NHTSA vehicle safety data
2017 Thomas Built Buses SAF-T-Liner HDX Recalls, Ratings & Complaints
The 2017 Thomas Built Buses SAF-T-Liner HDX has 32 NHTSA recall campaigns and 0 owner complaints on file as of October 16, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Thomas Built Buses dealer.
NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2017 Thomas Built Buses SAF-T-Liner HDX. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
NHTSA #22V762000Reported October 12, 2022 · Daimler Trucks North America, LLC
Potentially affected: 17,613 vehicles
Defect description
Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2011-2023 Thomas Built EFX and HDX school buses. The exterior roof panel was manufactured with insufficient joint strength. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 221, "School Bus Body Joint Strength."
Safety consequence
A school bus exterior roof panel with insufficient joint strength may separate during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Manufacturer remedy
Dealers will add additional mechanical fasteners to secure the joints, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 2, 2023. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL957.
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.
SEATS:BARRIERS
NHTSA #22V634000Reported August 19, 2022 · Daimler Trucks North America, LLC
Potentially affected: 7,561 vehicles
Defect description
Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2011-2021 Thomas Built Saf-T Liner HDX school buses. The forward seat barriers may not provide sufficient protection to passengers. 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
Occupants may collide with the front seat barriers with more force than intended during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Manufacturer remedy
Dealers will install a spacer between the seat rail and the seat barrier, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 25, 2023. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL843. This recall replaces NHTSA recall 19V899.
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.
SEATS
NHTSA #22V510000Reported July 19, 2022 · Daimler Trucks North America, LLC
Potentially affected: 1,806 vehicles
Defect description
Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2014-23 Thomas Built Buses HDX and 2014-22 EFX school buses equipped with 39-inch S3C seat frames and 3-point flex seatbelts. The passenger seat frames may crack and rotate from fatigue.
Safety consequence
Cracked passenger seat frames may not adequately secure passengers in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Manufacturer remedy
Dealers will secure the seat frames with brackets, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mail December 4, 2023. Owners may contact DTNA's customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL946.
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.
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
NHTSA #21V659000Reported August 25, 2021 · Daimler Trucks North America, LLC
Potentially affected: 1,934 vehicles
Defect description
Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2016-2021 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner HDX school buses equipped with an ISL or L9 engine. The power steering hose may be routed with inadequate clearance between the hose and the power cables.
Safety consequence
A worn power steering hose increases the risk of a fire.
Manufacturer remedy
DTNA will inspect the power steering hose routing and modify it as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on October 17, 2021. Owners may contact DTNA's customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL898.
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.
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
NHTSA #21V660000Reported August 25, 2021 · Daimler Trucks North America, LLC
Potentially affected: 114 vehicles
Defect description
Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2016-2021 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner HDX transit buses equipped with an ISL or L9 engine. The power steering hose may be routed with inadequate clearance between the hose and the power cables, potentially damaging the power steering hose.
Safety consequence
A damaged power steering hose can leak, and increase the risk of a fire.
Manufacturer remedy
DTNA will inspect the power steering hose routing and modify it as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on October 17, 2021. Owners may contact DTNA's customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL898.
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.
STRUCTURE:EMERGENCY:ESCAPE/EGRESS/EXIT
NHTSA #20V252000Reported May 5, 2020 · Daimler Trucks North America LLC
Potentially affected: 7,979 vehicles
Defect description
Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2010-2020 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner HDX school buses. The lettering on the instruction label for the rear emergency exit window may be too small. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 217, "Bus Emergency Exits and Window Retention and Release."
Safety consequence
Small lettering may be difficult for occupants to read, delaying the reaction time to open the exit, increasing the risk of injury.
Manufacturer remedy
DTNA will notify owners and mail a new label to attach to the exit window by first class mail, free of charge. DTNA issued owners an interim notification on June 17, 2020. The recall began September 10, 2020. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-849.
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.
SEATS
NHTSA #19V712000Reported October 4, 2019 · Daimler Trucks North America LLC
Potentially affected: 53,528 vehicles
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.
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:DISC
NHTSA #19V444000Reported June 11, 2019 · Daimler Trucks North America LLC
Potentially affected: 11,546 vehicles
Defect description
Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2010-2020 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2, 2016-2019 HDX, and 2017-2019 EFX school buses equipped with Bendix Air Disc Brakes. The driver side rear brakes may drag.
Safety consequence
The dragging brakes may lead to high temperatures at the wheel end, increasing the risk of smoke and fire, possibly resulting in the bus having to be evacuated, which can increase the risk of injury.
Manufacturer remedy
DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will install a new caliper with an updated clearance adjustment mechanism, free of charge. The recall began August 9, 2019. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-818.
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.
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
NHTSA #18V560000Reported August 23, 2018 · Daimler Trucks North America LLC
Potentially affected: 84 vehicles
Defect description
Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 and Saf-T-Liner HDX school buses, equipped with certain S-Series and K-Series Titanium Wheelchair Lifts, models K200, K201, K550, K551, S200, S2201, S550 and S551. The wheelchair lift positioning input cam may fail while the lift is in use, allowing the platform to travel higher than the vehicle's floor height.
Safety consequence
If the wheelchair lift platform stops above the vehicle floor, the wheelchair user can tip inwards toward the vehicle when exiting the lift, increasing their risk of injury.
Manufacturer remedy
Dealers will replace the injection molded cam with an aluminum machined cam, free of charge. The recall began December 6, 2018. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL785.
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.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
NHTSA #18V352000Reported May 29, 2018 · Daimler Trucks North America LLC
Potentially affected: 2,767 vehicles
Defect description
Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2, Saf-T-Liner EFX and Saf-T-Liner HDX school buses equipped with air disc brakes. The brake caliper mounting bolts on these vehicles may be insufficiently tightened, allowing the bolts to loosen.
Safety consequence
If the brake caliper mounting bolts come loose, braking performance may be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer remedy
DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake caliper mounting bolts and tighten them as necessary, free of charge. DTNA issued owners an interim notification on July 25, 2018. The recall began September 4, 2018. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-772.
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.
SEATS
NHTSA #18V253000Reported April 19, 2018 · Daimler Trucks North America LLC
Potentially affected: 23,102 vehicles
Defect description
Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2, Saf-T-Liner HDX, Saf-T-Liner EFX, and Minotour school buses equipped with S3B Restraint Wall Mounted Seats. The wall mounting bracket may crack, causing the seat to not remain secured in place in the event of a crash.
Safety consequence
In the event of a crash, if the seat does not remain secured to the wall, the occupant has an increased risk of an injury.
Manufacturer remedy
DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional wall mounting bracket, free of charge. Daimler issued owners an interim notification on June 12, 2018. The recall began January 3, 2019. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-769.
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.
SEATS
NHTSA #18V254000Reported April 19, 2018 · Daimler Trucks North America LLC
Potentially affected: 24 vehicles
Defect description
Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2, Saf-T-Liner EFX, Saf-T-Liner HDX, and Minotour transit buses, equipped with certain S3B Restraint Wall Mounted Seats. The wall mounting bracket may crack, causing the seat to not remain secured in place in the event of a crash.
Safety consequence
In the event of a crash, if the seat does not remain secured to the wall, the occupant has an increased risk of an injury.
Manufacturer remedy
DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional wall mounting bracket, free of charge. Daimler issued an interim notification to owners on June 15, 20 18. The recall began January 3, 2019. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-769.
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.
SEATS
NHTSA #18V192000Reported March 26, 2018 · Daimler Trucks North America LLC
Potentially affected: 6,606 vehicles
Defect description
Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2, Saf-T-Liner HDX, Saf-T-Liner EFX, and Minotour school buses, equipped with certain Syntec-brand S3B, Non-Restraint, Wall Mounted Seats. The wall mounting bracket may crack, which may cause the seat to not remain secured in place in the event of a crash.
Safety consequence
In the event of a crash, if the seat does not remain secured to the wall, the occupant has an increased risk of an injury.
Manufacturer remedy
DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional wall mounting bracket, free of charge. DTNA issued an interim notification to owners on May 9, 2018. The recall began May 10, 2018. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-763.
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.
SEATS
NHTSA #18V193000Reported March 26, 2018 · Daimler Trucks North America LLC
Potentially affected: 6 vehicles
Defect description
Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2, Saf-T-Liner HDX, Saf-T-Liner EFX, and Minotour transit buses, equipped with certain Syntec-brand S3B, Non-Restraint, Wall Mounted Seats. The wall mounting bracket may crack, which may cause the seat to not remain secured in place in the event of a crash.
Safety consequence
In the event of a crash, if the seat does not remain secured to the wall, the occupant has an increased risk of an injury.
Manufacturer remedy
DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional wall mounting bracket, free of charge. DTNA issued an interim notification to owners on May 10, 2018. The recall began May 10, 2018. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-763.
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.
EQUIPMENT
NHTSA #18V083000Reported January 30, 2018 · Daimler Trucks North America LLC
Potentially affected: 606 vehicles
Defect description
Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2002-2017 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2, Saf-T-Liner HDX, FS65, and Minotour school buses, equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf
Safety consequence
In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
Manufacturer remedy
DTNA will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 30, 2018. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712 or Kidde customer service at 1-855-262-3540 or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-759.
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.
SEAT BELTS
NHTSA #17V729000Reported November 17, 2017 · Daimler Trucks North America LLC
Potentially affected: 51 vehicles
Defect description
Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2, Saf-T-Liner EFX, Saf-T-Liner HDX, and Minotour SRW school buses, equipped with IMMI-brand 3-point lap and shoulder belts. Under load, the seat belt buckle mount rod can fracture. As such, these seats fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."
Safety consequence
In the event of a crash, if the buckle mount rod fractures, the seat occupant may not be restrained, increasing their risk of injury.
Manufacturer remedy
DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat belt buckle rods, free of charge. DTNA issues owners an interim notification on December 11, 2017. The recall began on May 23, 2018. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-753.
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.
SEATS
NHTSA #17V589000Reported September 21, 2017 · Daimler Trucks North America LLC
Potentially affected: 28 vehicles
Defect description
Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner HDX and Saf-T-Liner C2 transit buses. A reinforcement bracket may be missing from the seats that have 3-point seat belts.
Safety consequence
Without the reinforcement bracket, the seat may not remain adequately secured, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Manufacturer remedy
DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the seats, installing any missing reinforcement brackets, as needed, free of charge. An interim notice was sent to owners on November 7, 2017. The recall began on March 14, 2018. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-747.
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.
SEATS
NHTSA #17V587000Reported September 21, 2017 · Daimler Trucks North America LLC
Potentially affected: 53 vehicles
Defect description
Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner HDX and Saf-T-Liner C2 school buses. A reinforcement bracket may be missing from the seats that have 3-point seat belts.
Safety consequence
Without the reinforcement bracket, the seat may not be adequately secured, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Manufacturer remedy
DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the seats, installing any missing reinforcement brackets, free of charge. An interim notice was mailed to owners on November 7, 2017. The recall began on March 15, 2018. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-747.
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.
SEAT BELTS
NHTSA #17V317000Reported May 11, 2017 · Daimler Trucks North America LLC
Potentially affected: 152 vehicles
Defect description
Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Thomas Built Saf-T-Liner HDX school buses. The occupant seat lap belts may have been anchored to the seat instead of the bus structure.
Safety consequence
A seat lap belt anchored to the seat instead of the bus structure may not properly restrain the seat occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Manufacturer remedy
DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the seats and modify the anchorage if necessary, free of charge. An interim notice was mailed to owners on June 15, 2017. A second notice will be mailed when the remedy becomes available. The recall is expected to begin on July 9, 2017. Owners may contact DTNA Customer Service 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for the recall is FL-736.
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.
SEATS
NHTSA #17V313000Reported May 11, 2017 · Daimler Trucks North America LLC
Potentially affected: 1,132 vehicles
Defect description
Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner EFX and Saf-T-Liner HDX school buses. The occupant seats may have been installed without under-rail washers, reducing their anchorage strength.
Safety consequence
Without under-rail washers, in the event of a crash, the seats may come loose, increasing the risk of injury.
Manufacturer remedy
DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the seats and replace the mounting hardware, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on June 28, 2017. Owners may contact DTNA Customer Service 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for the recall is FL-737.
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.
SEAT BELTS
NHTSA #17V314000Reported May 11, 2017 · Daimler Trucks North America LLC
Potentially affected: 46 vehicles
Defect description
Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Thomas Built Saf-T-Liner HDX transit buses. The occupant seat lap belts may have been anchored to the seat instead of the bus structure.
Safety consequence
A seat lap belt anchored to the seat instead of the bus structure may not properly restrain the seat occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Manufacturer remedy
DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the seats and modify the seat belt anchorage if necessary, free of charge. An interim notification was sent to owners on June 15, 2017. The recall began on February 6, 2018. Owners may contact DTNA Customer Service 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for the recall is FL-736.
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.
STEERING:LINKAGES
NHTSA #17V126000Reported February 27, 2017 · Daimler Trucks North America LLC
Potentially affected: 6 vehicles
Defect description
Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner HDX transit buses. The upper pinch bolt that secures the mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the front wheels may not have been properly tightened.
Safety consequence
The loose pinch bolt may result in a loss of steering and vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer remedy
DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the steering shaft pinch bolt, tightening it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on February 24, 2017. Owners may contact DTNA Customer Service 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for the recall is FL-733.
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.
STEERING:LINKAGES
NHTSA #17V125000Reported February 27, 2017 · Daimler Trucks North America LLC
Potentially affected: 149 vehicles
Defect description
Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner HDX school buses. The upper pinch bolt that secures the mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the front wheels may not have been properly tightened.
Safety consequence
The loose pinch bolt may result in a loss of steering and vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer remedy
DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the steering shaft pinch bolt, tightening it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on February 24, 2017. Owners may contact DTNA Customer Service 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for the recall is FL-733.
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.
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
NHTSA #16V631000Reported August 31, 2016 · Daimler Trucks North America LLC
Potentially affected: 3 vehicles
Defect description
Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2, and Saf-T-Liner HDX transit buses manufactured July 15, 2014, to July 21, 2016, and equipped with certain model S2005, S2010, S5005, S5010, S5505, and S5510 wheelchair lifts by Ricon. The affected lifts are equipped with folding link arms that may have pivot holes that are too big, allowing the bearings to move out of position.
Safety consequence
If the bearings move out of position, the stowed platform may have excessive movement resulting in failure of the platform mounting. This failure could cause the wheel chair lift platform to fall out of the vehicle when the doors are opened, increasing the risk of injury for the lift operator.
Manufacturer remedy
DTNA will notify owners, and Ricon dealers will inspect the link arms for damage or for displaced bearings. The platform will be inspected for cracks. Any damaged parts will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on October 10, 2016. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712, or Ricon customer service at 1-800-322-2884 or by email at [email protected]. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-716.
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.
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
NHTSA #16V629000Reported August 31, 2016 · Daimler Trucks North America LLC
Potentially affected: 958 vehicles
Defect description
Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Thomas Built Buses Safe-T-Liner C2, Saf-T-Liner HDX, Saf-T-Liner EFX, and Minotour DRW school buses manufactured July 15, 2014, to July 21, 2016, and equipped with certain model S2005, S2010, S5005, S5010, S5505, and S5510 wheelchair lifts by Ricon. The affected lifts are equipped with folding link arms that may have pivot holes that are too big, allowing the bearings to move out of position.
Safety consequence
If the bearings move out of position, the stowed platform may have excessive movement resulting in failure of the platform mounting. This failure could cause the wheel chair lift platform to fall out of the vehicle when the doors are opened, increasing the risk of injury for the lift operator.
Manufacturer remedy
DTNA will notify owners, and Ricon dealers will inspect the link arms for damage or for displaced bearings. The platform will be inspected for cracks. Any damaged parts will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on October 10, 2016. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712, or Ricon customer service at 1-800-322-2884 or by email at [email protected]. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-716.
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.
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
NHTSA #16V395000Reported June 2, 2016 · Daimler Trucks North America LLC
Potentially affected: 24,698 vehicles
Defect description
Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 1998-2002 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Conventional, 2000-2002 Saf-T-Liner ER, 2000-2017 Saf-T-Liner MVP-EF, 1998-1999 Vista, 2003 Saf-T-Liner FS65, 2013-2017 Saf-T-liner C2, 2000-2002 Saf-T-Liner MVP-ER, 2013-2017 Saf-T-Liner HDX. In the affected vehicles, the stem that connects the outside emergency door handle to the emergency door opening mechanism may corrode.
Safety consequence
If the stem corrodes, the door handle could detach from the emergency door opening mechanism, delaying the opening of the door and the evacuation of the bus. In the event of an emergency, this may increase the risk of injury to the bus occupants.
Manufacturer remedy
DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will either replace the stems or protect them against corrosion, free of charge. An interim notice was sent to owners on July 28, 2016. A second notice was mailed to owners on December 16, 2016. Parts are available. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-713.
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.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL
NHTSA #16V324000Reported May 19, 2016 · Daimler Trucks North America LLC
Potentially affected: 131 vehicles
Defect description
Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2014-2017 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner HDX buses manufactured November 29, 2012, to February 4, 2016. These vehicles use a rubber elbow to connect a coolant line to a heater inside the bus. This elbow may restrict coolant flow and possibly fail as a result of the increased stress on the elbow.
Safety consequence
If the rubber elbow fails, hot coolant may leak inside the bus body increasing risk of injury to the passengers.
Manufacturer remedy
DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rubber elbow with a nylon fitting, free of charge. An interim notice was mailed on July 6, 2016. The recall began on September 20, 2016. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-708.
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.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
NHTSA #16V323000Reported May 19, 2016 · Daimler Trucks North America LLC
Potentially affected: 2,032 vehicles
Defect description
Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2014-2017 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner HDX school buses manufactured November 29, 2012, to February 4, 2016. These vehicles use a rubber elbow to connect a coolant line to a heater inside the bus. This elbow may restrict coolant flow and possibly fail as a result of the increased stress on the elbow.
Safety consequence
If the rubber elbow fails, hot coolant may leak inside the bus body increasing risk of injury to the passengers.
Manufacturer remedy
DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rubber elbow with a nylon fitting, free of charge. An interim notice was sent out to owners on July 6, 2016. The recall began on September 20, 2016. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-708.
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 TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
NHTSA #16V326000Reported May 19, 2016 · Daimler Trucks North America LLC
Potentially affected: 43 vehicles
Defect description
Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2011-2017 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner HDX buses manufactured April 28, 2010, to April 15, 2016. The affected vehicles have a transmission retarder that may increase coolant system pressure high enough to cause hose fatigue and lead to premature failure of the hose, resulting in a coolant leak inside the bus body.
Safety consequence
If the heater hose fails, hot coolant may leak inside the bus body increasing risk of injury to the passengers.
Manufacturer remedy
DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the heater hose, free of charge. DTNA distributed interim notifications to owners on July 6, 2016. The recall began on September 20, 2016. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-709.
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 TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
NHTSA #16V325000Reported May 19, 2016 · Daimler Trucks North America LLC
Potentially affected: 94 vehicles
Defect description
Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2011-2017 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner HDX school buses manufactured April 28, 2010, to April 15, 2016. The affected vehicles have a transmission retarder that may increase coolant system pressure high enough to cause hose fatigue and lead to premature failure of the hose, resulting in a coolant leak inside the bus body.
Safety consequence
If the heater hose fails, hot coolant may leak inside the bus body increasing risk of injury to the passengers.
Manufacturer remedy
DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the heater hose, free of charge. An interim notice was mailed on July 6, 2016. The recall began on September 20, 2016. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-709.
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:SCHOOL BUS STOP ARM ASSEMBLY
NHTSA #16V080000Reported February 10, 2016 · Daimler Trucks North America LLC
Potentially affected: 878 vehicles
Defect description
Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2, Saf-T-Liner HDX, Saf-T-Liner EFX, and Minotour DRW school buses manufactured from May 1, 2015, through November 16, 2015, equipped with certain Transpec T6000, T6100, and T7000 series school bus stop arms. The affected stop arms have a reflective decal that may peel loose from the stop arm. As such, these stop arms fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 131, "School Bus Pedestrian Safety Devices."
Safety consequence
Without a reflective decal, the stop arms would have reduced visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer remedy
DTNA will notify owners, and the stop arm blade assemblies will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on April 11, 2016. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-745-8000 or Transpec at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-700.
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.
SEATS
NHTSA #15V843000Reported December 15, 2015 · Daimler Trucks North America LLC
Potentially affected: 508 vehicles
Defect description
Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2, Saf-T-Liner HDX, Minotour DRW and Saf-T-Liner EFX school buses manufactured August 19, 2014, to October 22, 2015, and equipped with certain Syntec S3B Track Mounted Seats in 30", 36", 39" and 45" widths. In the event of a severe rear-end collision, the seats may tilt rearward. As such, these seats fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 222, "School Bus Passenger Seating and Crash Protection."
Safety consequence
In the event of a severe rear-end collision, the seats may tilt rearward and result in injuries to the passenger's knees and/or impede the exiting of the bus.
Manufacturer remedy
DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will install a toe-clamp on the front feet of the S3B track mounted seats, free of charge. The recall began on January 21, 2016. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-745-8000, or Syntec customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-698.
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 HDX model years
Check your 2017 Thomas Built Buses SAF-T-Liner HDX 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 HDX at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.
Check a Thomas Built Buses VIN