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Vehicle recall 97V154000 · September 12, 1997

1997 Thomas ER Model

Vehicle description: transit buses.

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

Summary
Vehicle description: transit buses. A burr on the spool bore of the steering gear pumps can result in the loss of oil flow.
Consequence
This condition can cause loss of power steering assist and/or overheating the engine.
Remedy
Thomas built is requesting owners to inspect the date code on the steering gear pump. If the pump is stamped with a date code prior to 6/1/97 and does not have an "l" or an "rl" stamped on the identification tag, the owner will be instructed to replace the pump. Owners will be shipped a replacement pump and detailed repair instructions. If the owner so desires, thomas built can do the inspection and repair on these buses.
Notes
Owner notification began JULY28, 1998.OWNERS who do not receive a free replacement pump and detailed repair instructions within a reasonable time should contact thomas built at 1-800-889-4871.ALSO contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-800-424-9393.

Recall details

NHTSA campaign
97V154000
Reported to NHTSA
September 12, 1997
Filed by
THOMAS BUILT BUSES, INC.
Owner notification
July 28, 1998
Vehicles potentially affected
200
Initiated by
the manufacturer
Components
Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Pump
Recall 97V154000 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.

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.