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2009 Thomas Built Buses HDXProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 2 owner complaints about the 2009 Thomas Built Buses HDX, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 6 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls6Free fix at dealersOwner complaints21 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage20kElectrical system, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through August 31, 2011. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2009 Thomas Built Buses HDX has problems

2 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Electrical system11
Exterior lighting10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

6 recalls

2009 Thomas Built Buses HDX 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

Engine and engine cooling: engine

Recall 11V-455 · Aug 31, 2011 · 43 vehicles

Risk. A SHORT CIRCUITED GRID HEATER COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE AND INJURY TO VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Engine and engine cooling

Recall 10V-340 · Jul 27, 2010 · 5,445 vehicles

Risk. A SHORT CIRCUITED GRID HEATER COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE AND INJURY TO VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Show 2 more recalls
–no report yet

Other: school bus stop arm assembly

Recall 09V-394 · Oct 2, 2009 · 2,922 vehicles

Risk. SHOULD THE LED LIGHTS STOP FUNCTIONING, VISIBILITY OF A STOPPED BUS WOULD BE DECREASED, POSSIBLY ENDANGERING A CHILD OR PEDESTRIAN TO INJURY BY PASSING…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Wiring: fuses and circuit breakers

Recall 08V-622 · Nov 26, 2008 · 18,198 vehicles

Risk. UNEXPECTED LOSS OF ENGINE POWER AND EXTERIOR LIGHTING COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

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

2009 vs. every other HDX 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 HDX median. How we score

'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'15'23
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 2009 Thomas Built Buses HDX, and the recalls they led to.

  1. Dash FiresPE10011 · closed May 26, 2010
    Led to recall 10V-183
In owners' words

What HDX owners report

Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

1. AFTER DRIVING THE 2009 THOMAS HDX BUS FOR A COUPLE OF HOURS, DRIVER WAS BRINGING THE BUS TO A STOP, AND BEFORE HE ACTIVATED THE DOORS OR ANY OTHER ELECTRICAL ACCESSORIES, HE SAW SMOKE COMING UP FROM THE DASH IN FRONT OF THE STEERING WHEEL. HE REPORTED THE SMOKE COMING FROM THE TOP OF THE DASH…
Complaint 10323346 · Apr 1, 2010 · 20,351 miles

Own a 2009 HDX?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.