Vehicle recall 94V143000 · August 1, 1994
Thomas SAF-T-Liner and Transit Liner
A sudden hydraulic pressure loss during hard turns results in a momentary loss of power steering assist.
Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.
- Summary
- A sudden hydraulic pressure loss during hard turns results in a momentary loss of power steering assist. The pressure loss occurs when the hydraulically driven engine cooling fan turns off in the turn.
- Consequence
- The driver reacts to the loss of power steering assist by oversteering, which could result in a vehicle accident.
- Remedy
- The hydraulic control valves will be replaced with valves of a new design. Until such time as parts are available, owners will be instructed to disconnect the fan cutoff switch so that hydraulically driven fans will run full time, eliminating the pressure spike.
- Notes
- System: engine cooling system; fan.vehicle description: rear engine transit buses equipped with caterpillar 3116, cummins 6C 300 hp, or hercules CNG engines.note: if your vehicle is presented to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and the remedy is not provided within a reasonable time free of charge or the remedy does not correct the defect, please contact thomas built at 1-910-889-4871. Also, contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-800-424-9393.
Recall details
- NHTSA campaign
- 94V143000
- Reported to NHTSA
- August 1, 1994
- Filed by
- THOMAS BUILT BUSES, INC.
- Owner notification
- October 17, 1994
- Vehicles potentially affected
- 1,150
- Initiated by
- the manufacturer
- Components
- Steering › Hydraulic power assist system
Vehicles covered
As listed by NHTSA. A recall usually covers only some vehicles of each model and year, often a production date range.
- Thomas SAF-T-Liner (1992-1994): 1994, 1993, 1992
- Thomas Transit Liner (1992-1994): 1994, 1993, 1992
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.