Safety Recall NHTSA · 97V031000 Reported March 5, 1997

Thomas built/handrails

Q: What is recall 97V031000?

NHTSA recall 97V031000 was issued by Thomas Built Buses, Inc. on March 5, 1997. It addresses: Thomas built/handrails. The recall affects approximately 24,082 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.

Thomas Built Buses, Inc. · Structure · 24,082 vehicles potentially affected

NHTSA ID

97V031000

Manufacturer Campaign

NR (Not Reported)

Manufacturer

Thomas Built Buses, Inc.

Component

Structure

Vehicles Affected

24,082

Recall Type

Vehicle

Report Received

March 5, 1997

Defect Summary

Vehicle description: school buses equipped with outward opening service doors. the possibility exists for an item worn by a child, such as a long drawstring, sash, or backpack/bookbag accessory, can become caught in a small opening at the floor level of the forward door post.

Safety Consequence

If an item worn by a child were to catch in the opening, and the driver were to close the door and put the vehicle in motion, it could result in injury or death to the child.

Corrective Action

Dealers will inspect the forward door post to verify that the opening is completely eliminated, and if necessary, will install sealant in any remaining portion of the opening.

What you should do

Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm this recall applies to your vehicle.
Contact an authorized Thomas Built Buses, Inc. dealer and reference recall ID 97V031000 or campaign NR (Not Reported).
Schedule the free repair. By federal law, the manufacturer must remedy the defect at no cost.

View Official NHTSA Notice →

Similar Recalls

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FAQ: Recall 97V031000

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

What is recall 97V031000?

NHTSA recall 97V031000 was issued by Thomas Built Buses, Inc. on March 5, 1997. It addresses: Thomas built/handrails. The recall affects approximately 24,082 vehicles, with the defect involving the Structure component.

How do I get this recall repaired?

Contact any authorized Thomas Built Buses, Inc. dealer and reference NHTSA recall ID 97V031000 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.