will be provided with repair parts and a detailed repair procedure. If an owner so desires, thomas built will perform the repair for them.

Recall number 97V192000 · Recall details

Steering: steering wheel/handle barReported October 20, 1997 · 953 vehicles affected

What is wrong: 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.
Risk: 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.
Remedy: 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.

Recall number 97V177000 · Recall details

Electrical system: 12v/24v/48v battery: cablesReported August 22, 1997 · 8,107 vehicles affected

What is wrong: 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.
Risk: If an electrical short occurs, it can cause loss of power to the vehicle and a possible vehicle fire.
Remedy: 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.

Recall number 97V133000 · Recall details

Questions about the 1997 Thomas MVP recalls

How do I check if my 1997 Thomas MVP has an open recall?

Enter your VIN in the VIN decoder on this page to see the recalls for your exact model and year, then confirm with any dealer of the brand or the manufacturer, who can tell you whether the repair was already done on your car.

Do I have to pay for a recall repair?

No. Safety recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer of the brand, even if the car is out of warranty or you are not the first owner.

How many recalls does the 1997 Thomas MVP have?

9, covering exterior lighting, suspension and vehicle speed control.

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