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Thomas Bus — Years to Avoid

Reliability breakdown of every Thomas Bus model year. Based on NHTSA owner complaints, federal recalls, and safety investigations.

Model Years
26
Years to Avoid
2000, 1992, 1991, 1990, 1989, 1988
Best Years
1999, 1997, 1996, 1995, 1993, 1984, 1983, 1982, 1981, 1980, 1979, 1978, 1977
2002
1 complaints0 recalls2 invest.1 TSBs
2001
2 complaints0 recalls2 invest.
2000Avoid
3 complaints0 recalls3 invest.
1999Best Year
0 complaints0 recalls
1998
1 complaints0 recalls1 invest.
1997Best Year
0 complaints0 recalls
1996Best Year
0 complaints0 recalls
1995Best Year
0 complaints1 recalls
1994
0 complaints2 recalls1 TSBs
1993Best Year
0 complaints0 recalls
1992Avoid
0 complaints5 recalls
1991Avoid
0 complaints6 recalls
1990Avoid
0 complaints7 recalls
1989Avoid
0 complaints6 recalls
1988Avoid
0 complaints5 recalls1 invest.
1987
0 complaints2 recalls
1986
0 complaints2 recalls
1985
0 complaints2 recalls
1984Best Year
0 complaints1 recalls
1983Best Year
0 complaints1 recalls
1982Best Year
0 complaints1 recalls
1981Best Year
0 complaints1 recalls
1980Best Year
0 complaints1 recalls
1979Best Year
0 complaints0 recalls
1978Best Year
0 complaints0 recalls
1977Best Year
0 complaints1 recalls

How we calculate this

Each year receives a composite risk score based on NHTSA owner complaints, federal recalls, safety investigations, and technical service bulletins. Years scoring more than 2x the model's average are flagged as “years to avoid.” Years in the lowest risk bracket are marked as “best years.” All data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Which Thomas Bus Years Should You Avoid?

Based on federal safety data, the 2000, 1992, 1991, 1990, 1989, 1988 Thomas Bus are the most problematic years, with significantly higher rates of owner complaints, recalls, and safety investigations compared to other model years.

If you're shopping for a used Thomas Bus, consider the 1999, 1997, 1996, 1995, 1993, 1984, 1983, 1982, 1981, 1980, 1979, 1978, 1977 model years — these have the fewest reported issues relative to other years.

26 model years analyzed