Structure: body (Thomas)
Vehicle recall 04V-398. NHTSA received FREIGHTLINER LLC’s report on Aug 12, 2004.
Watch and the shortlist are kept with a free account, on every device. Your watch list. NHTSA’s own record is on nhtsa.gov.
The short answer
NHTSA received FREIGHTLINER LLC’s report on Aug 12, 2004. Copied from NHTSA on Oct 20, 2026.
Every line below is in NHTSA’s own words, with its source beside it.
What’s wrong with it?
IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, PASSENGERS COULD BE SERIOUSLY INJURED.
CERTAIN 1995 AND 1996 MY THOMAS BUILT SCHOOL BUSES BUILT BETWEEN JANUARY 1, 1995, AND FEBRUARY 29, 1996, WHICH ARE PREDOMINATELY OPERATED ON UNIMPROVED ROADS MAY HAVE DEVELOPED CRACKS IN THE BUS BODY FRAMING STRUCTURE MEMBERS (RAFTERS) NEAR THE HORIZONTAL WINDOW HEADER WELDS AND AT THE SIDE EMERGENCY EXIT DOORS.
NHTSA, Recalls flat file before 2010. Released Oct 20, 2026. Updated daily.
- NHTSA’s part: Structure: body.
What should you do?
THOMAS BUILT WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND PROVIDE A FREE REMEDY. THE RECALL BEGAN AUGUST 5, 2005. OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE A FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME SHOULD CONTACT THOMAS BUILT CUSTOMER SUPPORT OFFICE AT 336-889-4871.
NHTSA, Recalls flat file before 2010. Released Oct 20, 2026. Updated daily.
- How to reach the firm: CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION’S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236.
- Check a vehicle by its VIN at NHTSA: the recalls still open on it are listed there.
Which ones are recalled?
NHTSA counts 2,125 vehicles potentially involved, across everything this recall names.
NHTSA, Recalls flat file before 2010. Released Oct 20, 2026. Updated daily.
- Thomas SAF-T-Linerand 1995 and 1996, before the model years listed here
- Thomas MPV ERand 1995 and 1996, before the model years listed here
Who is recalling it?
- Made by FREIGHTLINER LLC.
NHTSA, Recalls flat file before 2010. Released Oct 20, 2026. Updated daily.
What the record doesn’t say
- NHTSA’s recall file doesn’t say whether anyone was hurt.
- Whether one vehicle or seat has been fixed: only its maker, or NHTSA’s lookup with a VIN, can say.
- This recall names only model years before 2015, which have no pages here. Your VIN, at NHTSA, says which recalls are open on a vehicle.
- How many have been returned or fixed isn’t in the notice.
Hearth Record wrote these lines.
Sources
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National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Recalls flat file before 2010 (FLAT_RCL_PRE_2010).
Released Oct 20, 2026 and checked Oct 20, 2026. Updated daily. Public domain (U.S. Government work).
Vehicle, car seat, tire and vehicle equipment recalls, owner complaints and crash ratings are from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Copied on Oct 20, 2026.