RoadVitals

2018 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 Oct 12, 2022
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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Recall campaigns

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

22V762000

STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS

Oct 12, 2022
17,613 units potentially affected
The defect: 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."
The risk: A school bus exterior roof panel with insufficient joint strength may separate during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The 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.
Daimler Trucks North America, LLCManufacturer number FL957View on NHTSA.gov
22V634000

SEATS:BARRIERS

Aug 19, 2022
7,561 units potentially affected
The defect: 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."
The risk: Occupants may collide with the front seat barriers with more force than intended during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The 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.
Daimler Trucks North America, LLCManufacturer number FL843View on NHTSA.gov
22V510000

SEATS; SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY

Jul 19, 2022
1,806 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: Cracked passenger seat frames may not adequately secure passengers in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The 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.
Daimler Trucks North America, LLCManufacturer number FL946View on NHTSA.gov
21V660000

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS

Aug 25, 2021
114 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: A damaged power steering hose can leak, and increase the risk of a fire.
The 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.
Daimler Trucks North America, LLCManufacturer number FL898View on NHTSA.gov
21V659000

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS

Aug 25, 2021
1,934 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: A worn power steering hose increases the risk of a fire.
The 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.
Daimler Trucks North America, LLCManufacturer number FL898View on NHTSA.gov
21V462000

SEATS

Jun 17, 2021
9 units potentially affected
The defect: Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Thomas Built Saf-T-Liner HDX School Buses. These school buses may have been manufactured with an incorrect passenger seat configuration that does not provide the proper amount of seat back protection. As such, these school buses fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 222, "School Bus Passenger Seating and Crash Protection."
The risk: In the event of a crash, the seats may not adequately protect the occupants, increasing the risk of injury.
The remedy: Dealers will replace the rear passenger seats, free of charge. No owner notification will be distributed, all units were repaired on August 12, 2021. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-892.
Daimler Trucks North America, LLCManufacturer number FL-892View on NHTSA.gov
21V327000

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:FUEL RAIL

May 7, 2021
1,262 units potentially affected
The defect: Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DNTA) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner HDX School Buses. The sealing washer may not seat correctly in the pilot bore holes, allowing the high pressure fuel rail assembly to leak.
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
The remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel rail and fuel lines, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on June 21, 2021. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-886.
Daimler Trucks North America, LLCManufacturer number FL-886View on NHTSA.gov
20V252000

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS; STRUCTURE:EMERGENCY:ESCAPE/EGRESS/EXIT

May 5, 2020
7,979 units potentially affected
The defect: 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."
The risk: Small lettering may be difficult for occupants to read, delaying the reaction time to open the exit, increasing the risk of injury.
The 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.
Daimler Trucks North America LLCManufacturer number FL-849View on NHTSA.gov
19V831000

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER

Nov 19, 2019
30 units potentially affected
The defect: Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Thomas Built Saf-T-Liner HDX school buses equipped with Detroit DD8 Engines and Allison Transmissions. The Flex-Plate/Torque Converter fasteners may have been insufficiently tightened.
The risk: The loose bolts can become lodged in the starter, disabling the bus, resulting in an evacuation in an uncontrolled traffic situation, increasing the risk of an injury.
The remedy: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and tighten the fasteners, as necessary, free of charge. DTNA issued owners an interim notification on December 13, 2019. The recall began August 7, 2020. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-839.
Daimler Trucks North America LLCManufacturer number FL-839View on NHTSA.gov
19V712000

SEATS

Oct 4, 2019
53,528 units potentially affected
The defect: 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."
The risk: The lack of impact absorption increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The 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.
Daimler Trucks North America LLCManufacturer number FL-832View on NHTSA.gov
19V444000

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:DISC

Jun 11, 2019
11,546 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: 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.
The 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.
Daimler Trucks North America LLCManufacturer number FL-818View on NHTSA.gov
18V914000

STEERING; STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY; SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM

Dec 19, 2018
73 units potentially affected
The defect: Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Thomas Built Saf-T-Liner HDX, C2, and EFX School Buses, equipped with Detroit Axle axles. The affected vehicles may have loose steering tie rod arm bolts.
The risk: Loose tie rod arm bolts may lead to separation of the tie rod arm, affecting vehicle steering, and increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: DTNA has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the steering arm and tie rod arm bolts for to make sure that they are properly tightened, installing new fasteners as necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 9, 2019. Owners may contact Daimler Trucks at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-802.
Daimler Trucks North America LLCManufacturer number FL-802View on NHTSA.gov
18V702000

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:DISC:CALIPER

Oct 5, 2018
1,532 units potentially affected
The defect: Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Thomas Built school buses Saf-T-Liner C2, Saf-T-Liner HDX and Saf-T-Liner EFX school buses. The brake caliper mounting bolts may have been insufficiently tightened.
The risk: Loose brake caliper mounting bolts can reduce brake effectiveness, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: DTNA has notified owners, and dealers will check and tighten the brake caliper mounting bolts, free of charge. The recall began December 3, 2018. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-794.
Daimler Trucks North America LLCManufacturer number FL-794View on NHTSA.gov
18V560000

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

Aug 23, 2018
84 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: 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.
The 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.
Daimler Trucks North America LLCManufacturer number FL785View on NHTSA.gov
18V352000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER

May 29, 2018
2,767 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: If the brake caliper mounting bolts come loose, braking performance may be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.
Daimler Trucks North America LLCManufacturer number FL-772View on NHTSA.gov
18V253000

SEATS

Apr 19, 2018
23,102 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: 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.
The 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.
Daimler Trucks North America LLCManufacturer number FL-769View on NHTSA.gov
18V254000

SEATS

Apr 19, 2018
24 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: 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.
The 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.
Daimler Trucks North America LLCManufacturer number FL-769View on NHTSA.gov
18V193000

SEATS

Mar 26, 2018
6 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: 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.
The 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.
Daimler Trucks North America LLCManufacturer number FL-763View on NHTSA.gov
18V192000

SEATS

Mar 26, 2018
6,606 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: 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.
The 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.
Daimler Trucks North America LLCManufacturer number FL-763View on NHTSA.gov
17V589000

SEATS

Sep 21, 2017
28 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: Without the reinforcement bracket, the seat may not remain adequately secured, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
The 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.
Daimler Trucks North America LLCManufacturer number FL-747View on NHTSA.gov
17V587000

SEATS

Sep 21, 2017
53 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: Without the reinforcement bracket, the seat may not be adequately secured, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
The 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.
Daimler Trucks North America LLCManufacturer number FL-747View on NHTSA.gov
17V313000

SEATS

May 11, 2017
1,132 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: Without under-rail washers, in the event of a crash, the seats may come loose, increasing the risk of injury.
The 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.
Daimler Trucks North America LLCManufacturer number FL-737View on NHTSA.gov
17V317000

SEAT BELTS

May 11, 2017
152 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: 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.
The 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.
Daimler Trucks North America LLCManufacturer number FL-736View on NHTSA.gov
17V314000

SEAT BELTS

May 11, 2017
46 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: 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.
The 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.
Daimler Trucks North America LLCManufacturer number FL-736View on NHTSA.gov
17V125000

STEERING:LINKAGES

Feb 27, 2017
149 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: The loose pinch bolt may result in a loss of steering and vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.
Daimler Trucks North America LLCManufacturer number FL-733View on NHTSA.gov
17V126000

STEERING:LINKAGES

Feb 27, 2017
6 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: The loose pinch bolt may result in a loss of steering and vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.
Daimler Trucks North America LLCManufacturer number FL-733View 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.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources