NHTSA recall 85V017000
Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
Thomas Thomas
Reported Feb 19, 198527 vehicles affectedTHOMAS BUILT BUSES, INC.Built Sep 1, 1982 – Feb 1, 1983
The defect
The rack and gear type latch assembly of the emergency doors can be overstressed by misuse of the inside door handle, making the gears subject to failure. consequence of defect: it IS possible for these gears to fail when the door IS closed, making it impossible to open the emergency door. This could result in passengers being trapped in case of emergency.
The remedy
Install complete new latch assemblies with metal gears to replace the nylon material.