Inadvertent door closing

An NHTSA Preliminary Evaluation into Thomas Built Buses vehicles. Closed 25 June 2007.

Investigation
PE07012
Type
Preliminary Evaluation
Opened
1 March 2007
Closed
25 June 2007

What NHTSA investigated

This investigation was opened based on four fleets contacting odi alleging multiple events where the front entrance door unexpectedly closed while loading and discharging children.when this occurs, the bus warning lights (red warning lamps and stop arm lamps) are de-activated, since they operate off the door control.odi ?s concern was that children may still be crossing the road and be in the path of traffic should this event occur.as a result of this investigation, freightliner submitted a safety recall to repair approximately 11,359 model year 2005 through 2008 saf-t-liners.this recall covers the entire model C2 population, introduced by thomas in 2005.ALL owners (and fleets) will be notified upon the final validation of a permanent solution.freightliner believes that the problem stems from incorrect electrical signals being sent to the door control mechanism. This would cause the doors to open or close unexpectedly without input from the driver.freightliner estimates that the dealers will be notified approximately july 16, 2007. This resolves the issue raised by this investigation. Accordingly, this investigation is closed.

The recall that followed

  1. Thomas Built Buses — Exterior Lighting07V21200018 May 20079,970 vehicles

Vehicles covered

MakeModelModel years
Thomas Built BusesSAF-T-LINER C22005–2008

Source

From NHTSA’s investigation file, rebuilt daily. To report a problem with your own vehicle, go to nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem. All open investigations.