Vehicle recall 97V030000 · March 3, 1997

1988-1996 Thomas SAF-T-Liner

Contact between the brake chamber and the suspension beam can result in damage to the brake chamber clamp band.

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

Summary: Contact between the brake chamber and the suspension beam can result in damage to the brake chamber clamp band.
Consequence: If the damage to the clamp band resulted in band breakage, the chamber could come apart resulting in loss of the service brakes. The emergency brakes would automatically apply.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the brake chamber for signs of contact. If contact is indicated, the brake cam shaft and chamber support bracket will be replaced, eliminating the possibility of contact between the brake chamber and the suspension beam.
Notes: Owner notification began during April 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 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: 97V030000
Reported to NHTSA: March 3, 1997
Filed by: THOMAS BUILT BUSES, INC.
Owner notification: April 28, 1997
Vehicles potentially affected: 695
Initiated by: NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation
Components: Service brakes, air › Drum › Chamber

Recall 97V030000 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 SAF-T-Liner (1988-1996): 1996, 1995, 1994, 1993, 1992, 1991, 1990, 1989, 1988

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.