Investigation PE07029: 2001–2008 Thomas Built Buses FS-65

Status

CLOSED

Opened

Jun 20, 2007

Closed

Nov 29, 2007

Model years

2001–2008

Subject

Side electrical fuse panel fires

Component: Electrical system

Summary

The office of defects investigation (odi) opened this investigation after becoming aware of two school bus fires that started in the side mounted electrical fuse panel on a pair of thomas built school buses.thefleet owner had reported the bus interiors filled with smoke, certain electrical devices became inoperative, and the buses stalled. The two buses involved in the fire incidents have consecutive vin numbers and the fires were similar, but not identical to a previous recall (06v-136) conducted by thomas built.these buses were not included in the prior recall, which involved a defective power distribution module (pdm).after further technical evaluation, freightliner decided they would conduct a safety recall to correct deficiencies in theprevious recall and also expand the population to capture all affected buses.the corrective action freightliner plans to take will be forwarded to odi when available. Accordingly, this investigation is closed.

An NHTSA investigation looks into whether a safety defect exists. Opening one is not a finding. Outcomes can include a recall, closure without action, or further inquiry.