Safety Recall NHTSA · 04V398000 Reported August 12, 2004

Freightliner/thomas built/frame cracks

Q: What is recall 04V398000?

NHTSA recall 04V398000 was issued by Freightliner Llc on August 12, 2004. It addresses: Freightliner/thomas built/frame cracks. The recall affects approximately 2,125 vehicles , with the defect involving the Structure component.

Q: Is my vehicle included in this recall?

The only way to confirm is to look up your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls . NHTSA's tool will tell you if VIN-by-VIN this exact recall applies.

Q: How long do I have to get a recall repair done?

There is no expiration on most federal safety recalls. Even if your vehicle is years old and you bought it used, the manufacturer is required to perform the repair at no cost.

Freightliner Llc · Structure · 2,125 vehicles potentially affected

NHTSA ID

04V398000

Manufacturer Campaign

FL-429

Manufacturer

Freightliner Llc

Component

Structure

Vehicles Affected

2,125

Recall Type

Vehicle

Report Received

August 12, 2004

Defect Summary

Certain 1995 and 1996 my thomas built school buses built between january 1, 1995, and february 29, 1996, which are predominately operated on unimproved roads may have developed cracks in the bus body framing structure members (rafters) near the horizontal window header welds and at the side emergency exit doors.

Safety Consequence

In the event of a crash, passengers could be seriously injured.

Corrective Action

Thomas built will notify its customers and provide a free remedy. the recall began august 5, 2005. owners who do not receive a free remedy within a reasonable amount of time should contact thomas built customer support office at 336-889-4871.

What you should do

Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm this recall applies to your vehicle.
Contact an authorized Freightliner Llc dealer and reference recall ID 04V398000 or campaign FL-429.
Schedule the free repair. By federal law, the manufacturer must remedy the defect at no cost.

View Official NHTSA Notice →

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FAQ: Recall 04V398000

Your rights, the repair process, and what each field on this page means.

What is recall 04V398000?

NHTSA recall 04V398000 was issued by Freightliner Llc on August 12, 2004. It addresses: Freightliner/thomas built/frame cracks. The recall affects approximately 2,125 vehicles, with the defect involving the Structure component.

How do I get this recall repaired?

Contact any authorized Freightliner Llc dealer and reference NHTSA recall ID 04V398000 or the manufacturer campaign number FL-429. Under federal law, the repair is completely free regardless of vehicle age or owner history.

Is my vehicle included in this recall?

The only way to confirm is to look up your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's tool will tell you if VIN-by-VIN this exact recall applies.

How long do I have to get a recall repair done?

There is no expiration on most federal safety recalls. Even if your vehicle is years old and you bought it used, the manufacturer is required to perform the repair at no cost.

Where does the data on this page come from?

All information on this page is sourced directly from the U.S. Department of Transportation public dataset for NHTSA recalls. Last refreshed: 2026-05-22. For the most current official notice, visit nhtsa.gov/recalls.