Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

1993 Thomas SCHOOL BUS: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

0 owner complaints analyzed

4 distinct recall campaigns

Not available median reported failure mileage

Scope: 1993 model year. Data updated: . 0 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

No owner complaints are recorded for this selection. A complaint can name multiple components.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

No usable records for this chart.

Component breakdown data
CategoryCount

No records.

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
0
25,000 to 49,999
0
50,000 to 74,999
0
75,000 to 99,999
0
100,000 to 149,999
0
150,000 and above
0
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0000
25,000 to 49,9990
50,000 to 74,9990
75,000 to 99,9990
100,000 to 149,9990
150,000 and above0

Under 25,000: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0

No usable failure mileage is recorded. 0 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

No usable records for this chart.

Complaints over time data
CategoryCount

No records.

Pattern summary

There is not enough complaint evidence to summarize patterns.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Examples from the source records

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Recall history

4 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

93V013000 · Visibility:Glass, Side/Rear

Reported: 1993-01-01 (January 1, 1993)

THE CURRENT PRODUCTION STATIONARY WINDOW ASSEMBLIES ALLOW THE GLASS TO DISENGAGE FROM THE RUBBER AND/OR FRAME.

Consequence: THE WINDOWS DO NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS 217, "BUS WINDOWRETENTION AND RELEASE."

Remedy: INSTALL TWO RETAINING CLIPS AT EACH NON-COMPLYING WINDOW.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
94V092000 · Equipment:Other:Labels

Reported: 1994-05-13 (May 13, 1994)

A DECAL WARNING OF THE POTENTIAL DANGER IN USING STARTING FLUID TO START THE ENGINE WAS OMITTED.

Consequence: IGNITION OF THE STARTER FLUID BY THE HEATING ELEMENT CAN RESULT IN AN EXPLOSION CAUSING ENGINE DAMAGE AND PERSONAL INJURY.

Remedy: CUSTOMERS WILL BE SENT WARNING DECALS AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
96V065000 · Structure:Body

Reported: 1996-04-15 (April 15, 1996)

THE FASTENERS USED TO SECURE THE MOUNTING FOOT OF EITHER FORWARD OR REARWARD HANDRAILS COULD BE INSTALLED IN SUCH A MANNER AS TO ALLOW THE POSSIBILITY THAT THE NUT USED IN NHTSA'S HANDRAIL INSPECTION PROCEDURE WILL CATCH BETWEEN THE FASTENERS.

Consequence: A PASSENGER'S CLOTHING COULD BECOME CAUGHT IN THE HANDRAIL, AND IF THE BUS DRIVER CLOSES THE DOOR AND PUTS THE VEHICLE IN MOTION, THE INDIVIDUAL IS SUBJECT TO BEING DRAGGED BY THE BUS. THIS CAN RESULT INSERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

Remedy: REPLACE OR REPOSITION THE HANDRAILS TO STOP CLOTHING FROM BECOMING CAUGHT.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
96V080000 · Structure:Body

Reported: 1996-05-06 (May 6, 1996)

THE DOOR HINGES WERE NOT SHIELDED AND CAN SNAG EXITING CHILDREN'S CLOTHING OR ACCESSORIES.

Consequence: WHEN A PASSENGER'S CLOTHING BECOMES CAUGHT IN THE HANDRAIL, AND THE BUS DRIVER CLOSES THE DOOR AND PUTS THE VEHICLE IN MOTION, THE INDIVIDUAL IS SUBJECT TO BEING DRAGGED BY THE BUS. THIS CAN RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL HINGE PADS TO PREVENT THE SNAGGING OF PASSENGER'S CLOTHING.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

0 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.

UnavailableUsable mileage0 / 0 records
UnavailableValid incident date0 / 0 records
UnavailableValid filing date0 / 0 records
UnavailableOrdered incident and filing dates0 / 0 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

Component complaint heatmap
Component19971998199920022004200920102011
Exterior Lighting:Headlights:Switch
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

5100.0%
ODI 549569

HIGH AMPERAGE LOAD IS ROUTED THROUGH THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH, THIS CIRCUITRY IS OVERLOADED AND OVERHEATS (SHORT) RESULTING IN LOSS OF HEADLIGHTS,MARKET LIGHTS AND TAIL LIGHT CIRCUITS. MJS

Look up ODI 549569 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Seats
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

266.7%
ODI 10595064 · 46,558 mi

SEAT BACKS BROKEN, SHEET METAL BACKING BREAKING AROUND THE SPOT WELDS WHERE IT IS SECURED TO THE TUBE FRAME. SYNTEC SEAT - MANUFACTURER. *TR

Look up ODI 10595064 at NHTSA ↗

150.0%
ODI 10592680 · 35,036 mi

ON THE SYNTEC SCHOOL BUS SEATS THE SHEET METAL BACKING IS BREAKING AWAY FROM THE TUBE FRAME. THE SHEET METAL IS BREAKING AROUND THE SPOT WELDS. THIS PARTICULAR BUS HAD 6 BROKEN SEATS. *TR

Look up ODI 10592680 at NHTSA ↗

2100.0%
ODI 10595067 · 45,127 mi

SEAT BACKS BROKEN, SHEET METAL BACKING BREAKING AROUND THE SPOT WELDS WHERE IT IS SECURED TO THE TUBE FRAME. SYNTEC SEAT - MANUFACTURER. *TR

Look up ODI 10595067 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical System
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

1100.0%
ODI 10545001

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 THOMAS SCHOOL BUS BODY EQUIPPED WITH AN INTERNATIONAL CHASSIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BURNING FUMES WERE EMITTED FROM UNDER THE DASHBOARD AND WITHIN MINUTES, THE VEHICLE HAD BECOME ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED OF THE INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. A PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION WAS CONDUCTED AND THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FIRE WAS CAUSED BY AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE UNDER THE DASHBOARD. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS …

Look up ODI 10545001 at NHTSA ↗

133.3%
ODI 10486190 · 72,354 mi

BUS WAS IN SERVICE AND ON ROUTE WITH STUDENTS ON BOARD. BUS INTERIOR STARTED FILLING WITH SMOKE. DRIVER PULLED OVER AND DID AN EMERGENCY EVACUATION OF STUDENTS. SUBSEQUENT INVESTIGATION REVEALED THE A/C 24 VOLT ALT HAD FULL FIELDED AND CAUSED THE WIRING TO COMPLETELY MELT THE SHEATHING ON THE ALT POWER WIRE. BACKFEED THROUGH THE SYSTEM CAUSED THE CONTROLLER TO BURN UP INSIDE THE BUS. CARRIER HAS TOLD US THEY KNOW OF THIS PROBLEM AND THEY HAVE A FIX FOR IT. THIS IS ONE OF AT LEAST 10 WE HAVE HAD HAPPEN. SOMETIME IT BURNS UP THE CONDENSER MOTORS…

Look up ODI 10486190 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Electrical System:Alternator/Generator/Regulator
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

133.3%
ODI 8002058

ALTERNATOR IS CLOSE TO OIL FILTER. LOWER BRACKET FELL WHERE ALTERNATOR IS LOCATED TOUCHING OIL FILTER. CONTACTED DEALER. *AK

Look up ODI 8002058 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Engine And Engine Cooling
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

133.3%
ODI 10064710

WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH VEHICLE SHUT OFF. THIS RESULTED IN LOSS OF STEERING CAPABILITY AND POWER BRAKING. AFTER BEING SERVICED TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK

Look up ODI 10064710 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

133.3%
ODI 10009419 · 58,335 mi

THE SCHOOL BUS LEAKED ANTIFREEZE AND FUMES SEEPED OUT INTO THE SCHOOL BUS. *JB MANUFACTURES DEFECT, ANTIFREEZE VAPORS INSIDE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. PUMP TO POWERFUL OMITS ANTIFREEZE VAPORS. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT DRIVERS ACROSS THE COUNTRY ARE GETTING PERMINENT LUNG DAMAGE FROM THE FUMES. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT SHE HAS BEEN SICK EVER SINCE THE BUS WAS ASSIGNED. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE HEATER PUMP IS TO LARGE IN THE BUSES HOSES HELD ON WITH TINY CLAMS. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE EMPLOYER REFUSED TO GIVE HER THE VIN NUMBER. *TC…

Look up ODI 10009419 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Fuel System, Gasoline:Fuel Injection System:Fuel Rail
1100.0%
ODI 545149

FUEL RAIL STUCK OPEN CAUSING THE ENGINE TO CONTINUE TO RUN AT HIGH RPMS AFTER IGNITION SWITCH TURNED OFF AND KILL SWITCH WAS ENGAGED, RESULTING IN ENGINE FIRE. MJS

Look up ODI 545149 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Service Brakes
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

150.0%
ODI 11190547 · 91,084 mi

I WAS DRIVING THOMAS REAR ENGINE HDX BUS WITH 38 PASSENGERS ON 3/19/20. MY LEFT FOOT ,STEEL TOE BOOT,WAS POSITIONED IN FRONT OF AND POSSIBLY UNDER BRAKE PEDAL AS I MOVED TO BE COMFORTABLE WHILE DRIVING. I APPROACHED A STOP LIGHT USING ENGINE BRAKE TO SLOW DOWN ON A 50MPH HWY NO INJURIES WHEN I TRIED TO APPLY FOOT BRAKE I COULDN'T FIND IT. ULTIMATELY REAR ENDED A 2007 GMC YUKON PLEASE SEE RECREATED PICTURE . I'M CONCERNED THIS COULD HAPPEN TO OTHERS IN MORE SERIOUS ACCIDENT. THOMAS HAS NOW CHANGED OPERATORS COMPARTMENT BUT THERE WERE AB…

Look up ODI 11190547 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
No usable records for this analysis.

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

1 reports2024-112026-10

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
Monthly complaint and recall timeline
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-10 (partial)0None

No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Age 0Age 1Age 21 reports

2010: 0 complaints · 2011: 0 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
2010000
2011000
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
2010200
2011200

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
Component
No usable records for this analysis.

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

0 patterns with matching reports.

No narratives match the published patterns.