Does the 1997 Thomas SAF-T-Liner have any recalls?

3 recalls found in NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026, covering: seats, steering, electrical system. Recalls apply to the model and year; whether a particular vehicle is included, and whether it has been repaired, depends on its VIN.

How do I check if my 1997 Thomas SAF-T-Liner recall has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask a Thomas dealer. Recall repairs are free. NHTSA's VIN search doesn't list recalls that were already repaired.

How many complaints have owners filed about the 1997 Thomas SAF-T-Liner?

0 complaints filed with NHTSA. Complaints are unverified reports from the public that NHTSA uses to decide what to investigate.

1997 Thomas SAF-T-Liner recalls

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

3 recalls found in NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026

For the 1997 Thomas SAF-T-Liner. These apply to the model and year, not to one particular vehicle: check your VIN to see whether yours is included and whether it has been repaired.

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.

1997 Thomas SAF-T-Liner recalls, newest first

November 1, 1997NHTSA 97V1920002,391 vehicles potentially affected

Seats

Summary: Vehicle description: school buses. The flip seats installed on these buses do not meet the rearward push requirements of FMVSS no. 222, "school bus passenger seating and crash protection."
Consequence: In the event of a vehicle crash, the seat occupant may not be properly protected increasing the risk of personal injury.
Remedy: Owners will be provided with repair parts and a detailed repair procedure. If an owner so desires, thomas built will perform the repair for them.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

October 20, 1997NHTSA 97V177000953 vehicles potentially affected

Steering › Steering wheel/handle bar

Summary: Vehicle description: school and transit buses. If debris becomes trapped between the plastic cup, which seals the opening where the steering column comes through the bus floor and the steering knuckle, the steering linkage can bind.
Consequence: Binding of the steering linkage could cause the driver to over steer the vehicle, possibly resulting in loss of control of the vehicle or a crash.
Remedy: Owners are requested to remove the plastic seal which will leave an opening between the vehicle floor and the steering column. Thomas built is in the process of designing a proper seal for that area, and this seal will be sent to owners for installation.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

August 22, 1997NHTSA 97V1330008,107 vehicles potentially affected

Electrical system › 12V/24V/48V battery › Cables

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.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

Owner complaints

No owner complaints about the 1997 Thomas SAF-T-Liner were found in NHTSA’s complaint data.

Other Thomas SAF-T-Liner years

Other 1997 Thomas models

Most recalled 1997 vehicles

1997 Ford F-150 (25 recalls)
1997 Honda Civic (16 recalls)
1997 Honda Accord (15 recalls)
1997 Dodge Caravan (14 recalls)
1997 Chevrolet Cavalier (13 recalls)

All of 1997’s most recalled vehicles

Questions

Does the 1997 Thomas SAF-T-Liner have any recalls?: 3 recalls found in NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026, covering: seats, steering, electrical system. Recalls apply to the model and year; whether a particular vehicle is included, and whether it has been repaired, depends on its VIN.
How do I check if my 1997 Thomas SAF-T-Liner recall has been fixed?: Enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask a Thomas dealer. Recall repairs are free. NHTSA's VIN search doesn't list recalls that were already repaired.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 1997 Thomas SAF-T-Liner?: 0 complaints filed with NHTSA. Complaints are unverified reports from the public that NHTSA uses to decide what to investigate.