Vehicle recall 85V017000 · February 19, 1985

1982-1983 Thomas Thomas

The rack and gear type latch assembly of the emergency doors can be overstressed by misuse of the inside door handle, making the gears subject to failure.

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

Summary: The rack and gear type latch assembly of the emergency doors can be overstressed by misuse of the inside door handle, making the gears subject to failure. Consequence of defect: it is possible for these gears to fail when the door is closed, making it impossible to open the emergency door. This could result in passengers being trapped in case of emergency.
Remedy: Install complete new latch assemblies with metal gears to replace the nylon material.
Notes: Vehicle description: school bus with GVWR greater than 10,000 pounds.system: emergency door latch assembly.

Recall details

NHTSA campaign: 85V017000
Reported to NHTSA: February 19, 1985
Filed by: THOMAS BUILT BUSES, INC.
Owner notification: February 12, 1985
Vehicles potentially affected: 27
Initiated by: the manufacturer
Components: Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch

Recall 85V017000 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 Thomas (1982-1983): 1983, 1982

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