Recall 21V999 affects 2 2022 Thomas Built Buses Minotour buses for wheelchair-lift movement risk. Repair is free at Thomas Built Buses service facilities.
Thomas Built Buses is recalling 2 2022 Minotour school buses because the driver can release the parking brake and shift into gear while the wheelchair lift is deployed. Movement with the lift deployed can increase the risk of injury, and Thomas Built Buses dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The wheelchair lift interface wiring on the 2022 Thomas Built Buses Minotour connects the lift equipment to the bus controls. Its job is to help the bus recognize when the wheelchair lift is deployed, so the parking brake and gear selector do not allow the bus to move during lift operation.
On the recalled buses, that interlock does not work as required. The driver can release the parking brake and shift into a drive gear while the wheelchair lift is still deployed. Thomas Built Buses traced the issue to buses with a Ford chassis and wheelchair lift that did not go through the normal production process.
The warning sign is procedural, not a separate noise or part failure. The event happens when the operator does not follow the proper wheelchair lift procedures, so drivers should treat lift operation and gear selection as linked checks every time.
Who's affected?
| 2022 Thomas Built Buses Minotour | Wheelchair lift/ramp |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 2 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 1 field incident to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific bus.
What's the safety risk?
If the bus moves while the wheelchair lift is deployed, a person using or standing near the lift faces a higher injury risk. The event depends on the operator not following the proper wheelchair lift procedure, so keep drivers trained and schedule the wiring modification. Repair is free at any franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2022 Thomas Built Buses Minotour is included in this recall.
- Contact a Thomas Built Buses service facility to confirm the wheelchair-lift wiring repair is complete or schedule the free wiring modification that prevents bus movement while the lift is deployed.
- Reference recall number 21V999 and Thomas Built Buses recall FL916 when you call.
- Bring service records to the appointment; no owner letter was planned for this completed recall.
- Keep the wheelchair lift stowed and verify the parking brake holds before moving the bus until the wiring repair is confirmed complete.
What happens at the repair
At the service facility, a Thomas Built Buses technician modifies the wheelchair lift wiring so the parking brake and gear selector cannot be used while the lift is deployed. The wiring repair is free under recall FL916. DTNA's remedy record says the recall repair was completed February 17, 2022, so the service desk can confirm whether the modification already shows as done for a specific 2022 Minotour before scheduling any work.
Timeline
| December 20, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| February 17, 2022 | Dealer notification began |
| February 17, 2022 | Dealer notification ended |
| February 17, 2022 | Owner notification mailed |
| February 17, 2022 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V999?
Recall 21V999 covers 2 2022 Thomas Built Buses Minotour school buses built on a Ford chassis. The parking brake and gear-shift interlock can allow bus movement while the wheelchair lift is deployed, increasing injury risk.
What should I do if my 2022 Thomas Built Buses Minotour is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 21V999. If it is, contact a Thomas Built Buses service facility or DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712 and reference DTNA recall FL916. The wiring modification is free.
Does the recall repair cost anything?
No. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and DTNA service facilities modify the wheelchair lift wiring free of charge for vehicles included in recall 21V999.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is bus movement while the wheelchair lift is deployed. If the bus shifts into a drive gear with the lift out, a person using or standing near the lift faces an increased risk of injury.
When was recall 21V999 completed?
DTNA completed recall 21V999 on February 17, 2022. The filing says no owner notifications were distributed because the recall work was completed, but a VIN check still confirms whether a specific 2022 Minotour is listed.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V999000 |
|---|---|
| Thomas Built Buses customer service | 1-800-547-0712 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V999 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V999000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →