Vehicle recall 97V133000 · August 22, 1997
Thomas MVP, SAF-T-Liner and 2 more models
Vehicle description: school and transit buses equipped with in-line six engine,"s" type frame rails and side mounted battery box.
Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.
- Summary
- Vehicle description: school and transit buses equipped with in-line six engine,"s" type frame rails and side mounted battery box. The battery cable routing allows the positive cable to chafe resulting in a possible short circuit of the cable.
- Consequence
- If an electrical short occurs, it can cause loss of power to the vehicle and a possible vehicle fire.
- Remedy
- Thomas built will provide owners with repair parts and detailed repair procedures to secure the cable to prevent further damage. If the owner so desires, thomas built will perform the repair for them.
- Notes
- Owner notification began October 24, 1997. Owners who do not receive the free repair parts and detailed repair procedure 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
- 97V133000
- Reported to NHTSA
- August 22, 1997
- Filed by
- THOMAS BUILT BUSES, INC.
- Owner notification
- October 24, 1997
- Vehicles potentially affected
- 8,107
- Initiated by
- the manufacturer
- Components
- Electrical system › 12V/24V/48V battery › Cables
Vehicles covered
As listed by NHTSA. A recall usually covers only some vehicles of each model and year, often a production date range.
- Thomas Chartour (1989-1997): 1997, 1996, 1995, 1994, 1993, 1992, 1991, 1990, 1989
- Thomas Citiliner (1989-1997): 1997, 1996, 1995, 1994, 1993, 1992, 1991, 1990, 1989
- Thomas MVP (1988-1997): 1997, 1996, 1995, 1994, 1993, 1992, 1991, 1990, 1989, 1988
- Thomas SAF-T-Liner (1988-1997): 1997, 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.
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.