1995–2008 Thomas Built Buses FS-65, 2001–2008 Thomas Built Buses HDX, 1995–2000 Thomas Built Buses HDX EF and 6 other models Recall: Structure
NHTSA campaign 08V087000 · Structure · filed Feb 26, 2008 · verified Jul 30, 2026
The defect
DAIMLER TRUCKS IS RECALLING 243,435 MY 1995-2008 THOMAS BUILT SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JANUARY 1994, AND MARCH 10, 2008. (ADDITIONAL BUSES HAVE BEEN ADDED TO THIS RECALL CAMPAIGN. PLEASE SEE SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT NO. 4) THE EMERGENCY EXIT DOOR HANDLE BEGINS CORRODING AROUND THE SECURING ROLL PIN AND SQUARE DRIVE MECHANISM CAUSING THE PROTECTIVE FINISH TO CHIP AND FLAKE. CONTINUED CORROSION AND PITTING WEAKENS THE HANDLE. HANDLES WEAKENED BY CORROSION MAY BREAK WHILE TRYING TO OPEN THE DOOR FROM THE EXTERIOR.
The risk
IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY, A PERSON ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE BUS MAY BREAK THE DOOR HANDLE TRYING TO OPEN THE EMERGENCY EXIT POTENTIALLY DELAYING EVACUATION AND INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY TO THE VEHICLE'S OCCUPANTS.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →The fix — what to do
DAIMLER TRUCKS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND WILL REPLACE THE HANDLES WITH A MORE ROBUST HANDLE FREE OF CHARGE. REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED BY THOMAS BUILT BUSES DEALERSHIPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 18, 2008, AND NOTIFICATION FOR THE REVISED POPULATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT APRIL 29, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THOMAS BUILT AT 336-889-4871.
DAIMLER TRUCKS RECALL NO. FL-525.CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
Affected vehicles
| Make | Model | Model years |
|---|---|---|
| Thomas Built Buses | FS-65 | 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 |
| Thomas Built Buses | HDX | 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 |
| Thomas Built Buses | HDX EF | 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000 |
| Thomas Built Buses | Minotour | 2001, 2002, 2003, 2008 |
| Thomas Built Buses | Saf-T-Liner C2 | 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 |
| Thomas | ER | 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 |
| Thomas | ER Transit | 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000 |
| Thomas | MVP EF | 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 |
| Thomas | MVP ER | 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 |
Related recalls
More Thomas Built Buses FS-65 recalls
- 2002–2017 Thomas Built Buses FS-65 and 3 other models — These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the…
- 2006–2011 Thomas Built Buses FS-65 and 4 other models — Equipment
- 2002 Thomas Built Buses Conventional and 3 other models — CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2000 THROUGH 2009 THOMAS BUILT SCHOOL…
- 2001 Chevrolet Express and 4 other models — Equipment Adaptive/mobility
- 2003–2007 Thomas Built Buses FS-65 and 4 other models — Equipment Adaptive/mobility
Other campaigns involving Thomas Built Buses vehicles
- 2026–2027 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner EFX2 and 1 other model — Entrance door may fail to open or close when the switch is…
- 2026–2027 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner HDX2 — Entrance door may fail to open or close when the switch is…
- 2027 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner HDX2 — Front and mid-body interior joints may have been…
All Thomas Built Buses FS-65 recalls → · All Thomas Built Buses recalls →
Source: NHTSA recall database, campaign 08V087000 (manufacturer number FL-525). Data last verified Jul 30, 2026.