1993 Thomas Built School Bus Recalls

Recalls on record Updated July 2026

The 1993 Thomas Built School Bus has 4 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 76,255 vehicles. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Last updated July 5, 2026.

Recall campaigns

STRUCTURE 96V080000 1996-05-06 13,545 affected
Defect

THE DOOR HINGES WERE NOT SHIELDED AND CAN SNAG EXITING CHILDREN'S CLOTHING OR ACCESSORIES.

Consequence

WHEN A PASSENGER'S CLOTHING BECOMES CAUGHT IN THE HANDRAIL, AND THE BUS DRIVER CLOSES THE DOOR AND PUTS THE VEHICLE IN MOTION, THE INDIVIDUAL IS SUBJECT TO BEING DRAGGED BY THE BUS. THIS CAN RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL HINGE PADS TO PREVENT THE SNAGGING OF PASSENGER'S CLOTHING.

STRUCTURE 96V065000 1996-04-15 37,717 affected
Defect

THE FASTENERS USED TO SECURE THE MOUNTING FOOT OF EITHER FORWARD OR REARWARD HANDRAILS COULD BE INSTALLED IN SUCH A MANNER AS TO ALLOW THE POSSIBILITY THAT THE NUT USED IN NHTSA'S HANDRAIL INSPECTION PROCEDURE WILL CATCH BETWEEN THE FASTENERS.

Consequence

A PASSENGER'S CLOTHING COULD BECOME CAUGHT IN THE HANDRAIL, AND IF THE BUS DRIVER CLOSES THE DOOR AND PUTS THE VEHICLE IN MOTION, THE INDIVIDUAL IS SUBJECT TO BEING DRAGGED BY THE BUS. THIS CAN RESULT INSERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

Remedy

REPLACE OR REPOSITION THE HANDRAILS TO STOP CLOTHING FROM BECOMING CAUGHT.

EQUIPMENT 94V092000 1994-05-13 423 affected
Defect

A DECAL WARNING OF THE POTENTIAL DANGER IN USING STARTING FLUID TO START THE ENGINE WAS OMITTED.

Consequence

IGNITION OF THE STARTER FLUID BY THE HEATING ELEMENT CAN RESULT IN AN EXPLOSION CAUSING ENGINE DAMAGE AND PERSONAL INJURY.

Remedy

CUSTOMERS WILL BE SENT WARNING DECALS AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS.

VISIBILITY 93V013000 1993-01-01 24,570 affected
Defect

THE CURRENT PRODUCTION STATIONARY WINDOW ASSEMBLIES ALLOW THE GLASS TO DISENGAGE FROM THE RUBBER AND/OR FRAME.

Consequence

THE WINDOWS DO NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS 217, "BUS WINDOWRETENTION AND RELEASE."

Remedy

INSTALL TWO RETAINING CLIPS AT EACH NON-COMPLYING WINDOW.

Defect investigations

Investigation PE93053 Opened 1993-05-26 · closed 1993-08-30

ELECTRICAL FIRE

There is no summary currently available

Investigation PE98020 Opened 1998-03-31 · closed 1998-09-21

UNDERHOOD FUEL LEAKAGE AND FIRES

A DIESEL FUEL RETURN LINE IS ALLEGED TO FAIL IN THE UNDERHOOD ARE CAUSING FIRES

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 1993 Thomas Built School Bus as of July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page contains ads and affiliate links. Full methodology.