NHTSA vehicle safety data
2020 Thomas Built Buses SAF-T-Liner C2 Recalls & Complaints
The 2020 Thomas Built Buses SAF-T-Liner C2 has 16 NHTSA recall campaigns and 1 owner complaint on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Thomas Built Buses dealer.
NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2020 Thomas Built Buses SAF-T-Liner C2. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
2020 Thomas Built Buses SAF-T-Liner C2 owner complaints
Owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA about the 2020 Thomas Built Buses SAF-T-Liner C2, describing incidents dated February 24, 2022.
Most-cited components
- Visibility/Wiper 1 complaint
Newest complaints
ODI #11454538 · Filed
snow and ice buildup on windshield and wiper blades reducing visibility. defrost was set on high, also used overhead fans to direct warm air onto windshield and still does not melt off until stopped.
Emergency Exit Label Print Too Small/FMVSS 217
NHTSA #24V555000 · Equipment — Other — Labels · NHTSA notice
Reported July 24, 2024 · Daimler Trucks North America, LLC
Potentially affected: 27,494 vehicles
Repair completion: 57.91% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Manufacturer campaign FL918 · Owners notified September 5, 2024 · Vehicles built January 22, 2018 – February 23, 2021 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain Thomas Built Buses 2019-2022 Saf-T-Liner C2, Saf-T-Liner EFX, Saf-T-Liner HDX, Minotour DRW, 2020-2022 Saf-T-Liner C2 Jouley, and Minotour SRW school buses. The Emergency Exit Label lettering is too small and may be difficult to read. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 217, "Bus Emergency Exits and Window Retention and Release."
Safety consequence
Emergency exit labels that are difficult to read can prevent or delay the use of the emergency exit, increasing the risk of injury.
Manufacturer remedy
Dealers will correct the lettering, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 5, 2024. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL918.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Emergency Exit Door May Open Unexpectedly
NHTSA #23V670000 · Structure — Emergency — Escape/Egress/Exit — Latching/Release System · NHTSA notice
Reported October 3, 2023 · Daimler Trucks North America, LLC
Potentially affected: 173 vehicles
Repair completion: 39.88% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Manufacturer campaign FL982 · Owners notified December 1, 2023
Defect description
Daimler Trucks North America, LLC. (DTNA) is recalling certain 2019-2024 Thomas Built SAF-T-LINER C2 transit buses. The fasteners for the emergency exit door may loosen and detach, which can allow the emergency exit door to open unexpectedly.
Safety consequence
An emergency exit door opening unexpectedly can increase the risk of an injury.
Manufacturer remedy
Dealers will inspect and tighten the fasteners for the emergency exit door, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 1, 2023. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL982.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Emergency Exit Door May Open Unexpectedly
NHTSA #23V669000 · Structure — Emergency — Escape/Egress/Exit — Latching/Release System · NHTSA notice
Reported October 3, 2023 · Daimler Trucks North America, LLC
Potentially affected: 20,668 vehicles
Repair completion: 76.19% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Manufacturer campaign FL982 · Owners notified December 1, 2023
Defect description
Daimler Trucks North America, LLC. (DTNA) is recalling certain 2019-2024 Thomas Built SAF-T-LINER C2 and 2020-2024 Thomas Built SAF-T-Liner Jouley school buses. The fasteners for the emergency exit door may loosen and detach, which can allow the emergency exit door to open unexpectedly.
Safety consequence
An emergency exit door opening unexpectedly can increase the risk of an injury.
Manufacturer remedy
Dealers will inspect and tighten the fasteners for the emergency exit door, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 1, 2023. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL982.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Unexpected Engine Shut Down
NHTSA #22V438000 · Engine and Engine Cooling — Engine — Engine Control Module (ECU/ECM) · NHTSA notice
Reported June 20, 2022 · Daimler Trucks North America, LLC
Potentially affected: 461 vehicles
Repair completion: 97.4% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Manufacturer campaign FL942 · Owners notified October 28, 2022
Defect description
Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Thomas Built C2 Saf-T-Liner school buses equipped with 8.8L LPG engines. The engine control module (ECM) may set a fault code that results in an unexpected engine shut down.
Safety consequence
Unexpected engine shut down can increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, a disabled school bus may require an evacuation procedure in an uncontrolled traffic situation, increasing the risk of injury to passengers.
Manufacturer remedy
Dealers will update the ECM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 28, 2022. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL942.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Engine Control Module Calibrated Incorrectly
NHTSA #21V120000 · Engine · NHTSA notice
Reported February 25, 2021 · Daimler Trucks North America, LLC
Potentially affected: 159 vehicles
Repair completion: 94.97% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Manufacturer campaign FL-879 · Owners notified March 29, 2021
Defect description
Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 school buses equipped with Cummins B6.7N engines. The engine control module software may be calibrated incorrectly, causing the engine to not limit engine speed or torque as intended for certain safety-related functions such as vehicle braking, traction and stability control, speed control, or collision avoidance.
Safety consequence
If safety-related functions such as vehicle braking, stability, speed, and collision avoidance do not function properly, it can increase the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer remedy
DTNA will work with the engine manufacturer Cummins Inc. to notify owners, and Cummins dealers will recalibrate the engine control module, free of charge. Owner notifications were mailed on March 29, 2021. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA number for this recall is FL-879.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Insufficiently Tightened Brake Caliper Bolts
NHTSA #20V126000 · Service Brakes, Air — Disc — Caliper · NHTSA notice
Reported March 3, 2020 · Daimler Trucks North America LLC
Potentially affected: 581 vehicles
Repair completion: 75.56% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Manufacturer campaign FL-845 · Owners notified May 2, 2020 · Vehicles built September 10, 2018 – March 29, 2019 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Thomas Built Saf-T-Liner HDX, EFX, and C2 school buses equipped with air disc brakes. The brake caliper mounting bolts may have been insufficiently tightened.
Safety consequence
Loose brake caliper mounting bolts can reduce brake effectiveness, increasing the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer remedy
DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and repair the vehicles, free of charge. The recall began May 2, 2020. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-845.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Warning Systems May Deactivate
NHTSA #20V113000 · Other — School Bus Stop Arm Assembly · NHTSA notice
Reported February 26, 2020 · Daimler Trucks North America LLC
Potentially affected: 6,010 vehicles
Repair completion: 88.15% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Manufacturer campaign FL-844 · Owners notified April 15, 2020 · Vehicles built January 5, 2016 – February 12, 2020 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2017-2020 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 school buses configured with a specific Switch Hub Module (part numbers 204803 and 216434) combined with a 500k Bulk Head Module and a certain 3-position momentary switch warning light package. The Switch Hub Module (SHM) that controls the exterior warning lights and stop sign may fail, resulting in deactivation of the red warning lights, stop sign and system indicator.
Safety consequence
If the exterior warning lights and stop sign indicator stop working, other drivers may inadvertently proceed driving before the school bus loading/unloading of students is complete, increasing the risk of an injury.
Manufacturer remedy
DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will update the SHM, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2020. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-844.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Fan Hub Bolts Improperly Torqued
NHTSA #19V869000 · Engine and Engine Cooling — Cooling System — Fan · NHTSA notice
Reported December 6, 2019 · Daimler Trucks North America LLC
Potentially affected: 145 vehicles
Repair completion: 97.93% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Manufacturer campaign FL-841 · Owners notified January 16, 2020 · Vehicles built January 21, 2019 – October 11, 2019 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Thomas Built Saf-T-Liner C2 school buses equipped with Detroit Diesel DD5 engines. The fan hub bolts may have been may have been insufficiently tightened.
Safety consequence
The loose bolts can cause the fan to damage surrounding components and/or detach from the engine, disabling the bus and resulting in an evacuation in an uncontrolled traffic situation, thereby increasing the risk of an injury.
Manufacturer remedy
DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and repair the fan hub bolts, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 16, 2020. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-841.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Insufficient Impact Absorption/FMVSS 222
NHTSA #19V712000 · Seats · NHTSA notice
Reported October 4, 2019 · Daimler Trucks North America LLC
Potentially affected: 53,528 vehicles
Repair completion: 74.85% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Manufacturer campaign FL-832 · Owners notified June 22, 2020 · Vehicles built July 5, 2013 – August 15, 2019 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2014-2020 Thomas Built Saf-T-Liner EFX, Minotour, Saf-T-Liner C2, and Saf-T-Liner HDX school buses equipped with SynTec S3B or S3C seats. The seats may have been manufactured with styrene blocks that may not provide sufficient impact absorption in certain specific areas around the steel seat frame of the back support. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 222, "School Bus Passenger Seating and Crash Protection."
Safety consequence
The lack of impact absorption increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Manufacturer remedy
DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will install additional impact material between the re-bond back and the vinyl back cover to increase the amount of absorption, free of charge. DTNA issued owners an interim notification on November 29, 2019. The recall began June 22, 2020. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-832.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Insufficiently Tightened Flex Plate Fasteners
NHTSA #19V686000 · Power Train — Automatic Transmission — Torque Converter · NHTSA notice
Reported September 27, 2019 · Daimler Trucks North America LLC
Potentially affected: 618 vehicles
Repair completion: 91.09% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Manufacturer campaign FL-828 · Owners notified November 19, 2019 · Vehicles built June 29, 2016 – April 4, 2019 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2017-2020 Saf-T-Liner C2 school buses equipped with Detroit DD5 engines and Allison transmissions. The Flex-Plate/Torque Converter fasteners may have been insufficiently tightened.
Safety consequence
The loose bolts may lead a disabled school bus and result in a school bus evacuation procedure in an uncontrolled traffic situation, increasing the risk of an injury.
Manufacturer remedy
DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and tighten the fasteners, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 19, 2019. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-828.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Roof Hatch External Handle May Break/FMVSS 217
NHTSA #19V550000 · Structure — Emergency — Escape/Egress/Exit · NHTSA notice
Reported July 25, 2019 · Daimler Trucks North America LLC
Potentially affected: 3,080 vehicles
Repair completion: 76.82% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Manufacturer campaign FL-819 · Owners notified November 15, 2019 · Vehicles built September 10, 2018 – June 26, 2019 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Thomas Built Minotour, Saf-T Liner C2, Saf-T Liner EFX, and Saf-T Liner HDX school buses equipped with Safe Fleet Prolo Roof Escape hatches. Due to a manufacturing issue, the roof hatch external handle may unexpectedly break under reasonable use.
Safety consequence
If the roof hatch external handle breaks, in the event of an emergency, the hatch cannot be easily opened from outside the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury.
Manufacturer remedy
DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will install a new handle, free of charge. Owners were issued an interim notification on September 13, 2019. The recall began November 15, 2019. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-819.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Roof Hatch External Handle May Break
NHTSA #19V549000 · Structure — Emergency — Escape/Egress/Exit · NHTSA notice
Reported July 24, 2019 · Daimler Trucks North America LLC
Potentially affected: 11 vehicles
Repair completion: 45.45% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Manufacturer campaign FL-819 · Owners notified November 15, 2019 · Vehicles built September 19, 2018 – April 1, 2019 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2020 Thomas Built Minotour, 2019-2020 Saf-T Liner C2, and 2019 Saf-T Liner HDX buses equipped with Safe Fleet Roof Escape hatches. Due to a manufacturing issue, the roof hatch external handle may unexpectedly break under reasonable use.
Safety consequence
If the roof hatch external handle breaks, in the event of an emergency, the hatch cannot be easily opened from outside the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury.
Manufacturer remedy
DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will install a new handle, free of charge. DTNA issued owners an interim notification on September 11, 2019. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-819.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Power Steering Hose Clamp Improperly Installed
NHTSA #19V234000 · Steering — Hydraulic Power Assist — Hose, Piping, and Connections · NHTSA notice
Reported March 25, 2019 · Daimler Trucks North America LLC
Potentially affected: 65 vehicles
Repair completion: 70.77% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Manufacturer campaign FL-813 · Owners notified May 10, 2019 · Vehicles built June 30, 2018 – January 15, 2019 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Thomas Built C2 Saf-T-Liner school buses built on an FCCC chassis. The clamp for the steering gear return hose may have been improperly installed, allowing the hose to separate from the steering gear.
Safety consequence
If the hose separates from the steering gear, there may be a loss of steering assist which could result in a potentially disabled school bus. If the school bus is occupied when the steering assist is lost, the occupants would need to exit the vehicle and be transferred to another vehicle, increasing the risk of injury.
Manufacturer remedy
DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and install power steering hose clamps as needed, free of charge. The recall began May 10, 2019. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-813.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
School Bus may have been Built without ABS Module
NHTSA #19V138000 · Service Brakes, Air — Antilock — Control Unit/Module · NHTSA notice
Reported February 27, 2019 · Daimler Trucks North America LLC
Potentially affected: 259 vehicles
Repair completion: 88.03% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Manufacturer campaign FL-809 · Owners notified June 26, 2019 · Vehicles built September 11, 2018 – December 14, 2018 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Thomas Built Saf-T-Liner C2 school buses. The affected school buses may have been built without Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) modules. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 121, "Air Brake Systems."
Safety consequence
The operator may not be aware of the absence of ABS function. Unknowingly operating the vehicle without ABS function may increase risk of a crash.
Manufacturer remedy
DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the buses and install any missing ABS modules, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2019. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. The DTNA number for this recall is FL-809.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Blown Ignition Fuse can Cause an Engine Shutdown
NHTSA #18V929000 · Electrical System — Wiring — Fuses and Circuit Breakers · NHTSA notice
Reported December 21, 2018 · Daimler Trucks North America LLC
Potentially affected: 40 vehicles
Repair completion: 67.5% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Manufacturer campaign FL-804 · Owners notified August 27, 2019 · Vehicles built January 3, 2018 – November 21, 2018 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Thomas Built Saf-T-Liner C2 buses equipped with an optional auxiliary outlet powered by the ignition and accessory power circuits. An electrical overload on the auxiliary circuit may cause the ignition fuse to open and the engine to shut down.
Safety consequence
An engine shutdown without the ability to restart increases the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer remedy
DTNA has notified owners, and dealers will modify the wiring to prevent the power port from affecting the ignition circuit, free of charge. DTNA mailed owners an interim letter on February 1, 2019 to notify them of the issue. The recall began on August 27, 2019. Owners may contact Daimler Trucks North America customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-804.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Blown Ignition Fuse can Cause an Engine Shutdown
NHTSA #18V930000 · Electrical System — Wiring — Fuses and Circuit Breakers · NHTSA notice
Reported December 21, 2018 · Daimler Trucks North America LLC
Potentially affected: 5,423 vehicles
Repair completion: 82.62% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Manufacturer campaign FL-804 · Owners notified August 27, 2019 · Vehicles built January 3, 2018 – November 21, 2018 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Thomas Built Saf-T-Liner C2 school buses equipped with an optional auxiliary outlet powered by the ignition and accessory power circuits. An electrical overload on the auxiliary circuit may cause the ignition fuse to open and the engine to shut down.
Safety consequence
An engine shutdown without the ability to restart increases the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer remedy
DTNA has notified owners, and dealers will modify the wiring to prevent the power port from affecting the ignition circuit, free of charge. DTNA mailed an interim letter on February 1, 2019. The recall began August 27, 2019. Owners may contact Daimler Trucks North America customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-804.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Other Thomas Built Buses SAF-T-Liner C2 model years
Check your 2020 Thomas Built Buses SAF-T-Liner C2 VIN
Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Thomas Built Buses SAF-T-Liner C2 at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.
Check a Thomas Built Buses VIN