RoadVitals

2008 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Hdx Recalls

Safety recall campaigns filed with NHTSA that cover this model year

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
Recall campaignsA 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.
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Newest Jan 30, 2018
Carrying an NHTSA advisoryCampaigns where NHTSA told owners not to drive the vehicle, or to park it outside, until the repair is done.
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Open 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.
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1 investigation on file

Recall campaigns

14 campaigns cover this model year — what the defect is, what it could cause, and what the remedy is

18V083000

EQUIPMENT

Jan 30, 2018
606 units potentially affected
The 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 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
The risk: In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
The 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.
Daimler Trucks North America LLCManufacturer number FL-759View on NHTSA.gov
15V564000

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

Sep 4, 2015
52 units potentially affected
The defect: Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2006-2015 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner HDX, Saf-T-Liner EF, Saf-T-Liner EFX, and Minotour DRW transit buses manufactured January 3, 2006, to August 1, 2014, and equipped with certain Ricon model S2005, S2010, S5005, S5010, S5505, S5510 wheelchair lifts. 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.
The risk: 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.
The 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 on November 2, 2015. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-745-8000. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-686.
Daimler Trucks North America LLCManufacturer number FL-686View on NHTSA.gov
15V565000

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

Sep 4, 2015
4,334 units potentially affected
The 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, S5505, S5510 wheelchair lifts. 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.
The risk: 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.
The 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 this recall is FL-686.
Daimler Trucks North America LLCManufacturer number FL-686View on NHTSA.gov
15V432000

STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

Jul 7, 2015
103,038 units potentially affected
The 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, 2002 Vista, and 2002-2003 TL-960 school buses manufactured from February 5, 2001, through May 29, 2012. In the affected vehicles, the stem that connects the outside emergency door handle to the emergency door opening mechanism may corrode.
The risk: 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.
The 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 is FL-685.
Daimler Trucks North America LLCManufacturer number FL-685View on NHTSA.gov
15V425000

STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

Jul 6, 2015
3,013 units potentially affected
The 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, 2002 Vista, and 2002-2003 TL-960 non-school buses. In the affected vehicles, the stem that connects the outside emergency door handle to the emergency door opening mechanism may corrode.
The risk: 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.
The 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.
Daimler Trucks North America LLCManufacturer number FL-685View on NHTSA.gov
15V344000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

Jun 3, 2015
746 units potentially affected
The defect: Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2008-2015 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner HDX school buses manufactured May 25, 2008, to December 18, 2014, and equipped with certain Cummins Westport ISL G engines. Excessive engine crankcase pressures may cause the 90-degree elbow of the vent tube assembly to detach from the crankcase ventilation breather, possibly allowing engine oil to come into contact with hot surfaces.
The risk: If engine oil comes into contact with a hot surface, there is an increased risk of a fire.
The remedy: Cummins will notify owners on behalf of DTNA, and dealers secure the ends of the 90-degree elbow. In addition, the electronic control module (ECM) will be reprogrammed with software that can adjust the engine output under misfire conditions to limit crankcase pressures. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on June 12, 2015. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-745-8000, or Cummins customer service at 1-800-343-7357. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-681.
Daimler Trucks North America LLCManufacturer number FL-681View on NHTSA.gov
14V080000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

Feb 21, 2014
3,258 units potentially affected
The defect: Daimler Trucks North America LLC (Daimler) is recalling certain model year 2008-2015 Freightliner 114SD, Cascadia, M2 Business Class, Sterling LT8500, and Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner HDX vehicles manufactured February 19, 2008, through February 11, 2014, and equipped with Cummins Westport Model ISL G and Cummins Westport Model ISX12 G engines. Condensation in the intake manifold may freeze during cold weather conditions and interfere with the proper operation of the intake manifold pressure sensor.
The risk: The sensor malfunction could induce elevated exhaust temperatures or flames from the exhaust pipe, increasing the risk of a vehicle fire or burn injury to a person near the exhaust pipe.
The remedy: Cummins and Cummins Westport will notify owners, and authorized Cummins service facilities will upload a new ECM calibration, free of charge. The recall began on April 12, 2014. Customers may contact Daimler at 1-800-385-4357 or Cummins Inc. at 1-800-343-7357. Daimler's number for this recall is FL-660.
Daimler Trucks North AmericaManufacturer number FL-660View on NHTSA.gov
12V226000

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

May 17, 2012
100 units potentially affected
The 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 MISALIGNED.
The risk: 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 WHEELCHAIR’S OCCUPANT COULD FALL AND SUSTAIN INJURY.
The 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.
DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICAManufacturer number FL-627View on NHTSA.gov
12V225000

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

May 17, 2012
890 units potentially affected
The 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 MISALIGNED.
The risk: 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 WHEELCHAIR’S OCCUPANT COULD FALL AND SUSTAIN INJURY.
The 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.
DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICAManufacturer number FL-627View on NHTSA.gov
11V222000

EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

Apr 6, 2011
6,831 units potentially affected
The 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 LOOSEN IN THE FUSE HOLDER RESULTING IN HIGH RESISTANCE AND ARCING.
The risk: IF SUFFICIENT ARCING OCCURS, THE FUSE HOLDER MAY MELT, AND A VEHICLE FIRE MAY OCCUR.
The 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 1-800-547-0712.
DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICAManufacturer number FL-604View on NHTSA.gov
11V223000

EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

Apr 6, 2011
64 units potentially affected
The defect: DAIMLER TRUCKS (DTNA) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006 THROUGH 2011 SAF-T-LINER HDX, MVP-EF, AND MINOTOR NON 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 LOOSEN IN THE FUSE HOLDER RESULTING IN HIGH RESISTANCE AND ARCING.
The risk: IF SUFFICIENT ARCING OCCURS, THE FUSE HOLDER MAY MELT, AND A VEHICLE FIRE MAY OCCUR.
The 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 1-800-547-0712.
DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICAManufacturer number FL-604View on NHTSA.gov
11V172000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Mar 15, 2011
475 units potentially affected
The 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 NOT REACT PROPERLY TO CERTAIN AFTERMARKET TREATMENT DEVICE FAULT CODES. THE SOFTWARE MAY UNNECESSARILY SHUTDOWN A VEHICLE OR MAY FAIL TO SHUTDOWN A VEHICLE WITH AN AFTERMARKET DEVICE OVER-TEMP FAULT.
The risk: 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.
The 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).
DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICAManufacturer number 10C-6View on NHTSA.gov
10V468000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Oct 8, 2010
2,687 units potentially affected
The 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. THE SOFTWARE MAY UNNECESSARILY SHUTDOWN A VEHICLE OR MAY FAIL TO SHUTDOWN A VEHICLE WITH AN AFTERMARKET DEVICE OVER-TEMP FAULT.
The risk: 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.
The 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.
DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICAManufacturer number 10C-6View on NHTSA.gov
07V302000

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:SUPPLY:CHECK VALVE

Jul 16, 2007
75,000 units potentially affected
The 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 MODULATING VALVE CAN BREAK APART. PIECES OF THE PARKER SCV CAN BECOME LODGED INSIDE THE SR-7 SPRING BRAKE MODULATING VALVE, POTENTIALLY CAUSING EITHER LEAKAGE OUT OF THE SR-7 VALVE OR PREVENTING AIR FROM PROPERLY EXHAUSTING FROM THE SR-7 VALVE. ALSO, DUE TO A MANUFACTURING DEFECT IN THE INTERNAL RUBBER CHECK VALVE INSIDE THE SR-7 SPRING BRAKE MODULATING VALVES, THE VALVES CAN BECOME DEFORMED AND NOT SEAT PROPERLY.
The risk: 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.
The 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.
FREIGHTLINER LLCManufacturer number FL-504View on NHTSA.gov

What a recall is

Safety recall
A 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.
Safety investigation
NHTSA 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.
Manufacturer communication
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.

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect, and it is not a recall.

PE11029ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

Thomas Built CNG Tank Abrasion

Opened Sep 2, 2011
Closed Feb 17, 2012

On August 29, 2011 ODI received a Vehicle Owner's Questionnaire (VOQ) from a Los Angeles school district indicating a 2003 Thomas Built Saf-T-Liner HDX compressed natural gas (CNG) school bus in their fleet had insufficient clearance between the CNG tank and mounting bracket resulting in damage to the outer tank wrapping.The Mathematical Analysis Division of NHTSA calculated that a sample size of thirty (30) buses would give a high confidence (90%) estimation of whether similar buses were experiencing tank abrasion.In the course of this investigation nearly 70 buses (over 300 tanks) were inspected; no tank other than the subject of the VOQ was found to have insufficient clearance.Busses manufactured before and after the subject vehicle were inspected.As a result of this investigation, Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) developed an improved inspection procedure that addresses the concerns identified in the Los Angeles complaint.In early February 2012 DTNA will mail an owner letter along with the new inspection procedure.See the investigative file for copies of DTNA's bulletin and owner letter.This preliminary evaluation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that no safety-related defect exists.The agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by circumstances.The ODI report cited above can be reviewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification (ODI) number:10423400

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources