2015 Thomas Built Minotour problems

Defect

Daimler Trucks North America (Daimler) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Thomas Built Buses Minotour dual rear wheel school buses manufactured October 21, 2011, through January 16, 2014, and equipped with certain 3-passenger IMMI or S3C brand seats installed in the rear section of the bus. In the affected vehicles, the floor reinforcement channels that provide additional support for the seat mounting were omitted during manufacturing.

Consequence

Without the floor reinforcement channels, in a crash, the floor may flex and the seat occupants may not be adequately restrained, increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupants.

Remedy

Daimler will notify owners, and dealers will install the missing floor reinforcement channels, free of charge. The recall began on April 17, 2014. Owners may contact Daimler at 1-800-385-4537. Daimler's number for this recall is FL-659.

Defect

Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2, Saf-T-Liner HDX, and Minotour school buses manufactured August 5, 2013, through November 15, 2013 and equipped with IMMI-brand L9 seat belt buckles. When the button is pressed to release the seat belt, the latch plate can become partially engaged with the buckle, making the seat belt difficult to unlatch. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies."

Consequence

If the latch plate remains partially engaged after the button is pressed, egress from the vehicle could be hindered which would increase the risk of injury in the event of an emergency.

Remedy

DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt buckles, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to by January 26, 2014. Owners may contact DTNA at 1-800-385-4357. DTNA's number for this campaign is FL-654.