Vehicle recall 96V162000 · October 1, 1996

Thomas Minotour, GMC P3 and 3 more models

Vehicle description: school buses built on GM P3 cutaway chassis.

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

Summary: Vehicle description: school buses built on GM P3 cutaway chassis. The school bus, when tested in accordance with FMVSS no. 301, exceeded the allowable fuel spillage as specified by the standard. The fuel tank was punctured as a result of the impact of the moving barrier.
Consequence: If a vehicle crash were to occur, fuel leakage could result. If an ignition source were present, this condition could result in a vehicle fire.
Remedy: General motors is working in conjunction with carpenter, thomas built and U.S. Bus in providing the owner notification and remedy campaign for this recall. Dealers will install new shielding for the fuel tank, new fill pipe and vent hoses, and if required, add additional attachments to secure the school bus body to the chassis.
Notes: Owner notification began January 6, 1997. 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 general motors at 1-800-462-8782.ALSO contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-800-424-9393.

Recall details

NHTSA campaign: 96V162000
Reported to NHTSA: October 1, 1996
Filed by: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Owner notification: January 6, 1997
Vehicles potentially affected: 517
Initiated by: NHTSA’s Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance
Components: Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly

Recall 96V162000 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.

Crown Coach Classmate II (1995-1996): 1996, 1995
Crown Coach School Bus (1994): 1994
GMC P3 (1992-1994): 1994, 1993, 1992
Thomas Minotour (1992-1996): 1996, 1995, 1994, 1993, 1992
US Bus Eagle (1995-1996): 1996, 1995

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