NHTSA service bulletin

NHTSA Service Bulletin 10036588: 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2008 Thomas Bus

Official manufacturer communication context for 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2008 Thomas Bus, with affected products, buyer checks and links into Carchieve recall, problem and VIN research.

NHTSA service bulletin 10036588 summary graphic for 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2008 Thomas Bus
10036588NHTSA document ID
Manufacturer communicationcommunication type
33affected product rows
80/100quality score

Reviewed June 2026 from NHTSA manufacturer communication and service bulletin records. Carchieve is independent and not affiliated with any vehicle manufacturer or government agency.

Quick answer

THOMAS BUILT BUS: ALL MODELS OF THOMAS BUSES USING AUTOMATIC SLACK ADJUSTERS. THE AUTOMATIC SLACK ADJUSTERS ARE ROUTINELY BEING ADJUSTED BY SOME OPERATORS AND SERVICE TECHNICIANS TO MAKE BRAKE PUSHROD STROKE APPEAR TO BE WITH LEGAL BRAKE ADJUSTMENT LIMITS, OR TO COMPENSATE FOR MIS-DIAGNOSED OUT OF ADJUSTMENT CONDITIONS CAUSED BY WORN OR DAMAGED FOUNDATION BRAKE COMPONENTS. *PE

What this bulletin may mean before buying

Treat this as service research, not a verdict on one car. Before you buy, compare this communication with official recall campaigns, model-level owner complaint patterns, and the exact vehicle’s VIN-decoded specifications. A bulletin can help you ask a seller or dealer sharper questions about software updates, known repairs, warranty extensions and service history.

Affected products listed in this communication

MakeModelModel yearsBuyer note
ThomasBus1994, 2002Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
ThomasChartour1997Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
ThomasCitiliner1997Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
ThomasCl1002001Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
ThomasCl9602000Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
ThomasEr2008Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
ThomasEr Model2001Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
ThomasEr Transit2002Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
ThomasFs-652005Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
ThomasHd2003Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
ThomasHdx2005Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
ThomasMighty Mite1996Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
ThomasMinotour2005Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
ThomasMpv1994Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
ThomasMpv Er1996Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
ThomasMvp2003Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
ThomasMvp Ef2008Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
ThomasMvp Er2008Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.

Buyer checklist

  1. Run the 17-character VIN and confirm the year, make, model, engine and equipment match the listing.
  2. Check recall campaign pages for safety actions that may require dealer repair.
  3. Compare this bulletin with common problem pages for the same model and component area.
  4. Ask the seller or dealer whether the bulletin procedure, update or inspection has already been completed.
  5. Use the used-car buying checklist and get an independent inspection.

Frequently asked questions

What is NHTSA service bulletin 10036588?

THOMAS BUILT BUS: ALL MODELS OF THOMAS BUSES USING AUTOMATIC SLACK ADJUSTERS. THE AUTOMATIC SLACK ADJUSTERS ARE ROUTINELY BEING ADJUSTED BY SOME OPERATORS AND SERVICE TECHNICIANS TO MAKE BRAKE PUSHROD STROKE APPEAR TO BE WITH LEGAL BRAKE ADJUSTMENT LIMITS, OR TO COMPENSATE FOR MIS-DIAGNOSED OUT OF ADJUSTMENT CONDITIONS CAUSED BY WORN OR DAMAGED FOUNDATION BRAKE COMPONENTS. *PE

Is a service bulletin the same as a recall?

No. A recall is a safety campaign with a required remedy for affected VINs. A service bulletin or manufacturer communication usually describes diagnostic, repair, software, warranty or service information.

How should a used-car buyer use this bulletin?

Use it as a research signal. Compare it with recalls, owner complaints, service records, a VIN report and an independent inspection before buying.

Check the exact VIN before you buy

Model-level pages show public safety patterns. A full VIN report helps confirm the exact vehicle, decoded specs, recall applicability and buyer checks.

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