Recall 13V306 covers 5 2000, 2011, 2013 Thomas Built Chsu/Mickey, Xcr, Fe, and Terrastar buses for awning-motor screws. Dometic replaces the motor for free.
Thomas Built recall 13V306 covers 5 buses from 2000, 2011, 2013, including Chsu/Mickey, Fe, Xcr, and Terrastar models, because a design change in the power awning motor assembly can shear the motor assembly screws. If those screws shear, the awning can unfurl while parked or in transit, increasing the risk of injury or a crash; the dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The recalled equipment is the power awning motor assembly on 2000, 2011, 2013 Thomas Built Chsu/Mickey, Xcr, Fe, and Terrastar buses. The motor assembly powers the awning, moving it in and out and keeping that movement controlled. Its screws hold the motor assembly in place so the awning hardware stays secured during use and travel.
On these buses, a design change in the power awning motor assembly left the screws vulnerable to shearing. When a screw shears, it breaks instead of holding the assembly with steady clamping force. That weakens the awning motor mount and leaves the equipment unable to stay secured as designed.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner or driver would not have a reliable sound, light, or handling change that confirms the screws are about to shear.
Who's affected?
Spans four models across the 2000, 2011, and 2013 model years, with equipment listed as the shared component.
| 2011 Thomas Built Chsu/Mickey | Equipment |
|---|---|
| 2013 Freightliner Xcr | Equipment |
| 2000 Thomas Built Fe | Equipment |
| 2013 International Terrastar | Equipment |
| Units affected | 5 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the motor assembly screws shear, the awning can unfurl without warning when the vehicle is parked or in transit. That creates injury risk near the vehicle and crash risk on the road. Schedule the repair promptly and ask the dealer how to move the vehicle safely. Repair will be free at any franchised Thomas Built dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2000, 2011, or 2013 Thomas Built Chsu/Mickey, Xcr, Fe, or Terrastar bus is included in this recall.
- Do not drive the bus until the power-awning motor repair is complete.
- Arrange a tow if the bus has to be moved for service; do not drive it there yourself.
- Contact Dometic at 1-888-447-0003 for the power-awning motor replacement that fixes the screw-shear risk.
- Reference recall number 13V306 when you call, and keep any owner notice with your service paperwork.
What happens at the repair
Do not drive the bus until the repair is performed. Matthews Specialty Vehicles said owners were notified, and Dometic staff will replace the affected power awning motor with one of a different design. The final repair path is to have the affected motor assembly replaced before the vehicle returns to service. Parts and labor are covered by the recall once the repair is open for the vehicle. The source record does not give a separate reimbursement plan for prior related repairs.
Timeline
| July 10, 2013 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 13, 2013 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 13V306?
Recall 13V306 covers 5 2000, 2011, and 2013 Thomas Built Chsu/Mickey, Xcr, Fe, and Terrastar buses with power awning motor assembly screws that can shear. If that happens, the awning can unfurl while parked or in transit, increasing injury or crash risk.
What should I do if my 2000, 2011, 2013 Thomas Built Chsu/Mickey, Xcr, Fe, or Terrastar is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 13V306. If it is, contact a franchised Thomas Built dealer or Dometic at 1-888-447-0003 to arrange the awning motor replacement. Reference recall number 13V306 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the defect to be repaired at no cost. For recall 13V306, Dometic staff replaces the affected power awning motor assembly with one of a different design free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is an awning that unfurls unexpectedly. The NHTSA consequence for recall 13V306 says this can happen while the vehicle is parked or moving, increasing the risk of personal injury or a crash.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/13V306000 |
|---|---|
| Thomas Built customer service | 1-888-447-0003 |
| NHTSA recall # | 13V306 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 13V306000 |
Source documents
-
Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF) - Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →