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Thomas Built Buses FS-65

Model years 1994–2017 in the US safety record. No model year stands out in owner complaints.

4owner complaints
13recall campaigns
802service bulletins
24model years on record

Complaints by model year

Each bar is one model year. The most recent years are still collecting complaints.

’94’97’00’03’06’09’12’15’94’97’00’03’06’09’12’15

NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026

Year by year

Model yearComplaintsRecallsBulletinsCrashes · fires
201701390 · 0
201601400 · 0
201501740 · 0
201401710 · 0
201301700 · 0
201201720 · 0
201102710 · 0
201002700 · 0
200902700 · 0
2008 FS-6504710 · 0
2007 FS-6529710 · 0
2006 FS-65111711 · 0
20050910 · 0
20041710 · 1
20030510 · 0
20020410 · 0
20010410 · 0
20000210 · 0
19990210 · 0
19980210 · 0
19970210 · 0
19960210 · 0
19950210 · 0
19940110 · 0

A model year gets its own page when it has enough data for at least three sections

Most common problems

  • Steering3
  • Suspension1
  • Service brakes, air1
  • Electrical system1

NHTSA ODI complaints, all model years

Recalls

13 campaigns cover the FS-65; the latest 12 are below.

18V083000 · Equipment30 Jan 2018 · 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017

Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2002-2017 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2, Saf-T-Liner HDX, FS65, and Minotour school buses, equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf

11V222000 · Equipment6 Apr 2011 · 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011

DAIMLER TRUCKS (DTNA) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006 THROUGH 2011 SAF-T-LINER C2, SAF-T-LINER HDX, MVP-EF, FS-65, AND MINOTOR SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 2, 2006, THROUGH JANUARY 31, 2011, EQUIPPED WITH CARRIER GENV EM-1 EVAPORATOR UNITS. DUE TO TIME, TEMPERATURE, AND/OR VIBRATION, THE FUSE MAY LOOSEN IN THE FUSE HOLDER RESULTING IN HIGH RESISTANCE AND ARCING.

11V201000 · Equipment31 Mar 2011 · 2001, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007

CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2000 THROUGH 2009 THOMAS BUILT SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 17, 2000, THROUGH DECEMBER 21, 2009, WERE EQUIPPED WITH AN INCORRECT TIRE LOAD CERTIFICATION LABEL. THE CERTIFICATION LABELS LIST "D" LOAD RANGE TIRES WITH A RECOMMENDED COLD TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE GREATER THAN 65 PSI. THE BUSES ARE EQUIPPED WITH LOAD RANGE "E" TIRES THAT REQUIRE A HIGHER MINIMUM TIRE PRESSURE. ACCORDINGLY, THESE BUSES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 120, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN PASSENGER CARS."

08V649000 · Equipment adaptive/mobility9 Dec 2008 · 2005

RIFLED AIR CONDITIONING (RAC) IS RECALLING 6 MY 2001 CHEVROLET EXPRESS PRIVATE TRANSPORT, MY 2005 THOMAS BUILT FS65, MY 2006-2007 MONITOUR BUS, AND MY 2007 C-2 SCHOOL BUS VEHICLES BUILT ON FREIGHTLINER, AND GM CHASSIS AND EQUIPPED WITH RICON PLATFORM STYLE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS. THESE LIFTS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 403,"PLATFORM LIFT SYSTEM ACCESSIBLE FOR MOTOR VEHICLES." THE ANTI-STOW INTERLOCK MAY NOT DETECT THE PRESENCE OF A WHEELCHAIR OR MOBILITY AID USER. THE PRESSURE SENSING SWITCH THAT DETECTS THE PRESENCE OF WEIGHT ON THE PLATFORM WAS NOT ADJUSTED TO THE NECESSARY SENSITIVITY LEVEL. THE LIFT COULD STOW EVEN THOUGH SOMEONE OR SOMETHING IS STILL ON THE LIFT.

08V088000 · Equipment adaptive/mobility26 Feb 2008 · 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007

DAIMLER TRUCKS IS RECALLING 760 MY 2003-2007 THOMAS BUILT SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JULY 6, 2005 AND JULY 19, 2006, EQUIPPED WITH BRAUN WHEELCHAIR LIFTS, MODELS NL, NCL, OR NVL. THE THRESHOLD WARNING SYSTEMS OF THE SUBJECT MODEL WHEELCHAIR LIFTS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 403, PLATFORM LIFT SYSTEMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES.

08V087000 · Structure26 Feb 2008 · 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008

DAIMLER TRUCKS IS RECALLING 243,435 MY 1995-2008 THOMAS BUILT SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JANUARY 1994, AND MARCH 10, 2008. (ADDITIONAL BUSES HAVE BEEN ADDED TO THIS RECALL CAMPAIGN. PLEASE SEE SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT NO. 4) THE EMERGENCY EXIT DOOR HANDLE BEGINS CORRODING AROUND THE SECURING ROLL PIN AND SQUARE DRIVE MECHANISM CAUSING THE PROTECTIVE FINISH TO CHIP AND FLAKE. CONTINUED CORROSION AND PITTING WEAKENS THE HANDLE. HANDLES WEAKENED BY CORROSION MAY BREAK WHILE TRYING TO OPEN THE DOOR FROM THE EXTERIOR.

07V544000 · Electrical system29 Nov 2007 · 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008

CERTAIN 2001 THROUGH 2008 THOMAS BUILT FS-56, ER, MVP ER, HDX, AND MVP EF SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 23, 2000, THROUGH JANUARY 24, 2006, EQUIPPED WITH TYCO PC BOARD AND TYPE II AUTO RESET CIRCUIT BREAKERS. TYPE II AUTO RESET CIRCUIT BREAKER TEMPERATURES MAY EXCEED THE RATING OF THE TYCO PC BOARD CAUSING THE BOARDS TO MELT POTENTIALLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE FIRE.

07V289000 · Steering3 Jul 2007 · 2004, 2005, 2006

CERTAIN FREIGHTLINER SCHOOL BUSES AND TRUCKS MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 23, 2004, TO MARCH 21, 2006. DURING THE STEERING COLUMN MANUFACTURING PROCESS TWO WELDS MAY HAVE BEEN MISSING.

07V234000 · Service brakes, hydraulic7 Jun 2007 · 2006, 2007

CERTAIN MY 2006 AND 2007 FREIGHTLINER FS-65 SCHOOL AND SHUTTLE BUS CHASSIS EQUIPPED WITH CATERPILLAR C7 ENGINES AND HYDRAULIC BRAKE LINE P/NO A12-21572-000. THE FRONT BRAKE LINES MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY SECURED ALLOWING THE BRAKE LINE TO CONTACT THE ENGINE COOLANT PLUMBING COMPONENTS.

07V142000 · Seat belts27 Mar 2007 · 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002

CERTAIN MY 1994 THROUGH 2002 THOMAS BUILT MINOTOUR, FS-65, MVP-EF, ER, AND HDX-EF SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JANUARY 23, 1994, AND APRIL 15, 2002. THE SEAT BELT MAY CHAFE ON THE EDGE OF A METAL BRACKET AND WEAR PREMATURELY.

07V135000 · Equipment adaptive/mobility23 Mar 2007 · 2006, 2007

CERTAIN MY 2006 AND 2007 THOMAS BUILT MINOTOUR, FS-65, C2, HDX, AND EF SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JANUARY 6 AND SEPTEMBER 6, 2006, EQUIPPED WITH RICON WHEELCHAIR PLATFORM LIFT MODELS S2003, S2005, S2010, S5503, S5505, S5510, K2003, K2005, K2010, K5503, K5505, K5510. THE LIFTS INTERLOCK SWITCH SYSTEM MAY NOT DETECT THE PRESENCE OF A PASSENGER (EITHER WHEELCHAIR OR STANDEE) ON THE PLATFORM LIFT WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 404, PLATFORM LIFT SYSTEMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES.

06V150000 · Equipment adaptive/mobility3 May 2006 · 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007

CERTAIN MY 2004-2007 THOMAS BUILT MINOTOUR, FS65, MVP-EF, AND HDX MODEL SCHOOL BUSES, MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JUNE 16 AND JULY 1, 2005, EQUIPPED WITH RICON WHEELCHAIR LIFTS. CRACKS IN THE LIFT ARMS MAY ALLOW THE MECHANISM TO TWIST DURING STOWAGE, PREVENTING CLOSURE OF THE SAFETY INTERLOCK SWITCHES.

NHTSA recalls