repaired · 2019 Q3
Equipment
Risk. In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
2004 Thomas Built Buses FS-65Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 1 owner complaint about the 2004 Thomas Built Buses FS-65, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 7 safety recalls, and for recall 18V-083 the manufacturer reports only 1% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through January 30, 2018. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2004 Thomas Built Buses FS-65 has problems
1 complaint grouped by the system owners reported.
1Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 1 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
7 recalls
2004 Thomas Built Buses FS-65 recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
no report yet
Door: hinge and attachments
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…
no report yet
Equipment adaptive/mobility
Risk. SHOULD THE THRESHOLD WARNING SYSTEM FAIL TO OPERATE, THE LIFT USER CAN FALL FROM THE VEHICLE AND BE SERIOUSLY INJURED.
no report yet
Wiring: fuses and circuit breakers
Risk. A VEHICLE FIRE CAN OCCUR POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.
Show 3 more recalls
no report yet
Steering: column
Risk. COLUMNS WITH TWO WELDS MISSING MAY FATIGUE AND FRACTURE AND ALLOW THE STEERING WHEEL TO PROGRESSIVELY BE MOVED OUT OF ITS NORMAL POSITION WHICH MAY CAUSE THE…
no report yet
Equipment adaptive/mobility
Risk. IN THE EVENT THIS CONDITION OCCURS DURING PASSENGER OPERATIONS IT MAY NOT BE POSSIBLE TO CLOSE THE LIFT DOOR CAUSING THE VEHICLE INTERLOCKS TO REMAIN ENGAGED…
no report yet
Wiring: fuses and circuit breakers
Risk. IF THE PDM OVERHEATS IT MAY GENERATE SMOKE AND COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Thomas Built Buses.
Best & worst years
2004 vs. every other FS-65 year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the FS-65 median. How we score
'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
4 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2004 Thomas Built Buses FS-65, and the recalls they led to.
- STEERING COLUMN WELD CRACKSLed to recall 07V-289
- ELECTRICAL PANEL FIRESLed to recall 06V-136
- SIDE ELECTRICAL FUSE PANEL FIRESLed to recall 07V-544
- EMERGENCY DOOR HANDLE FAILURELed to recall 08V-087
In owners' words
What FS-65 owners report
Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 THOMAS BUILT FS-65/ FREIGHTLINER SCHOOL BUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUSE PANELS AND CABLES LEADING TO THE FUSE PANELS BURNED IN THE VEHICLE. HE REPLACED THE PANELS ON APPROXIMATELY 30 BUSES. HE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V544000…
Own a 2004 FS-65?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.