Vehicle recall 86V079000 · June 16, 1986
Thomas SAF-T-Liner and Transit Liner
Two throttle return spring defects are involved in this recall.
Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.
- Summary
- Two throttle return spring defects are involved in this recall. (1) buses equipped with caterpillar engines may have a throttle return spring that breaks and prevents the throttle from returning to idle position when the driver's foot is removed from the accelerator control; (2) buses equipped with cummins VT-225 engines may have the throttle return spring connected to the throttle slave cylinder instead of the fuel injection pump lever. If failure occurs in the acceleration control system, the engine may accelerate to its maximum governed rpm. Consequence of defect: in either case, throttle control will be lost which may result in an accident.
- Remedy
- A repair kit consisting of new spring, mounting bracket and proper repair instructions will be shipped to each owner at no charge and the owner may make his own repairs, or have a thomas distributor or a reputable local shop make the repairs.
- Notes
- System: throttle lever return spring. Vehicle description: transit and school buses with a GVWR greater than 10,000 pounds.
Recall details
- NHTSA campaign
- 86V079000
- Reported to NHTSA
- June 16, 1986
- Filed by
- THOMAS BUILT BUSES, INC.
- Owner notification
- June 12, 1986
- Vehicles potentially affected
- 942
- Initiated by
- the manufacturer
- Components
- Vehicle speed control › Springs
Vehicles covered
As listed by NHTSA. A recall usually covers only some vehicles of each model and year, often a production date range.
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.
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.