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Thomas Vista — Years to Avoid

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

Model Years
24
Years to Avoid
1996, 1995, 1994, 1993
Best Years
1989, 1988, 1987, 1986, 1985, 1984, 1983, 1982, 1981, 1980, 1979, 1978, 1977
2000
0 complaints2 recalls1 TSBs
1999
0 complaints3 recalls
1998
0 complaints4 recalls1 TSBs
1997
0 complaints4 recalls2 TSBs
1996Avoid
0 complaints5 recalls4 TSBs
1995Avoid
2 complaints6 recalls1 TSBs
1994Avoid
0 complaints9 recalls1 TSBs
1993Avoid
0 complaints7 recalls1 TSBs
1992
0 complaints4 recalls1 TSBs
1991
0 complaints4 recalls1 TSBs
1990
0 complaints2 recalls1 TSBs
1989Best Year
0 complaints1 recalls
1988Best Year
0 complaints1 recalls
1987Best Year
0 complaints1 recalls
1986Best Year
0 complaints1 recalls
1985Best Year
0 complaints1 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 complaints1 recalls
1978Best Year
0 complaints1 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 Vista Years Should You Avoid?

Based on federal safety data, the 1996, 1995, 1994, 1993 Thomas Vista 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 Vista, consider the 1989, 1988, 1987, 1986, 1985, 1984, 1983, 1982, 1981, 1980, 1979, 1978, 1977 model years — these have the fewest reported issues relative to other years.

24 model years analyzed