NHTSA safety investigation
NHTSA Investigation PE04012
Preliminary Evaluation · THOMAS BUILT BUSES, INC. · EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH
An investigation is not a finding that a defect exists.
NHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
What NHTSA is examining
The agency's own description of the inquiry, quoted as published
HEADLIGHT SWITCH FAILURES
ODI HAS RECEIVED SEVERAL FAILED SWITCHES THAT SHOW SIGNS OF MELTING OR DAMAGE FROM OVER- HEATING.THE SWITCH SUPPLIER HAS INITIATED A TEST PROGRAM TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THESE FAILURES.ODI IS CONCERNED ABOUT THE PRESENCE OF A HEAT SOURCE THAT POTENTIALLY COULD LEAD TO AN ELECTRICAL FIRE, AS WELL AS THE ABSENCE OF NECESSARY VEHICLE LIGHTING.ODI WILL CONTINUE ITS INVESTIGATION TO VERIFY THE EXTENT OF THE PROBLEM REPRESENTED BY THE REPORTED FAILURES AND EVALUATE THE ASSOCIATED RISKS.
An investigation is a separate record from a recall and from a manufacturer communication. A manufacturer campaign to repair a safety defect or a failure to meet a federal safety standard.
Investigation details
Identifiers, dates and outcome as recorded by NHTSA
- Action number
- PE04012
- Investigation type
- Preliminary Evaluation (PE)
- Status
- Closed
- Manufacturer
- THOMAS BUILT BUSES, INC.
- Component
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH
- Opened
- Feb 2, 2004
- Closed
- Jun 9, 2004
- Associated recall campaign
- None recorded
Vehicles named in this investigation
7 model years across 3 models
Being named here means NHTSA included the vehicle in the scope of its inquiry. It is not a statement that these vehicles have a defect.