Vehicle recall 97V031000 · March 5, 1997

1991-1996 Thomas Conventional

Vehicle description: school buses equipped with outward opening service doors.

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

Summary: Vehicle description: school buses equipped with outward opening service doors. The possibility exists for an item worn by a child, such as a long drawstring, sash, or backpack/bookbag accessory, can become caught in a small opening at the floor level of the forward door post.
Consequence: If an item worn by a child were to catch in the opening, and the driver were to close the door and put the vehicle in motion, it could result in injury or death to the child.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the forward door post to verify that the opening is completely eliminated, and if necessary, will install sealant in any remaining portion of the opening.
Notes: Owner notification:owner notification will begin April 14, 1997.NOTES: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: 97V031000
Reported to NHTSA: March 5, 1997
Filed by: THOMAS BUILT BUSES, INC.
Owner notification: April 14, 1997
Vehicles potentially affected: 24,082
Initiated by: NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation
Components: Structure › Body

Recall 97V031000 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 Conventional (1991-1996): 1996, 1995, 1994, 1993, 1992, 1991

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