2007 Thomas Built Fs-65 Recalls

Recalls on record Updated July 2026

The 2007 Thomas Built Fs-65 has 9 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 292,100 vehicles. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Owners have filed 4 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the steering. Last updated July 5, 2026.

Recall campaigns

EQUIPMENT 18V083000 2018-01-30 606 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…

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 or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product…

EQUIPMENT 11V222000 2011-04-06 6,831 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…

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 11E-003.) OWNERS MAY CONTACT CARRIER AT 1-800-793-4741 OR DTNA AT…

EQUIPMENT 11V201000 2011-03-31 6,360 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…

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 TO OBTAIN THE LABEL IF THEY WISH TO AFFIX IT THEMSELVES. THE SAFETY…

STRUCTURE 08V087000 2008-02-26 243,435 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…

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 IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT APRIL 29, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT…

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY 08V088000 2008-02-26 760 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…

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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 07V544000 2007-11-29 33,303 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…

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 OFFICE AT 336-889-4871.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 07V234000 2007-06-07 431 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.

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY 07V135000 2007-03-23 329 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…

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…

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.

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY 06V150000 2006-05-03 45 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 SUPPORT DEPT. AT 800-322-2884 OR OWNERS MAY CONTACT THOMAS BUS CUSTOMER SUPPORT OFFICE AT…

Complaints by component

STEERING
2
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:DRUM:SHOES/LININGS
1
SUSPENSION
1
Total complaints4

What owners report

Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal information removed.

“Front end shake/shimmy when brakes are applied at all speeds, so violent at times will take steering wheel out of hands. *jb”

STEERING · reported 2006-10-01

“Front end shake/shimmy when brakes are applied at all speeds, so violent at times will take steering wheel out of hands. *jb”

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:DRUM:SHOES/LININGS · reported 2006-10-01

“Front end shake/shimmy when brakes are applied at all speeds, so violent at times will take steering wheel out of hands, also unit has hard pull to the left along with front end shimmy. *jb”

STEERING · reported 2006-10-01

“Front end shake/shimmy when brakes are applied at all speeds, so violent at times will take steering wheel out of hands, also unit has hard pull to the left along with front end shimmy. *jb”

SUSPENSION · reported 2006-10-01

Defect investigations

Investigation PE07029 Opened 2007-06-20 · closed 2007-11-29

SIDE ELECTRICAL FUSE PANEL FIRES

THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION AFTER BECOMING AWARE OF TWO SCHOOL BUS FIRES THAT STARTED IN THE SIDE MOUNTED ELECTRICAL FUSE PANEL ON A PAIR OF THOMAS BUILT SCHOOL BUSES.THEFLEET OWNER HAD REPORTED THE BUS INTERIORS FILLED WITH SMOKE, CERTAIN ELECTRICAL DEVICES BECAME INOPERATIVE,…

Investigation PE07054 Opened 2007-11-09 · closed 2008-03-04

EMERGENCY DOOR HANDLE FAILURE

THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION OPENED THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATIONAFTERBECOMING AWARE THAT FLEETS WERE HAVING HANDLE FAILURES ON THE REAR EMERGENCY DOOR EXIT.THE FAILURE RESULTED IN THE DOOR HANDLE SEPARATING FROM THEDOOR LATCH MECHANISM.WHEN THE HANDLE FAILS, THE REAR EMERGENCY EXIT DOOR CAN NOT BE OPENED FROM…

Investigation PE09004 Opened 2009-01-21 · closed 2009-04-16

BRAKE HOSE/TUBE ABRADING

THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED AFTER ODI RECEIVED A COMPLAINT FROM A FLEET INDICATING THAT THE BRAKE HOSES WERE RUBBING AGAINST THE TRANSMISSION DIPSTICK TUBE.ON APRIL 2, 2009, DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA LLC FILED A SAFETY RECALL TO INSPECTED AND REROUTE THE AFFECTED BRAKE HOSES AND ANYDAMAGED HOSES WILL BE…

Investigation PE09004 Opened 2009-01-21 · closed 2009-04-16

BRAKE HOSE/TUBE ABRADING

THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED AFTER ODI RECEIVED A COMPLAINT FROM A FLEET INDICATING THAT THE BRAKE HOSES WERE RUBBING AGAINST THE TRANSMISSION DIPSTICK TUBE.ON APRIL 2, 2009, DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA LLC FILED A SAFETY RECALL TO INSPECTED AND REROUTE THE AFFECTED BRAKE HOSES AND ANYDAMAGED HOSES WILL BE…

Investigation PE09004 Opened 2009-01-21 · closed 2009-04-16

BRAKE HOSE/TUBE ABRADING

THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED AFTER ODI RECEIVED A COMPLAINT FROM A FLEET INDICATING THAT THE BRAKE HOSES WERE RUBBING AGAINST THE TRANSMISSION DIPSTICK TUBE.ON APRIL 2, 2009, DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA LLC FILED A SAFETY RECALL TO INSPECTED AND REROUTE THE AFFECTED BRAKE HOSES AND ANYDAMAGED HOSES WILL BE…

Sources & methodology

Recall, complaint, and investigation records from official NHTSA datasets (FLAT_RCL, FLAT_CMPL, FLAT_INV), synced weekly. Counts reflect NHTSA records for the 2007 Thomas Built Fs-65 as of July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page contains ads and affiliate links. Full methodology.