Emergency exit not opening wide enough/fmvss 217
Defect Summary
Daimler trucks north america llc (dtna) is recalling certain 2016-2019 thomas built buses minotour school buses with 36" or 39" wide seats. The rear emergency exit door may not open wide enough to meet the unobstructed emergency egress area requirements. as such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard (fmvss) number 217, "bus emergency exits and window retention and release."
Safety Consequence
If the emergency exit door does not open wide enough, it may limit the ability to exit the bus, increasing the risk of injury in the event of an emergency.
Corrective Action
Dtna will notify owners, and dealers will modify the rear door slide system, increasing the angle that the door can open, free of charge. Dtna issued owners an interim notification on november 8, 2018. the recall began june 28, 2019. owners may contact dtna customer service at 1-800-547-0712. dtna's number for this recall is fl-797.
Similar Recalls
Other recalls from Daimler Trucks North America, Llc or involving Structure.
FAQ: Recall 18V698000
Your rights, the repair process, and what each field on this page means.
What is recall 18V698000?
NHTSA recall 18V698000 was issued by Daimler Trucks North America, Llc on October 5, 2018. It addresses: Emergency exit not opening wide enough/fmvss 217. The recall affects approximately 701 vehicles, with the defect involving the Structure component.
How do I get this recall repaired?
Contact any authorized Daimler Trucks North America, Llc dealer and reference NHTSA recall ID 18V698000 or the manufacturer campaign number FL-797. 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.