RoadVitals

2007 Thomas Built Buses C2

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
6
Latest Feb 6, 2013
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
6
Latest Aug 25, 2008
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
2
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
0

Overview

Our database contains 6 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2007 Thomas Built Buses C2, most frequently naming the visibility, brakes and body & structure categories. 6 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 2 NHTSA investigations name it; and 9 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Visibility342.9%
  • Brakes228.6%
  • Body & structure114.3%
  • Engine114.3%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

6 campaigns cover this model year

View all 6

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
08V432000

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

Aug 25, 2008
1,046 units potentially affected
The defect: DAIMLER TRUCKS IS RECALLING 2,250 MY 2006 AND 2007 THOMAS BUILT MINOTOUR, FS65, C2, HDX, AND MVP EF SCHOOL BUSES AND RECREATIONAL VEHICLE CHASSIS MANUFACTURED BETWEEN MARCH 9, 2005 AND FEBRUARY 23, 2007, EQUIPPED WITH RICON S OR K SERIES WHEELCHAIR LIFTS. THE ANTI-STOW INTERLOCK MAY NOT DETECT THE PRESENCE OF A WHEELCHAIR OR MOBILITY AID USER. THE PRESSURE SENSING SWITCH THAT DETECTS THE PRESENCE OF WEIGHT ON THE PLATFORM WAS NOT ADJUSTED TO THE NECESSARY SENSITIVITY LEVEL. THE LIFT COULD STOW EVEN THOUGH SOMEONE OR SOMETHING IS STILL ON THE LIFT WHICH FAILS TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 404, "PLATFORM LIFT INSTALLATIONS IN MOTOR VEHICLES."
The risk: A LIFT OCCUPANT CAN BE INJURED SHOULD THE LIFT BEGIN TO STOW UNINTENTIONALLY.
The remedy: DAIMLER TRUCKS IS WORKING WITH RICON TO CORRECT THE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS (PLEASE SEE 07E097). THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 26, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT RICON AT 1-800-322-2884 OR THOMAS BUILT AT 1-336-889-4871.
DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICAManufacturer number FL-537View on NHTSA.gov
08V430000

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

Aug 25, 2008
1,419 units potentially affected
The defect: DAIMLER TRUCKS IS RECALLING 1,419 MY 2006 THROUGH 2008 THOMAS BUILT SCHOOL BUSES AND RECREATIONAL VEHICLE CHASSIS MANUFACTURED BETWEEN MARCH 7, 2005 AND MAY 27, 2008, EQUIPPED WITH RICON PLATFORM STYLE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS. THESE BUSES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 404, "PLATFORM LIFT INSTALLATIONS IN MOTOR VEHICLES." THE THRESHOLD WARNING SYSTEM MAY NOT DETECT THE PRESENCE OF A WHEELCHAIR OR MOBILITY AID USER IN A CERTAIN SPOT WITHIN THE DEFINED THRESHOLD AREA.
The risk: THE USER OF THE LIFT COULD BE INJURED SHOULD THE LIFT MOVE UNINTENTIONALLY.
The remedy: THOMAS BUILT IS WORKING WITH RICON TO CORRECT THE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS FREE OF CHARGE (PLEASE SEE 07E095). THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 26, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT RICON AT 1-818-267-3000 OR THOMAS BUILT 1-336-889-4871.
DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICAManufacturer number FL-536View on NHTSA.gov
07V135000

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

Mar 23, 2007
329 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN MY 2006 AND 2007 THOMAS BUILT MINOTOUR, FS-65, C2, HDX, AND EF SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JANUARY 6 AND SEPTEMBER 6, 2006, EQUIPPED WITH RICON WHEELCHAIR PLATFORM LIFT MODELS S2003, S2005, S2010, S5503, S5505, S5510, K2003, K2005, K2010, K5503, K5505, K5510. THE LIFTS INTERLOCK SWITCH SYSTEM MAY NOT DETECT THE PRESENCE OF A PASSENGER (EITHER WHEELCHAIR OR STANDEE) ON THE PLATFORM LIFT WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 404, PLATFORM LIFT SYSTEMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES.
The risk: THE DEFECT INVOLVES THE INTERLOCK SWITCH SYSTEM IN THE LIFT NOT DETECTING THE PRESENCE OF A PASSENGER (EITHER WHEELCHAIR OR STANDEE) ON THE RICON WHEELCHAIR PLATFORM LIFT. IN THE EVENT THIS CONDITION OCCURS DURING PASSENGER OPERATIONS IT MAY BE POSSIBLE FOR THE WHEELCHAIR TO TIP BACKWARDS ONTO THE PLATFORM WHEN THE PLATFORM WAS LOWERED. THIS COULD RESULT IN INJURY TO THE WHEELCHAIR'S OCCUPANT. ALSO, ANYONE STANDING ON THE PLATFORM COULD LOSE HIS OR HER BALANCE AND FALL, RESULTING IN INJURY.
The remedy: FREIGHTLINER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND WILL REPAIR THE AFFECTED BUSES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON AUGUST 6, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FREIGHTLINER'S CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 800-385-4357 OR CONTACT RICON AT 800-322-2884.
FREIGHTLINER LLCManufacturer number FL-492View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

PE11031ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

Pass-Through Power Stud Corrosion

Opened Sep 12, 2011
Closed Feb 2, 2012

ODI received a complaint regarding a corroded battery post located behind a service panel near the driver's seat on a 2006 Thomas Built C2 school bus that resulted in a fire on the vehicle.It was determined that like buses built prior to a December 26, 2005 design change which added a flange to the lower edge of the panel were susceptible to water intrusion.The design change was meant to address concerns of loose panels but consequently prevented water ingress and the subject corrosion. Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) submitted a recall notice on October 18, 2011 involving 3,300 of the estimated 6,139 vehicles subject to this investigation.In subsequent communication with ODI, DTNA explained that nearly two thirds of 4,773 MY2007 vehicles were built with the December 26 design change and therefore do not contain the safety related defect.DTNA's announcement of a safety recall on this matter, and subsequent explanation of the scope of vehicles involved, addresses ODI's concerns.The 573 letter was received prior to the due date of the IR response, therefore DTNA has been relieved from having to submit an IR response.DTNA will inspect, clean, repair and protect power cables as needed.The subject vehicles have been recalled and this investigation is closed.The ODI report cited above can be reviewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification (ODI) number: 10395455

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLESLed to recall 11V503000
PE11032ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

Brake Line Chafing

Opened Sep 12, 2011
Closed Jan 30, 2012

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 fuel supply line and the metal brake lines.This issue only affects units with a Caterpillar (CAT) C7 engine and a fuel water separator mounted in a specific location on the frame rail.Not all units with CAT engines were equipped with fuel water separators, but all units with CAT engines and a fuel water separator have them mounted in the same location.Units with other engines have a different fuel supply line routing and are not affected by this defect.Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) submitted a recall notice on 18 October 2011 involving seven-hundred (700) model year (MY) 2005-2009 vehicles.In its notice, DTNA provided an explanation that MY2010 vehicles were not built with CAT C7 engines and, that of the model years that were built with C7 engines, only 700 had fuel water separators.All 700 such vehicles are included in this recall.DTNA's announcement of a safety recall addresses ODI's concerns.The recall remedy involves replacement of any damaged brake lines and rerouting as needed.This investigation is closed.The ODI report cited above can be reviewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification (ODI) number: 10383939

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGSLed to recall 11V505000

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Visibility
Filed Feb 6, 2013

SOMETHING BROKE THE LOWER SIDE DASH WINDOW LT SIDE. THE GLASS IS BONDED TO THE FRAME WITH A RUBBER LIKE SUBSTANCE. THESE ARE SUPPOSED TO BE TEMPERED GLASS WHICH NORMALLY BREAK INTO SMALL SQUARES AND ARE FAIRLY HARMLESS. THIS WINDOW BROKE INTO SHARP STICK LIKE SHARDS RADIATING AROUND THE FRACTURE SITE AT THE TOP AREA WHERE THE GLASS WAS BONDED TO THE FRAME. THIS IS THE FIRST WINDOW BREAK WE HAVE HAD ON A C2 AND WE WERE ALARMED AT THE FAILURE OF THE GLASS TO DISINTEGRATE INTO THE USUAL SMALL SQUARES. DOES THE BONDING HAVE SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE CHANGE IN THE PATTERN? *TR

NHTSA ID
10496563
Incident
Jan 30, 2013
Mileage
93,924 mi
Brakes
Filed Apr 4, 2011

THOMAS C2 - AMU PARK BRAKE SWITCH, 2007-2008 YEAR MODELS PROBLEM: MY OFFICE RECEIVED REPORTS FROM SCDE MAINTENANCE FACILITIES OF CONTINUED FAILURES WITH THE AIR BRAKE INTERLOCK SYSTEM AIR MANAGEMENT UNIT (AMU). THE FAILURE MODE OF CURRENT CONCERN IS WITH THE PARK BRAKE SWITCH IN THE AMU. THIS FAILURE MODE PREVENTS THE RELEASE OF THE PARK BRAKES. THE SCDE OPERATES 879 OF THESE UNITS. CONCERN: WHEN THIS TYPE OF FAILURE OCCURS, THE DRIVER CAN NO LONGER RELEASE THE PARK BRAKES. SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS ARE TRAINED TO SET THE PARK BRAKES EACH TIME THEY ARE LOADING/UNLOADING STUDENTS. IN MOST CASES THERE IS NO WARNING OR INTERMITTENT FAILURE. FAILURES OF THIS TYPE LEAVE THE BUS AND STUDENTS SITTING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD CREATING A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. THE BUS CAN NOT BE MOVED FROM THE ROADWAY UNTIL A TECHNICIAN IS DISPATCHED TO MANUALLY RELEASE THE PARK BRAKES AND ALLOW THE BUS TO MOVE. THE STUDENTS MUST THEN BE OFF LOADED ONTO A SPARE BUS BEFORE CONTINUING THE ROUTE. BACKGROUND: THE AMU WAS PREVIOUSLY INVOLVED IN SAFETY RECALL FL538 A-B FOR THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MODULE FAILURE. WE ARE NOW EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS W/ FAILURES ON THE PARK BRAKE MODULE. WHEN THIS PROBLEM WAS BROUGHT TO MY ATTENTION, I HAD OUR STAFF PULL INSTALLATION INFORMATION FOR THE PART NUMBERS INVOLVED FROM ALL 45 MAINTENANCE FACILITIES. TO DATE OUR RECORDS INDICATE THAT WE HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS TYPE FAILURE ON 139 BUSES OR 16% OF THE 879 UNITS IN OUR FLEET. THESE UNITS ARE IDENTIFIED IN THE ATTACHED EXCEL FILE.

NHTSA ID
10394908
Incident
Feb 15, 2011
Engine
Filed Jan 13, 2010

TRANSMISSION COOLER IN RADIATOR LEAKED CAUSING REPLACEMENT OF RADIATOR. ANTI-FREEZE BACK FLUSHED INTO THE TRANSMISSION CAUSING CONTAMINATION AND TRANSMISSION ALSO NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. TOTAL COST $5,751.00 TO A BUS TWO YEARS OLD WITH 30,000 MILES. *TR

NHTSA ID
10299614
Incident
Dec 23, 2009
Mileage
29,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Jun 29, 2009

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 THOMAS BUILT BUSES SAF-T-LINER C2 BUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE EXTERIOR REAR BRAKE LIGHT FAILED TO ILLUMINATE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 06V205000 (PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL:AIR) REGARDING THE AIR MANAGE UNIT. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 32,000.

NHTSA ID
10275227
Incident
Aug 24, 2007
Body & structureVisibility
Filed Jul 23, 2008

OUR THOMAS C-2 BUSES HAVE STUDENT CROSSING MIRRORS THAT WILL NOT HOLD ADJUSTMENT. THE BRACKETS CONTINUALLY BREAK AND THE HOOD MOUNTS PULL OUT. THE MIRRORS USED ARE ROSCO HAWEYE. *TR

NHTSA ID
10235455
Incident
Sep 2, 2007
Visibility
Filed Oct 29, 2007

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 THOMAS BUILT C2. THE PASSENGER SIDE MIRROR IS DEFECTIVE AND BLOCKS THE VIEW OF ONCOMING VEHICLES. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY COULD SEND A NEW BRACKET TO PLACE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE MIRROR THAT WOULD ELIMINATE THE DEFECT. THE BRACKET WOULD COST BETWEEN $80 TO $100. THE ENGINE SIZE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 7,621 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 438.

NHTSA ID
10207324
Incident
Apr 7, 2007
Mileage
438 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

C2 13-04R7

EQUIPMENT

C2 13-04R7_Required Tools for Warrantable Repair

C2 13-04R7

EQUIPMENT

C2 13-04R7_Required Tools for Warrantable Repair

04R5 C2 13-04R5

EQUIPMENT

Required Tools for Warrantable Repair

sbt4905

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ENGINE

sbt4905 DEF Gauge Reading Incorrectly

PSB-14

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

THOMAS BUILT: INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING INSTALLATION FOR WINDOW TRIM. NOT FOR CRACKS PROJCTING THROUGH SIDE MEMBER TO OUTSIDE WINDOW FRAME. *PE

SB-13R2

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

THOMAS BUS: THE LATCH ENCLOSURES ON THE PRE-NEW GENERATION WINDOWS BREAKING. CURRENTLY ONLY WAY TO GET THIS PART IS TO BUY A COMPLETE SLIDER ASSEMBLY. THE CURRENT METHOD OF REPAIR IS TO REMOVE THE ENTIRE WINDOW, REMOVE THE WINDOW HEADER, AND REPLACE THE SLIDER. *PE

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Thomas Built Buses C2 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2010120—
2007Viewing662—
2006162—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.