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2005 Thomas FS-65Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 2 owner complaints about the 2005 Thomas FS-65, most often about the exterior lighting. It is covered by 2 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls2Free fix at dealersOwner complaints20 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage38kExterior lighting, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through May 5, 2008. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2005 Thomas FS-65 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
Exterior lighting20

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

2 recalls

2005 Thomas 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

Axle: spindle

Recall 05V-467 · Oct 5, 2005 · 1,100 vehicles

Risk. INCORRECTLY HEAT TREATED SPINDLES COULD FRACTURE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Service brakes, hydraulic

Recall 05V-426 · Sep 20, 2005 · 1,630 vehicles

Risk. THE DEFECT MAY CAUSE THE LOSS OF FRONT BRAKES, RESULTING IN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCES AND POSSIBLY 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.

Best & worst years

2005 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

'04'05
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 2005 Thomas FS-65, and the recalls they led to.

  1. STEERING COLUMN WELD CRACKSEA07002 · closed Jul 12, 2007
    Led to recall 07V-289
In owners' words

What FS-65 owners report

Recent exterior lighting complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

LED LIGHT STARTED SMOKING AND BURNED UP EMITTING SMOKE INSIDE THE BUS. THIS WAS THE SECOND INCIDENT WITH THIS TYPE OF LIGHT. *TR
Complaint 10226620 · May 5, 2008 · 37,591 miles
I WRITING IN RESPONSE TO A SERVICE BULLETIN ISSUED BY FREIGHTLINER CUSTOM CHASSIS, SB 54-26. THIS SERVICE BULLETIN COVERS AN ISSUE WITH THE TURN SIGNAL CANCELLATION RING ON A 2005 MODEL THOMAS SCHOOL BUS. THE MANUFACTURER HAS INCORRECTLY INSTALLED THE PART WHICH CANCELS THE TURN SIGNAL AFTER A TURN…
Complaint 10149848 · Feb 9, 2006

Own a 2005 FS-65?

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