Recall 19V620 affects 11 2019-2020 Thomas Built Buses Minotour school buses for missing backup cameras. Repair is free at any franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer.
Thomas Built Buses is recalling 11 2019-2020 Minotour school buses under recall 19V620 for missing backup cameras, a federal rear-visibility requirement. Without rear visibility from the camera, a driver has a higher crash risk while backing, and Thomas Built Buses dealers will install the camera system free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The backup camera on a 2019-2020 Thomas Built Buses Minotour school bus is part of the rear visibility system. When the driver shifts into reverse, the camera is supposed to show the area behind the bus so the driver has a direct view that mirrors alone do not provide.
On affected Minotour school buses, the camera is missing. The problem is not a worn camera lens, a loose wire, or a screen that stopped working. The bus was built without the required rear camera equipment, so the driver does not get that camera view when backing up.
There is no warning sign before failure. This is a missing-equipment issue, so the practical sign is simple: when the bus is in reverse, the expected rear camera image is not available.
Who's affected?
Both Minotour model years point to the same back-over camera system.
| 2020 Thomas Built Buses Minotour | Camera |
|---|---|
| 2019 Thomas Built Buses Minotour | Camera |
| Units affected | 11 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific bus is included.
What's the safety risk?
The lack of rear visibility makes backing up less safe and increases the risk of a crash. Use extra care when reversing or moving in tight areas until the backup camera system is installed. Repair is free at any franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019-2020 Thomas Built Buses Minotour is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer to schedule the free backup camera installation that restores rear visibility when backing.
- Bring the recall notice if Thomas Built Buses mailed one. If not, reference recall number 19V620 when you call.
- Use a spotter and check behind the bus before backing until the backup camera system is installed.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Thomas Built Buses technician adds the missing backup camera system and checks that it shows the rear view needed for backing and low-speed maneuvering. The recall repair is available, and the camera installation, replacement parts, and labor are free of charge. Schedule the work with a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer and ask the service desk what access they need to the bus before the appointment.
Timeline
| August 22, 2019 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 20, 2019 | Dealer notification began |
| October 20, 2019 | Dealer notification ended |
| October 20, 2019 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| December 23, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 19V620?
Recall 19V620 covers 11 2019-2020 Thomas Built Buses Minotour school buses that were built without required backup cameras. The missing camera reduces rear visibility and increases crash risk. Dealers will add a backup camera system for free.
What should I do if my 2019-2020 Thomas Built Buses Minotour is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 19V620. If it is, contact an authorized Thomas Built Buses dealer to schedule installation of the backup camera system. Reference recall number FL-825 or 19V620 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 19V620, Thomas Built Buses dealers will add the missing backup camera system free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced rear visibility while backing up. Without the required backup camera, the driver has less view behind the school bus, which increases the risk of a crash. The dealer repair adds the missing camera system.
When did owner notifications go out?
DTNA issued an interim owner notification on October 11, 2019, and the recall began on December 23, 2019. If you own or operate a 2019-2020 Thomas Built Buses Minotour, use the VIN check and then contact the dealer if the bus is included.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/19V620000 |
|---|---|
| Thomas Built Buses customer service | 1-800-547-0712 |
| NHTSA recall # | 19V620 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 19V620000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →