Safety Recall NHTSA · 97V177000 Reported October 20, 1997

Thomas built/steering linkage

Q: What is recall 97V177000?

NHTSA recall 97V177000 was issued by Thomas Built Buses, Inc. on October 20, 1997. It addresses: Thomas built/steering linkage. The recall affects approximately 953 vehicles , with the defect involving the Steering 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. · Steering · 953 vehicles potentially affected

NHTSA ID

97V177000

Manufacturer Campaign

NR (Not Reported)

Manufacturer

Thomas Built Buses, Inc.

Component

Steering

Vehicles Affected

953

Recall Type

Vehicle

Report Received

October 20, 1997

Defect Summary

Vehicle description: school and transit buses. if debris becomes trapped between the plastic cup, which seals the opening where the steering column comes through the bus floor and the steering knuckle, the steering linkage can bind.

Safety Consequence

Binding of the steering linkage could cause the driver to over steer the vehicle, possibly resulting in loss of control of the vehicle or a crash.

Corrective Action

Owners are requested to remove the plastic seal which will leave an opening between the vehicle floor and the steering column. thomas built is in the process of designing a proper seal for that area, and this seal will be sent to owners for installation.

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 97V177000 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

Other recalls from Thomas Built Buses, Inc. or involving Steering.

Recall 73V098000

Grumman Flxible Corp.

Steering:linkages:arm:pitman

Steering · 809 affected · May 1, 1973

Do Not Drive 26V242000

Roush Performance Products, Inc.

Do not drive: loss of steering control from loose or missing fasteners

Steering · 1,217 affected · Apr 15, 2026

Recall 07V184000

Autocar, Llc

Loose steering column fasteners

Steering · 682 affected · Apr 26, 2007

Recall 73V091000

White Motor Corporation

Steering:power assist

Steering · 343 affected · Apr 26, 1973

Recall 26V146000

Honda (american Honda Motor Co.)

Loose handlebar lock screw may detach and interfere with steering

Steering · 19,406 affected · Mar 12, 2026

FAQ: Recall 97V177000

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

What is recall 97V177000?

NHTSA recall 97V177000 was issued by Thomas Built Buses, Inc. on October 20, 1997. It addresses: Thomas built/steering linkage. The recall affects approximately 953 vehicles, with the defect involving the Steering component.

How do I get this recall repaired?

Contact any authorized Thomas Built Buses, Inc. dealer and reference NHTSA recall ID 97V177000 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.