2006 THOMAS BUILT BUSES FS-65 — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
N/A
Safety Rating
1
Owner Complaint
11
Recalls
0
Service Bulletins
1
Investigation
Overview of the 2006 THOMAS BUILT BUSES FS-65
The 2006 THOMAS BUILT BUSES FS-65 has received a total of 1 safety complaint filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 12 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with EQUIPMENT, EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER, EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS. The most commonly reported problem area is the Steeringcolumn (1 complaint).
Recalls for the 2006 THOMAS BUILT BUSES FS-65
NHTSA has recorded 12 recalls for the 2006 THOMAS BUILT BUSES FS-65, potentially affecting up to 329,840 vehicles.
Recall 18V083000 — EQUIPMENT
| 606 vehicles affected
Defect: Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2002-2017 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2, Saf-T-Liner HDX, FS65, and Minotour school buses, equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach...
Consequence: In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: DTNA will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 30, 2018. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712 or Kidde customer service at 1-855-262-3540...
View full details →Recall 11V222000 — EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
| 6,831 vehicles affected
Defect: DAIMLER TRUCKS (DTNA) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006 THROUGH 2011 SAF-T-LINER C2, SAF-T-LINER HDX, MVP-EF, FS-65, AND MINOTOR SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 2, 2006, THROUGH JANUARY 31, 2011, EQUIPPED WITH CARRIER GENV EM-1 EVAPORATOR UNITS. DUE TO TIME, TEMPERATURE, AND/OR VIBRATION, THE FUSE MAY LOOSEN IN THE FUSE HOLDER RESULTING IN HIGH RESISTANCE AND ARCING.
Consequence: IF SUFFICIENT ARCING OCCURS, THE FUSE HOLDER MAY MELT, AND A VEHICLE FIRE MAY OCCUR.
Remedy: DTNA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND PROVIDE INFORMATION ON HOW TO OBTAIN THE RETROFIT KIT FROM CARRIER ALONG WITH REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 20, 2011. (SEE CARRIER'S RECALL CAMPAIGN...
View full details →Recall 11V201000 — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
| 6,360 vehicles affected
Defect: CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2000 THROUGH 2009 THOMAS BUILT SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 17, 2000, THROUGH DECEMBER 21, 2009, WERE EQUIPPED WITH AN INCORRECT TIRE LOAD CERTIFICATION LABEL. THE CERTIFICATION LABELS LIST "D" LOAD RANGE TIRES WITH A RECOMMENDED COLD TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE GREATER THAN 65 PSI. THE BUSES ARE EQUIPPED WITH LOAD RANGE "E" TIRES THAT REQUIRE A HIGHER...
Consequence: INCORRECT TIRE INFORMATION MAY LEAD TO VEHICLE OVERLOADING THAT CAN RESULT IN A TIRE FAILURE WHICH MAY LEAD TO A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: DTNA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE INCORRECT LABEL WITH A CORRECT LABEL FREE OF CHARGE OR, IF THE OWNER WISHES, THEY MAY REPLACE THE LABEL THEMSELVES. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DTNA AT 1-800-547-0712 OR THOMAS BUILT AT 1-336-889-4871...
View full details →Recall 08V087000 — STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
| 243,435 vehicles affected
Defect: DAIMLER TRUCKS IS RECALLING 243,435 MY 1995-2008 THOMAS BUILT SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JANUARY 1994, AND MARCH 10, 2008. (ADDITIONAL BUSES HAVE BEEN ADDED TO THIS RECALL CAMPAIGN. PLEASE SEE SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT NO. 4) THE EMERGENCY EXIT DOOR HANDLE BEGINS CORRODING AROUND THE SECURING ROLL PIN AND SQUARE DRIVE MECHANISM CAUSING THE PROTECTIVE FINISH TO CHIP AND FLAKE. CONTINUED CORROSION...
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY, A PERSON ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE BUS MAY BREAK THE DOOR HANDLE TRYING TO OPEN THE EMERGENCY EXIT POTENTIALLY DELAYING EVACUATION AND INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY TO THE VEHICLE'S OCCUPANTS.
Remedy: DAIMLER TRUCKS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND WILL REPLACE THE HANDLES WITH A MORE ROBUST HANDLE FREE OF CHARGE. REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED BY THOMAS BUILT BUSES DEALERSHIPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 18, 2008, AND NOTIFICATION FOR THE REVISED POPULATION...
View full details →Recall 08V088000 — EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
| 760 vehicles affected
Defect: DAIMLER TRUCKS IS RECALLING 760 MY 2003-2007 THOMAS BUILT SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JULY 6, 2005 AND JULY 19, 2006, EQUIPPED WITH BRAUN WHEELCHAIR LIFTS, MODELS NL, NCL, OR NVL. THE THRESHOLD WARNING SYSTEMS OF THE SUBJECT MODEL WHEELCHAIR LIFTS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 403, PLATFORM LIFT SYSTEMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES.
Consequence: SHOULD THE THRESHOLD WARNING SYSTEM FAIL TO OPERATE, THE LIFT USER CAN FALL FROM THE VEHICLE AND BE SERIOUSLY INJURED.
Remedy: DAIMLER TRUCKS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND PROVIDE A FREE REMEDY WHICH WILL BE PERFORMED BY THOMAS BUILT DEALERSHIPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 8, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THOMAS BUILT AT 336-889-4871.
View full details →Recall 07V544000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS
| 33,303 vehicles affected
Defect: CERTAIN 2001 THROUGH 2008 THOMAS BUILT FS-56, ER, MVP ER, HDX, AND MVP EF SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 23, 2000, THROUGH JANUARY 24, 2006, EQUIPPED WITH TYCO PC BOARD AND TYPE II AUTO RESET CIRCUIT BREAKERS. TYPE II AUTO RESET CIRCUIT BREAKER TEMPERATURES MAY EXCEED THE RATING OF THE TYCO PC BOARD CAUSING THE BOARDS TO MELT POTENTIALLY RESULTING...
Consequence: A VEHICLE FIRE CAN OCCUR POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.
Remedy: THOMAS BUILT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPAIR THE BUSES BY REPLACING THE TYPE II AUTO RESET CIRCUIT BREAKERS WITH MANUAL CIRCUIT BREAKERS, AND THE JUMPER CABLE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 28, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THOMAS BUILT CUSTOMER SUPPORT...
View full details →Recall 07V289000 — STEERING:COLUMN
| 25,643 vehicles affected
Defect: CERTAIN FREIGHTLINER SCHOOL BUSES AND TRUCKS MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 23, 2004, TO MARCH 21, 2006. DURING THE STEERING COLUMN MANUFACTURING PROCESS TWO WELDS MAY HAVE BEEN MISSING.
Consequence: COLUMNS WITH TWO WELDS MISSING MAY FATIGUE AND FRACTURE AND ALLOW THE STEERING WHEEL TO PROGRESSIVELY BE MOVED OUT OF ITS NORMAL POSITION WHICH MAY CAUSE THE STEERING TO RESPOND DIFFERENTLY THAN EXPECTED. IF THIS CONDITION IS IGNORED, A CRASH MAY OCCUR.
Remedy: FREIGHTLINER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND INSPECT AND REPAIR THE AFFECTED VEHICLE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 30, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712.
View full details →Recall 07V135000 — EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
| 329 vehicles affected
Defect: CERTAIN MY 2006 AND 2007 THOMAS BUILT MINOTOUR, FS-65, C2, HDX, AND EF SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JANUARY 6 AND SEPTEMBER 6, 2006, EQUIPPED WITH RICON WHEELCHAIR PLATFORM LIFT MODELS S2003, S2005, S2010, S5503, S5505, S5510, K2003, K2005, K2010, K5503, K5505, K5510. THE LIFTS INTERLOCK SWITCH SYSTEM MAY NOT DETECT THE PRESENCE OF A PASSENGER (EITHER WHEELCHAIR OR STANDEE) ON...
Consequence: THE DEFECT INVOLVES THE INTERLOCK SWITCH SYSTEM IN THE LIFT NOT DETECTING THE PRESENCE OF A PASSENGER (EITHER WHEELCHAIR OR STANDEE) ON THE RICON WHEELCHAIR PLATFORM LIFT. IN THE EVENT THIS CONDITION OCCURS DURING PASSENGER OPERATIONS IT MAY BE POSSIBLE FOR THE WHEELCHAIR TO TIP BACKWARDS ONTO THE PLATFORM WHEN THE PLATFORM WAS LOWERED. THIS COULD RESULT IN INJURY TO THE WHEELCHAIR'S OCCUPANT. ALSO, ANYONE STANDING ON THE PLATFORM COULD LOSE HIS OR HER BALANCE AND FALL, RESULTING IN INJURY.
Remedy: FREIGHTLINER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND WILL REPAIR THE AFFECTED BUSES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON AUGUST 6, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FREIGHTLINER'S CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 800-385-4357 OR CONTACT RICON AT 800-322-2884.
View full details →Recall 07V234000 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
| 431 vehicles affected
Defect: CERTAIN MY 2006 AND 2007 FREIGHTLINER FS-65 SCHOOL AND SHUTTLE BUS CHASSIS EQUIPPED WITH CATERPILLAR C7 ENGINES AND HYDRAULIC BRAKE LINE P/NO A12-21572-000. THE FRONT BRAKE LINES MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY SECURED ALLOWING THE BRAKE LINE TO CONTACT THE ENGINE COOLANT PLUMBING COMPONENTS.
Consequence: THIS COULD CAUSE A LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID AND REDUCED BRAKE PERFORMANCE POTENTIALLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: FREIGHTLINER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPAIR THE BUSES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 12, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT THOMAS BUILT AT 336-889-4871 OR CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 800-547-0712.
View full details →Recall 07V234000 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
| 431 vehicles affected
Defect: CERTAIN MY 2006 AND 2007 FREIGHTLINER FS-65 SCHOOL AND SHUTTLE BUS CHASSIS EQUIPPED WITH CATERPILLAR C7 ENGINES AND HYDRAULIC BRAKE LINE P/NO A12-21572-000. THE FRONT BRAKE LINES MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY SECURED ALLOWING THE BRAKE LINE TO CONTACT THE ENGINE COOLANT PLUMBING COMPONENTS.
Consequence: THIS COULD CAUSE A LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID AND REDUCED BRAKE PERFORMANCE POTENTIALLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: FREIGHTLINER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPAIR THE BUSES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 12, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT THOMAS BUILT AT 336-889-4871 OR CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 800-547-0712.
View full details →Recall 06V136000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS
| 11,666 vehicles affected
Defect: CERTAIN MY 2004 THROUGH 2006 THOMAS BUILT HDX, EF, AND FS-65 SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN OCTOBER 4, 2004, AND FEBRUARY 14, 2006. THE BODY POWER DISTRIBUTION MODULE (PDM) WAS MANUFACTURED WITH COPPER CIRCUITS THAT ARE TOO THIN FOR THE ELECTRICAL LOADS ENCOUNTERED, POSSIBLY CAUSING THE BOARD TO OVERHEAT.
Consequence: IF THE PDM OVERHEATS IT MAY GENERATE SMOKE AND COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: THOMAS BUILT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND WILL REPLACE THE PDM'S THIN COPPER CIRCUITS WITH THICKER COPPER CIRCUITS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 30, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THOMAS BUILT AT 1-877-660-4938.
View full details →Recall 06V150000 — EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
| 45 vehicles affected
Defect: CERTAIN MY 2004-2007 THOMAS BUILT MINOTOUR, FS65, MVP-EF, AND HDX MODEL SCHOOL BUSES, MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JUNE 16 AND JULY 1, 2005, EQUIPPED WITH RICON WHEELCHAIR LIFTS. CRACKS IN THE LIFT ARMS MAY ALLOW THE MECHANISM TO TWIST DURING STOWAGE, PREVENTING CLOSURE OF THE SAFETY INTERLOCK SWITCHES.
Consequence: IN THE EVENT THIS CONDITION OCCURS DURING PASSENGER OPERATIONS IT MAY NOT BE POSSIBLE TO CLOSE THE LIFT DOOR CAUSING THE VEHICLE INTERLOCKS TO REMAIN ENGAGED PREVENTING MOVEMENT OF THE VEHICLE OR THE ABILITY TO LOAD OR UNLOAD PASSENGERS WITH DISABILITIES FROM THE VEHICLE.
Remedy: RICON IS CONDUCTING THIS RECALL (PLEASE SEE 06E008000) AND WILL REPLACE THE TWO VERTICAL ARMS EVEN IF ONLY ONE ARM IS CRACKED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON MAY 30, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT RICON CUSTOMER...
View full details →Owner Complaints for the 2006 THOMAS BUILT BUSES FS-65
1 complaint has been filed with NHTSA for the 2006 THOMAS BUILT BUSES FS-65. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steeringcolumn | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Most Recent Complaints
UPPER STEERING SHAFT PINCH BOLT NOT TIGHTENED/INSTALLED RESULTING IN JOINT SEPARATING FROM MAIN STEERING SHAFT AND TOTAL LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL.NEW PINCH BOLT INSTALLED AND TIGHTENED TO FACTORY SUPPLIED TORQUE VALUES. SUPERFICIAL DAMGE TO SCHOOL BUS BODY REPAIRED WITH REPLACEMENT PARTS.
Safety Rating for the 2006 THOMAS BUILT BUSES FS-65
NHTSA has not yet tested the 2006 THOMAS BUILT BUSES FS-65 in its New Car Assessment Program.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 2006 THOMAS BUILT BUSES FS-65
No technical service bulletins have been reported for this vehicle.
NHTSA Investigations for the 2006 THOMAS BUILT BUSES FS-65
NHTSA has opened 1 investigation into potential safety defects in the 2006 THOMAS BUILT BUSES FS-65.
Investigation PE09004 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS Closed
Opened:
BRAKE HOSE/TUBE ABRADING
Other Model Years of the THOMAS BUILT BUSES FS-65
- 2001 THOMAS BUILT BUSES FS-65 — 0 complaints
- 2002 THOMAS BUILT BUSES FS-65 — 0 complaints
- 2003 THOMAS BUILT BUSES FS-65 — 0 complaints
- 2004 THOMAS BUILT BUSES FS-65 — 1 complaint
- 2005 THOMAS BUILT BUSES FS-65 — 0 complaints
- 2006 THOMAS BUILT BUSES FS-65 (current)
- 2007 THOMAS BUILT BUSES FS-65 — 4 complaints
- 2008 THOMAS BUILT BUSES FS-65 — 0 complaints
- 2009 THOMAS BUILT BUSES FS-65 — 0 complaints
- 2010 THOMAS BUILT BUSES FS-65 — 0 complaints
- 2011 THOMAS BUILT BUSES FS-65 — 0 complaints
Other THOMAS BUILT BUSES Models
- THOMAS BUILT BUSES SAF-T-LINER C2 — 25 total complaints
- THOMAS BUILT BUSES C2 — 10 total complaints
- THOMAS BUILT BUSES SAF-T-LINER HDX — 10 total complaints
- THOMAS BUILT BUSES MVP EF — 4 total complaints
- THOMAS BUILT BUSES MINOTOUR — 3 total complaints
- THOMAS BUILT BUSES EF — 2 total complaints
- THOMAS BUILT BUSES HDX — 2 total complaints
- THOMAS BUILT BUSES SAF-T-LINER ER — 2 total complaints