Recall 02V-160: 2000–2001 Thomas Conventional, 2000–2001 Thomas ER Model and 4 more

FREIGHTLINER CORPORATION recall for seat belts, reported to NHTSA on Oct 31, 2002, covering about 2,371 vehicles.

NHTSA number
02V-160
Report date
Oct 31, 2002
Vehicles affected
2,371
Owners notified
Feb 10, 2003

The problem

On certain school or transit buses with passenger seat belts with retractors, the cover halves for the retractable portion of the belt can separate completely and release the seat belt connector. If this occurs, one of the load bearing pins in the connector could separate from the connector and render the seat belt unusable. In the event of a crash, the seat occupant would not be properly restrained resulting in an injury. The seat belt supplier, amsafe, will provide a snap on "over-cover" to owners to prevent the seat belt cover from separating.

The risk

If this occurs, one of the load bearing pins in the connector could separate from the connector and render the seat belt unusable. In the event of a crash, the seat occupant would not be properly restrained resulting in an injury.

The fix

Dealers will provide a plastic outer cover that snaps over the existing cover on units in the field and will replace broken seat belts free of charge. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact thomas built at 336-841-5924 or amsafe at 574-266-8330.

Notes

Also, customers can contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Recall details

ManufacturerFREIGHTLINER CORPORATION
ComponentSeat Belts
Recall started bythe manufacturer
NHTSA campaign number02V160009

Vehicles in this recall

VehicleModel years
Thomas Conventional2000, 2001All years
Thomas ER Model2000, 2001All years
Thomas MVP EF2000, 2001All years
Thomas MVP ER2000, 2001All years
Thomas Built Buses Minotour DRW2000, 2001All years
Thomas Built Buses Minotour SRW2000, 2001All years

Not every vehicle of these model years is included. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls ↗ or ask a dealer.

Frequently asked questions

What is recall 02V-160?

On certain school or transit buses with passenger seat belts with retractors, the cover halves for the retractable portion of the belt can separate completely and release the seat belt connector. If this occurs, one of the load bearing pins in the connector could separate from the connector and render the seat belt unusable. In the event of a crash, the seat occupant would not be properly restrained resulting in an injury. The seat belt supplier, amsafe, will provide a snap on "over-cover" to owners to prevent the seat belt cover from separating.

How is recall 02V-160 fixed?

Dealers will provide a plastic outer cover that snaps over the existing cover on units in the field and will replace broken seat belts free of charge. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact thomas built at 336-841-5924 or amsafe at 574-266-8330.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check whether your vehicle is included with its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.