Vehicle recall 04V398000 · August 12, 2004

Thomas MPV ER and SAF-T-Liner

Certain 1995 and 1996 my thomas built school buses built between January 1, 1995, and February 29, 1996, which are predominately operated on unimproved roads may have developed…

Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.

Summary: Certain 1995 and 1996 my thomas built school buses built between January 1, 1995, and February 29, 1996, which are predominately operated on unimproved roads may have developed cracks in the bus body framing structure members (rafters) near the horizontal window header welds and at the side emergency exit doors.
Consequence: In the event of a crash, passengers could be seriously injured.
Remedy: Thomas built will notify its customers and provide a free remedy. The recall began August 5, 2005. Owners who do not receive a free remedy within a reasonable amount of time should contact thomas built customer support office at 336-889-4871.
Notes: Customers can contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

Recall details

NHTSA campaign: 04V398000
Reported to NHTSA: August 12, 2004
Filed by: FREIGHTLINER LLC
Manufacturer campaign: FL-429
Owner notification: August 10, 2004
Vehicles potentially affected: 2,125
Initiated by: the manufacturer
Components: Structure › Body

Recall 04V398000 on nhtsa.gov, with the manufacturer’s documents

Vehicles covered

As listed by NHTSA. A recall usually covers only some vehicles of each model and year, often a production date range.

Thomas MPV ER (1995-1996): 1996, 1995
Thomas SAF-T-Liner (1995-1996): 1996, 1995

Has your Thomas been repaired?

Recalls here come from NHTSA’s records for the model and year. Not every vehicle of a model is included in every recall, and this site can’t see whether a repair has been done. Only a VIN lookup can tell you that.

Check your VIN with NHTSA

NHTSA’s VIN search doesn’t show recalls that were already repaired, recalls more than 15 years old, or some small manufacturers’ recalls. A Thomas dealer can also check your VIN. Recall repairs are free.