Structure:door assembly:latches and locks
Defect Summary
The rack and gear type latch assembly of the emergency doors can be overstressed by misuse of the inside door handle, making the gears subject to failure. consequence of defect: it is possible for these gears to fail when the door is closed, making it impossible to open the emergency door. This could result in passengers being trapped in case of emergency.
Corrective Action
Install complete new latch assemblies with metal gears to replace the nylon material.
Similar Recalls
Other recalls from Thomas Built Buses, Inc. or involving Latches/locks/linkages.
FAQ: Recall 85V017000
Your rights, the repair process, and what each field on this page means.
What is recall 85V017000?
NHTSA recall 85V017000 was issued by Thomas Built Buses, Inc. on February 19, 1985. It addresses: Structure:door assembly:latches and locks. The recall affects approximately 27 vehicles, with the defect involving the Latches/locks/linkages component.
How do I get this recall repaired?
Contact any authorized Thomas Built Buses, Inc. dealer and reference NHTSA recall ID 85V017000 or the manufacturer campaign number NR (Not Reported). 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.