SeatsRecall 96V-178 · Thomas vehicles
THOMAS BUILT BUSES, INC. recall 96V-178 covers 38 Thomas vehicles for a seats problem, reported to NHTSA on January 13, 1997.
Source: NHTSA recall 96V178008 and manufacturer quarterly reports. Started by the manufacturer.
The problem
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TRANSIT BUSES EQUIPPED WITH ISRINGHAUSEN SEATS IN THE DRIVER POSITION. TWO WELDS LOCATED ON THE BACK REST ADJUSTMENT SIDE OF THE SEAT FRAME DID NOT MEET THE MANUFACTURER'S SPECIFICATIONS.
The risk
IF THESE WELDS WERE NOT TO SPECIFICATION, BACK REST LOADS COULD CAUSE THE WELDS TO FAIL. THE BACK REST WOULD DISENGAGE FROM THE SEAT FRAME ALLOWING LOSS OF SUPPORT TO THE DRIVER'S TORSO AND POSSIBLY CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.
The fix
ISRINGHAUSEN IS CONDUCTING THE OWNER NOTIFICATION AND REMEDY CAMPAIGN FOR THIS RECALL. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE SEATS AND REPLACE THE SEAT FRAME ASSEMBLY.
OWNER NOTIFICATION:OWNER NOTIFICATION IS BEING CONDUCTED BY ISRINGHAUSEN AND WILL BEGIN DURING FEBRUARY 1997.NOTE:OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT THOMAS BUILT AT 1-910-889-4871 OR ISRINGHAUSEN AT 616-968-5333, EXT. 301. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
Recall repairs are free. Confirm whether this recall is open on your vehicle by entering its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Vehicles in this recall
Built from January 1, 1996 to September 1, 1996. Not every vehicle in these model years is included; check by VIN.