How many recalls does the 2008 Thomas Built Saf-T-Liner C2 have?

The 2008 Thomas Built Saf-T-Liner C2 has 27 NHTSA safety recall campaigns on record.

How do I check if my 2008 Thomas Built Saf-T-Liner C2 has an open recall?

Enter your 17-character VIN at NHTSA's official recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see open, unrepaired recalls for your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are free.

What do owners complain about most on the 2008 Thomas Built Saf-T-Liner C2?

Of 6 NHTSA complaints on file, the most-reported component is latches/locks/linkages.

2008 Thomas Built Saf-T-Liner C2 Recalls

Recalls on record Updated July 2026

The 2008 Thomas Built Saf-T-Liner C2 has 27 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 562,082 vehicles. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Owners have filed 6 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the latches/locks/linkages. Last updated July 5, 2026.

Recall campaigns

EQUIPMENT 18V083000 2018-01-30 606 affected

Defect

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…

Consequence

In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.

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…

EQUIPMENT 17V454000 2017-07-17 32 affected

Defect

Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2005-2018 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 transit buses. In the event of a crash, the wheelchair pocket track anchorage may not adequately secure a the wheelchair.

Consequence

In the event of a crash, an unsecured wheelchair may increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will add additional fasteners to the wheelchair pocket track to reinforce the anchorage, free of charge. An interim letter was mailed on September 13, 2017. The recall began on December 20, 2017. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-745-8000. DTNA's number for this…

EQUIPMENT 17V453000 2017-07-17 1,462 affected

Defect

Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2005-2018 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 school buses. In the event of a crash, the wheelchair pocket track anchorage may not adequately secure a the wheelchair.

Consequence

In the event of a crash, an unsecured wheelchair may increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will add additional fasteners to the wheelchair pocket track to reinforce the anchorage, free of charge. An interim notice was sent to owners on September 13, 2017. The recall began on December 20, 2017. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-745-8000. DTNA's number…

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY 15V565000 2015-09-04 4,334 affected

Defect

Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2006-2015 Thomas Built Buses FS-65, Saf-T-Liner C2, Saf-T-Liner EF, Saf-T-Liner EFX, Saf-T-Liner HDX, and Minotour DRW school buses manufactured January 3, 2006, to August 1, 2014, and equipped with certain Ricon model S2005, S2010, S5005, S5010,…

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.

Remedy

DTNA will notify owners, and 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 onNovember 2, 2015. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-745-8000. DTNA's number for…

STRUCTURE 15V432000 2015-07-07 103,038 affected

Defect

Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2002-2013 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner ER, 2001-2005 Saf-T-Liner Conventional, 2002-2013 Saf-T-Liner MVP-EF, 2013 Saf-T-Liner EFX, 2001-2008 Saf-T-Liner FS65, 2005-2013 Saf-T-Liner C2, 2003-2013 Saf-T-Liner HDX, 2002-2003 Saf-T-Liner MVP-ER,…

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.

Remedy

DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will either replace the stems or protect them against corrosion, free of charge. Daimler issued an interim notification to owners on August 25, 2015. The recall began on December 24, 2015. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-745-8000. DTNA's number for this recall…

STRUCTURE 15V425000 2015-07-06 3,013 affected

Defect

Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2002-2004 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner ER, 2001-2005 Saf-T-Liner Conventional, 2002-2013 Saf-T-Liner MVP-EF, 2013 Saf-T-Liner EFX, 2001-2008 Saf-T-Liner FS65, 2005-2013 Saf-T-Liner C2, 2003-2013 Saf-T-Liner HDX, 2002-2003 Saf-T-Liner MVP-ER,…

Consequence

Remedy

DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will either replace the stems or protect them against corrosion, free of charge. An interim notice was mailed to owners on August 28, 2015. The recall began on December 24, 2015. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-745-8000. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-685.

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY 12V225000 2012-05-17 890 affected

Defect

DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA (DTNA) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007 THROUGH 2011 SAF-T-LINER EF, MINOTOUR, SAF-T-LINER C2, AND SAF-T-LINER HDX SCHOOL BUSES EQUIPPED WITH BRAUN CENTURY-2 AND VISTA-2 WHEELCHAIR LIFTS. OVER TIME, AND WITH FREQUENT USE, THE ROLL STOP LATCHES ON THE OUTER BARRIER MAY BECOME BENT OR…

Consequence

A WHEELCHAIR OCCUPANT MAY DEFEAT OR RIDE OVER THE INSUFFICIENTLY LATCHED ROLL STOP. IF THIS OCCURS WHEN THE LIFT PLATFORM IS IN AN ELEVATED POSITION, THE WHEELCHAIRÂ’S OCCUPANT COULD FALL AND SUSTAIN INJURY.

Remedy

DTNA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND THE REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED BY AUTHORIZED BRAUN DEALERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 28, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DTNA AT 1-800-547-0712.

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY 12V226000 2012-05-17 100 affected

Defect

DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA (DTNA) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007 THROUGH 2011 SAF-T-LINER EF, MINOTOUR, SAF-T-LINER C2, SAF-T-LINER HDX TRANSIT BUSES EQUIPPED WITH BRAUN CENTURY-2 AND VISTA-2 WHEELCHAIR LIFTS. OVER TIME, AND WITH FREQUENT USE, THE ROLL STOP LATCHES ON THE OUTER BARRIER MAY BECOME BENT OR…

Consequence

Remedy

DTNA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND THE REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED BY AUTHORIZED BRAUN DEALERS, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 28, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DTNA AT 1-800-547-0712.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 11V505000 2011-10-18 700 affected

Defect

DAIMLER TRUCKS (DTNA) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005 THROUGH 2009 THOMAS BUILT SAF-T-LINER C2 SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM MARCH 9, 2004, THROUGH JANUARY 2, 2008, EQUIPPED WITH CATERPILLAR C7 ENGINES, HYDRAULIC BRAKES, AND A FUEL WATER SEPARATOR. THE FUEL LINE GOING FROM THE FUEL WATER SEPARATOR TO THE…

Consequence

A BRAKE FLUID LEAK MAY REDUCE BRAKING PERFORMANCE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DTNA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLES TO ENSURE THAT THERE IS THE CORRECT CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE FUEL AND BRAKE LINES. DAMAGED LINES WILL BE REPLACED. REPAIRS WILL BE MADE BY DTNA AUTHORIZED SERVICE FACILITIES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 27, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT…

EQUIPMENT 11V222000 2011-04-06 6,831 affected

Defect

DAIMLER TRUCKS (DTNA) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006 THROUGH 2011 SAF-T-LINER C2, SAF-T-LINER HDX, MVP-EF, FS-65, AND MINOTOR SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 2, 2006, THROUGH JANUARY 31, 2011, EQUIPPED WITH CARRIER GENV EM-1 EVAPORATOR UNITS. DUE TO TIME, TEMPERATURE, AND/OR VIBRATION, THE FUSE MAY…

Consequence

IF SUFFICIENT ARCING OCCURS, THE FUSE HOLDER MAY MELT, AND A VEHICLE FIRE MAY OCCUR.

Remedy

DTNA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND PROVIDE INFORMATION ON HOW TO OBTAIN THE RETROFIT KIT FROM CARRIER ALONG WITH REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 20, 2011. (SEE CARRIER'S RECALL CAMPAIGN 11E-003.) OWNERS MAY CONTACT CARRIER AT 1-800-793-4741 OR DTNA AT…

EQUIPMENT 11V201000 2011-03-31 6,360 affected

Defect

CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2000 THROUGH 2009 THOMAS BUILT SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 17, 2000, THROUGH DECEMBER 21, 2009, WERE EQUIPPED WITH AN INCORRECT TIRE LOAD CERTIFICATION LABEL. THE CERTIFICATION LABELS LIST "D" LOAD RANGE TIRES WITH A RECOMMENDED COLD TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE GREATER THAN 65 PSI. THE BUSES…

Consequence

INCORRECT TIRE INFORMATION MAY LEAD TO VEHICLE OVERLOADING THAT CAN RESULT IN A TIRE FAILURE WHICH MAY LEAD TO A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

DTNA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE INCORRECT LABEL WITH A CORRECT LABEL FREE OF CHARGE OR, IF THE OWNER WISHES, THEY MAY REPLACE THE LABEL THEMSELVES. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DTNA AT 1-800-547-0712 OR THOMAS BUILT AT 1-336-889-4871 TO OBTAIN THE LABEL IF THEY WISH TO AFFIX IT THEMSELVES. THE SAFETY…

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 11V172000 2011-03-15 475 affected

Defect

DAIMLER TRUCKS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 AND 2009 THOMAS BUILT SAF-T-LINER C2 AND SAF-T-LINER HDX SCHOOL BUSES AND FCCC B2 BUS CHASSIS USED IN SAF-T-LINER C2 SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM AUGUST 18, 2006, THROUGH JULY 7, 2010, EQUIPPED WITH EPA 2007 MBE 900 DETROIT DIESEL ENGINES. ENGINE SOFTWARE MAY…

Consequence

UNEXPECTED SHUTDOWN OF A VEHICLE MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH. OVERHEATING OF THE AFTERTREATMENT DEVICE WITHOUT ENGINE SHUTDOWN MAY RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy

DAIMLER TRUCKS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED BY DETROIT DIESEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 25, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLER TRUCKS AT 1-800-547-0712. THIS SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN IS AN EXPANSION OF A PREVIOUS RECALL (PLEASE SEE 10V-468).

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 10V468000 2010-10-08 2,687 affected

Defect

DAIMLER TRUCKS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 THROUGH 2011 SAF-T-LINER C2 AND SAF-T-LINER HDX SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 5, 2006 THROUGH MAY 24, 2010, EQUIPPED WITH EPA 2007 MBE 900 DETROIT DIESEL ENGINES. ENGINE SOFTWARE MAY NOT REACT PROPERLY TO CERTAIN AFTERMARKET TREATMENT DEVICE FAULT CODES. …

Consequence

UNEXPECTED SHUTDOWN OF A VEHICLE MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH. OVERHEATING OF THE AFTERTREATMENT DEVICE WITHOUT ENGINE SHUTDOWN MAY RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy

DAIMLER TRUCKS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED BY DETROIT DIESEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 30, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLER TRUCKS AT 1-800-547-0712.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 10V340000 2010-07-27 5,445 affected

Defect

DAIMLER TRUCKS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007 THROUGH 2011 FCCC B2 106 CH AND THOMAS BUILT SAF-T-LINER C2 AND HDX SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 5, 2006 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2010, EQUIPPED WITH SPECIFIC MBE900 EPA04 AND EPA07 MODEL ENGINES. THE INTAKE AIR GRID HEATER MAY SHORT CIRCUIT AND FAIL DUE TO…

Consequence

A SHORT CIRCUITED GRID HEATER COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE AND INJURY TO VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.

Remedy

DAIMLER TRUCKS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE BUSES FREE OF CHARGE. REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED BY DETROIT DIESEL CORPORATION AUTHORIZED REPAIR FACILITIES. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT JULY 29, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLER TRUCKS TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-547-0712.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 10V177000 2010-04-30 6,548 affected

Defect

DTNA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005 THROUGH 2011 THOMAS BUILT SAF-T-LINER C2 SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED BEGINNING JANUARY 19, 2005 THROUGH APRIL 16, 2010. THE STOP LAMPS MAY BE INTERMITTENT DURING LIGHT BRAKE APPLICATIONS.

Consequence

THE STOP LAMPS MAY NOT PROPERLY INDICATE THAT THE SERVICE BRAKES ARE APPLIED WHICH MAY LEAD TO A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy

DTNA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED BY DTNA DEALERSHIPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DTNA AT 1-800-547-0712.

STRUCTURE 10V100000 2010-03-16 9,588 affected

Defect

DTNA HAS NOTIFIED NHTSA ABOUT A DEFECT IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 THROUGH 2011 THOMAS BUILT SAF-T-LINER C2 SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 10, 2007, THROUGH JANUARY 8, 2010. THE REED SWITCH USED TO DETECT THE POSITION OF THE AIR OPERATED FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR MAY MALFUNCTION CAUSING WARNING LIGHTS AND THE CROSSING…

Consequence

MALFUNCTIONING WARNING LIGHTS DURING THE LOADING AND UNLOADING PROCESS COULD PUT THE STUDENTS AT RISK OF INJURY.

Remedy

DTNA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND THE REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED BY THOMAS BUILT BUSES DEALERSHIPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT MAY 10, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THOMAS BUILT AT 1-336-889-4871.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 09V461000 2009-12-01 2,631 affected

Defect

DAIMLER TRUCKS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006 THROUGH 2011 THOMAS BUILT SAF-T-LINER C2 SCHOOL BUSES BUILT ON FCCC B2 CHASSIS MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 15, 2004 THROUGH NOVEMBER 25, 2009, EQUIPPED WITH KONGSBERG AUTOMOTIVE ADJUSTABLE BRAKE PEDALS. THE ADJUSTABLE BRAKE PEDAL ARM MAY LOOSEN ALLOWING THE ARM TO…

Consequence

A LOOSE BRAKE PEDAL INCREASES THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DAIMLER TRUCKS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 22, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLER TRUCKS WARRANTY CLAIMS DEPARTMENT AT 1-800-547-0712.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 09V460000 2009-12-01 602 affected

Defect

DAIMLER TRUCKS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 THROUGH 2010 THOMAS BUILT SAF-T-LINER C2 SCHOOL BUSES AND FCCC B2 CHASSIS MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 1, 2007 THROUGH AUGUST 10, 2009, EQUIPPED WITH CUMMINS ISB CM2150 J1939/1587 ENGINE CONTROL UNIT, BOSCH HYDRAULIC PIN-SLIDE FRONT BRAKES, AND WEBASTO 17K BTU COOLANT…

Consequence

CONTINUED CONTACT BETWEEN THE BRAKE LINE AND THE SURROUNDING COMPONENTS MAY LEAD TO A LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID AND REDUCE BRAKING PERFORMANCE POTENTIALLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

DAIMLER TRUCKS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE UNITS AND CLAMPS WITH SHORTER OFFSET THAN SPECIFIED WILL BE REPLACED WITH LONGER OFFSET CLAMPS. ANY BRAKE LINES FOUND TO BE DAMAGED WILL BE REPLACED. REPAIRS WILL BE DONE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT…

SUSPENSION 09V458000 2009-12-01 3,739 affected

Defect

DAIMLER TRUCKS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 THROUGH 2011 THOMAS BUILT SAF-T-LINER C2 SCHOOL BUSES AND FCCC B2 CHASSIS MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 1, 2007 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 28, 2009. FASTENERS USED TO CONNECT THE REAR SUSPENSION SPRING TO THE SUSPENSION HANGER BRACKET MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TORQUED TO SPECIFICATION. …

Consequence

LOOSE OR MISSING FASTENERS MAY ALLOW THE REAR SUSPENSION TO BECOME MISALIGNED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND ADJUST THE FASTENERS AS REQUIRED. DAMAGED FASTENERS WILL BE REPLACED. REPAIRS WILL BE MADE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING FEBRUARY 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLER TRUCKS TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-547-0712.

STRUCTURE 09V344000 2009-09-02 15,123 affected

Defect

DAIMLER TRUCKS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 THROUGH 2010 SCHOOL AND NON-SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 10, 2007 THROUGH AUGUST 31, 2009, EQUIPPED WITH AG2 ENTRANCE DOORS. THE ENTRANCE DOOR GLASS MAY BE INADEQUATELY BONDED TO THE DOOR FRAME AND MAY SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE.

Consequence

SEPARATION OF THE DOOR GLASS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN OPERATION COULD CREATE A ROAD HAZARD, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

DAIMLER TRUCKS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND THE BUSES WILL BE REPAIRED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THOMAS BUILT AT 1-336-889-4871.

STRUCTURE 09V010000 2009-01-08 22,206 affected

Defect

DAIMLER TRUCKS IS RECALLING 22,206 THOMAS BUILT MY 2005 THROUGH 2010 SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 2004 THROUGH NOVEMBER 24, 2008. THE LOWER END OF THE FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR AFT ASSIST HANDRAIL MAY BE LOCATED TOO CLOSE TO THE STEP.

Consequence

IT MAY BE POSSIBLE FOR ITEMS SUCH AS DRAWSTRINGS AND STRAPS TO BECOME CAUGHT ON THE HANDRAILS POTENTIALLY LEADING TO INJURY OR DEATH.

Remedy

DAIMLER TRUCKS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED BY THOMAS BUILT BUSES DEALERSHIPS AND DIRECT WARRANTY CUSTOMER FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT MARCH 6, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLER TRUCKS TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-547-0712.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 08V602000 2008-11-19 15,686 affected

Defect

DAIMLER TRUCKS IS RECALLING 15,686 MY 2005 THROUGH 2009 FCCC AND THOMAS BUILT SCHOOL AND TRANSIT BUSES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN MARCH 2005 AND MAY 2008 EQUIPPED WITH A CERTAIN BRAKE LAMP AIR PRESSURE SWITCH. THE CONTACTS IN THE PRESSURE SWITCH FOR THE LOW CURRENT BRAKE LAMP SIGNAL TO THE CHASSIS ECU MAY HAVE BECOME…

Consequence

INOPERATIVE BRAKE LAMPS WOULD NOT PROVIDE A SIGNAL TO FOLLOWING DRIVERS THAT THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED AND A CRASH MAY OCCUR.

Remedy

DAIMLER TRUCKS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PRESSURE SWITCH FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT MARCH 18, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLER TRUCKS AT 1-800-547-0712 OR THOMAS BUILT BUSES AT 1-336-889-4871.

STRUCTURE 08V087000 2008-02-26 243,435 affected

Defect

DAIMLER TRUCKS IS RECALLING 243,435 MY 1995-2008 THOMAS BUILT SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JANUARY 1994, AND MARCH 10, 2008. (ADDITIONAL BUSES HAVE BEEN ADDED TO THIS RECALL CAMPAIGN. PLEASE SEE SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT NO. 4) THE EMERGENCY EXIT DOOR HANDLE BEGINS CORRODING AROUND THE SECURING ROLL PIN AND SQUARE…

Consequence

IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY, A PERSON ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE BUS MAY BREAK THE DOOR HANDLE TRYING TO OPEN THE EMERGENCY EXIT POTENTIALLY DELAYING EVACUATION AND INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY TO THE VEHICLE'S OCCUPANTS.

Remedy

DAIMLER TRUCKS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND WILL REPLACE THE HANDLES WITH A MORE ROBUST HANDLE FREE OF CHARGE. REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED BY THOMAS BUILT BUSES DEALERSHIPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 18, 2008, AND NOTIFICATION FOR THE REVISED POPULATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT APRIL 29, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT…

STRUCTURE 07V459000 2007-09-21 3,581 affected

Defect

CERTAIN THOMAS BUILT SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN MARCH 8, 2006, AND AUGUST 10, 2007, EQUIPPED WITH ONE OR MORE "PRO LO ROOF HATCH" OPTION NUMBERS D107307001, D107307002, OR D107307003. RETROREFLECTIVE TAPE WAS NOT INSTALLED AROUND THE PERIMETER OF THE ROOF MOUNTED EMERGENCY EXIT HATCH. THESE BUSES FAIL TO…

Consequence

IMPROPERLY IDENTIFIED EMERGENCY EXITS MAY HINDER EVACUATION EFFORTS.

Remedy

THOMAS BUILT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPAIR THE BUSES BY INSTALLING RETROREFLECTIVE TAPE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 4, 2007. OWNERS MAY CALL THOMAS BUILT AT 336-889-4871 OR CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 800-547-0712.

STEERING 07V306000 2007-07-18 18,000 affected

Defect

FREIGHTLINER IS RECALLING CERTAIN SCHOOL BUS CHASSIS, HEAVY TRUCKS, VAN CHASSIS, RV MOTORHOME CHASSIS MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 5 TO MAY 17, 2007, EQUIPPED WITH AXLE ALLIANCE COMPANY (AAC) FRONT AXLES. DURING THE FRONT AXLE ASSEMBLY, THE FASTENERS THAT ATTACH THE STEERING ARM OR TIE ROD ARMS TO THE SPINDLE MAY BE…

Consequence

INCORRECTLY TIGHTENED STEERING ARM FASTENERS MAY FATIGUE AND FRACTURE WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy

THOMAS BUILT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, INSPECT THE FASTENERS, AND REPLACE THE STEERING ARM IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 21, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712.

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR 07V302000 2007-07-16 75,000 affected

Defect

CERTAIN FREIGHTLINER SCHOOL BUS CHASSIS, HEAVY TRUCKS, AND THOMAS BUILT SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JULY 2002 AND JULY 3, 2007, EQUIPPED WITH BENDIX SR-7 SPRING BRAKE CONTROL VALVES. THE PARKER SCV BRASS 90 DEGREE SINGLE CHECK VALVES (SCV) WHICH ATTACH TO THE SUPPLY PORT OF A BENDIX SR-7 SPRING BRAKE…

Consequence

THESE CONDITIONS COULD EITHER RESULT IN LEAKAGE AND CAUSE A DELAY IN THE APPLICATION OF THE SPRING BRAKE WITHOUT WARNING OR POSSIBLY LEAD TO UNINTENDED VEHICLE ROLLAWAY OR BRAKE DRAG WHICH COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH, PERSONAL INJURY, OR DEATH.

Remedy

FREIGHTLINER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 11, 2008 TO FREIGHTLINER, STERLING, AND FREIGHTLINER CUSTOM CHASSIS OWNERS; TO THOMAS BUILT BUS OWNERS ON FEBRUARY 1, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 07V212000 2007-05-18 9,970 affected

Defect

CERTAIN 2005 THROUGH 2008 THOMAS BUILT SAF-T-LINER C2 SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM DECEMBER 1, 2003 TO MAY 18, 2007. THE EXTERNAL WARNING LIGHTS MAY STOP FUNCTIONING UNEXPECTEDLY IF THE FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR CLOSES WITHOUT THE DRIVER'S INPUT.

Consequence

FAILURE OF THE EXTERNAL WARNING LIGHTS TO REMAIN ON DURING THE LOADING OR UNLOADING PROCESS COULD POSSIBLY RESULT IN A STUDENT BEING STRUCK BY A PASSING MOTORIST WHILE BOARDING OR EXITING THE BUS.

Remedy

FREIGHTLINER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPAIR THE BUSES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 21, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THOMAS BUILT AT 336-889-4871 OR CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 800-547-0712.

Complaints by component

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

PARKING BRAKE

SEATS

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

STRUCTURE:BODY

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Total complaints6

What owners report

Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal information removed.

“There is a plastic fitting at the rear heater that is failing which causes hot anti-freeze to spill into the passenger area of the school bus. This has happened on three buses in the past two weeks. Hot anti-freeze can cause injury to the students that are being transported.”

STRUCTURE:BODY · reported 2016-11-12

“There is a plastic fitting at the rear heater that is failing which causes hot anti-freeze to spill into the passenger area of the school bus. This has happened on three buses in the past two weeks. Hot anti-freeze can cause injury to the students that are being transported.”

UNKNOWN OR OTHER · reported 2016-11-12

“The contact has a fleet that includes 18 my2000-2008 thomas school buses. All have exhibited multiple failures to passenger seatbacks; the seat pan becomes detached from the seat frame. The contact is concerned that a damaged seat may not perform its role in compartmentalization as intended by…”

SEATS · reported 2012-05-01

“In the process of replacing the emergency exit doors on the 2007-2008 model saf-t-liner c2 buses owned by sc department of education the fleet discovered corrosion related degradation of shaft to the outside door handle. It is believed that water is getting past the foam washer positioned between…”

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH · reported 2012-02-01

“As the bus driver pulled into the bus garage, he noticed his brake warning light on. I checked the brake fluid and found it low. I applied constant pressure to the brake pedal then inspected the brake system. The brake line running down from the master cylinder inside the frame rail was leaking.…”

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC · reported 2011-02-15

“Bus brake interlock will not release, must bypass brake switch to move bus from roadway after student pickup. Happens intermittently ,without warning. Have to replace amu brake switch block, part #a12-19776-010-01. To correct. Bus only has 21,485 miles .have 6 buses with similar mileage, have…”

PARKING BRAKE · reported 2008-04-30

Defect investigations

Investigation PE07012 Opened 2007-03-01 · closed 2007-06-25

INADVERTENT DOOR CLOSING

THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED BASED ON FOUR FLEETS CONTACTING ODI ALLEGING MULTIPLE EVENTS WHERE THE FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR UNEXPECTEDLY CLOSED WHILE LOADING AND DISCHARGING CHILDREN.WHEN THIS OCCURS, THE BUS WARNING LIGHTS (RED WARNING LAMPS AND STOP ARM LAMPS) ARE DE-ACTIVATED, SINCE THEY OPERATE OFF THE DOOR…

Investigation PE07054 Opened 2007-11-09 · closed 2008-03-04

EMERGENCY DOOR HANDLE FAILURE

THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION OPENED THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATIONAFTERBECOMING AWARE THAT FLEETS WERE HAVING HANDLE FAILURES ON THE REAR EMERGENCY DOOR EXIT.THE FAILURE RESULTED IN THE DOOR HANDLE SEPARATING FROM THEDOOR LATCH MECHANISM.WHEN THE HANDLE FAILS, THE REAR EMERGENCY EXIT DOOR CAN NOT BE OPENED FROM…

Investigation PE08068 Opened 2008-12-03 · closed 2009-01-15

IMPROPER HANDRAIL INSTALLATION

THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED AFTERA SCHOOL BUS DISTRICT INFORMED ODI THAT DURING A NEW BUSINSPECTION THE HANDRAILS WERE FOUND TO BE MOUNTED TOO CLOSE TO THE BOTTOM STEP OF THE BUS AND FAILED THE DRAWSTRING TEST.(THE DRAWSTRING TEST WAS DEVELOPED IN THE EARLY 90'S TO ENSURE THAT CHILDREN'S DRAWSTRINGS WOULD NOT GET…

Investigation PE09027 Opened 2009-05-21 · closed 2009-09-24

DOOR GLASS DETACHMENT

THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED AFTER A FLEET NOTIFIED ODI THAT IT HAD LOST A FRONT DOOR GLASS PANEL WHILE THE BUS WAS BEING OPERATED.A FIELD INSPECTION REVEALED TWELVE MORE BUSES HAD LOOSE DOOR GLASS PANELS.ODI IS ALWAYS CONCERNED WITH OBJECTS THAT SEPARATE FROM VEHICLES AND COULD POSSIBLY STRIKE ANOTHER VEHICLE OR…

Investigation PE09050 Opened 2009-10-07 · closed 2010-01-07

REAR SPRING TRAILING ARM BOLT LOOSE

THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED AFTER ODI WAS INFORMED BY TWO SCHOOL BUS FLEETS THAT THEY HAD FOUND LOOSE BOLTS ON THE REAR SUSPENSION TRAILING ARMS OF THE AIR RIDE SUSPENSION ON SEVERAL OF THEIR BUSES. ODI VISITED THE LOCAL DEALER AND CONFIRMED THE LOOSE BOLTS.IF THESE BOLTS FAIL AND SEPARATE, THE REAR SUSPENSION CAN…

Investigation PE10003 Opened 2010-01-20 · closed 2010-04-05

Inoperative 8-Way Warning Lamps

This investigation was opened after ODI received a complaint from a school bus fleet stating they had experienced warning lamps failing upon opening the front entrance door. After completing their evaluation, Daimler Trucks North America, the parent company of Freightliner and Thomas Built Buses, decided to conduct a…

Investigation PE10003 Opened 2010-01-20 · closed 2010-04-05

Inoperative 8-Way Warning Lamps

Investigation PE10007 Opened 2010-02-03 · closed 2010-05-23

Stop Lamps Intermittent

This investigation was opened after ODI was contacted by a fleet alleging that in certain situations, such as a light brake peal application during a low speed operation, the brake lamps fail to illuminate on the rear of the bus.ODI confirmed the problem with two fleets.On April 29, 2010, Daimler filed a defect…

Investigation PE10007 Opened 2010-02-03 · closed 2010-05-23

Stop Lamps Intermittent

Investigation PE10007 Opened 2010-02-03 · closed 2010-05-23

Stop Lamps Intermittent

Investigation PE10007 Opened 2010-02-03 · closed 2010-05-23

Stop Lamps Intermittent

Investigation PE10007 Opened 2010-02-03 · closed 2010-05-23

Stop Lamps Intermittent

Investigation PE10007 Opened 2010-02-03 · closed 2010-05-23

Stop Lamps Intermittent

Investigation PE11032 Opened 2011-09-12 · closed 2012-01-30

Brake Line Chafing

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a complaint alleging brake fluid loss caused by a ruptured brake line that had chafed against a wire harness in the engine compartment of the complainant?s vehicle.It was determined that the chafing was caused by contact between the convoluted tubing covering the…