Model year record

2021 THOMAS BUILT BUSES SAF-T-Liner C2

15 recall campaigns on file for this model year. No owner complaints on file.

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 24V555000

Equipment: other: labels

Component
Equipment: other: labels
Manufacturer
Daimler Trucks North America, LLC
Vehicles affected
27,494
Reported to NHTSA
2024-07-24
Owners notified
2024-09-05

Defect description

Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain Thomas Built Buses 2019-2022 Saf-T-Liner C2, Saf-T-Liner EFX, Saf-T-Liner HDX, Minotour DRW, 2020-2022 Saf-T-Liner C2 Jouley, and Minotour SRW school buses. The Emergency Exit Label lettering is too small and may be difficult to read. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 217, "Bus Emergency Exits and Window Retention and Release."

Safety risk

Emergency exit labels that are difficult to read can prevent or delay the use of the emergency exit, increasing the risk of injury.

Manufacturer remedy

Dealers will correct the lettering, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 5, 2024. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL918.

Recall campaignNHTSA 23V669000

Structure: emergency: escape/egress/exit: latching/release system

Component
Structure: emergency: escape/egress/exit: latching/release system
Manufacturer
Daimler Trucks North America, LLC
Vehicles affected
20,668
Reported to NHTSA
2023-10-03
Owners notified
2023-12-01

Defect description

Daimler Trucks North America, LLC. (DTNA) is recalling certain 2019-2024 Thomas Built SAF-T-LINER C2 and 2020-2024 Thomas Built SAF-T-Liner Jouley school buses. The fasteners for the emergency exit door may loosen and detach, which can allow the emergency exit door to open unexpectedly.

Safety risk

An emergency exit door opening unexpectedly can increase the risk of an injury.

Manufacturer remedy

Dealers will inspect and tighten the fasteners for the emergency exit door, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 1, 2023. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL982.

Recall campaignNHTSA 23V670000

Structure: emergency: escape/egress/exit: latching/release system

Component
Structure: emergency: escape/egress/exit: latching/release system
Manufacturer
Daimler Trucks North America, LLC
Vehicles affected
173
Reported to NHTSA
2023-10-03
Owners notified
2023-12-01

Defect description

Daimler Trucks North America, LLC. (DTNA) is recalling certain 2019-2024 Thomas Built SAF-T-LINER C2 transit buses. The fasteners for the emergency exit door may loosen and detach, which can allow the emergency exit door to open unexpectedly.

Safety risk

An emergency exit door opening unexpectedly can increase the risk of an injury.

Manufacturer remedy

Dealers will inspect and tighten the fasteners for the emergency exit door, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 1, 2023. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL982.

Recall campaignNHTSA 23V209000

Electrical system

Component
Electrical system
Manufacturer
Daimler Trucks North America, LLC
Vehicles affected
380
Reported to NHTSA
2023-09-13
Owners notified
2023-10-18

Defect description

Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Thomas Built Bus SAF-TLINER C2 JOULEY school buses equipped with an automatic low voltage disconnect switch. The automatic low voltage disconnect switch may fail, resulting in a loss of drive power, power steering, or vehicle lighting.

Safety risk

A loss of drive power, power steering, or vehicle lighting can increase the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Dealers will remove the automatic low voltage disconnect switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 18, 2023. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL968.

Recall campaignNHTSA 23V333000

Structure: body

Component
Structure: body
Manufacturer
Daimler Trucks North America, LLC
Vehicles affected
23,590
Reported to NHTSA
2023-05-09
Owners notified
2023-12-19

Defect description

Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Thomas Built SAF-T-LINER C2 and 2021-2023 Thomas Built SAF-T-LINER C2 Jouley school buses.  A rear interior joint may have been manufactured incorrectly, resulting in 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 risk

A school bus with insufficient joint strength may not adequately protect passengers in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Manufacturer remedy

Dealers will add additional fasteners to secure the joints, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2023. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-574-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL973.

Recall campaignNHTSA 22V438000

Engine and engine cooling: engine: engine control module (ECU/ECM)

Component
Engine and engine cooling: engine: engine control module (ECU/ECM)
Manufacturer
Daimler Trucks North America, LLC
Vehicles affected
461
Reported to NHTSA
2022-06-20
Owners notified
2022-10-28

Defect description

Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Thomas Built C2 Saf-T-Liner school buses equipped with 8.8L LPG engines. The engine control module (ECM) may set a fault code that results in an unexpected engine shut down.

Safety risk

Unexpected engine shut down can increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, a disabled school bus may require an evacuation procedure in an uncontrolled traffic situation, increasing the risk of injury to passengers.

Manufacturer remedy

Dealers will update the ECM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 28, 2022. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL942.

Recall campaignNHTSA 21V547000

Parking brake: electrical: switch

Component
Parking brake: electrical: switch
Manufacturer
Daimler Trucks North America, LLC
Vehicles affected
267
Reported to NHTSA
2021-07-20
Owners notified
2021-09-14

Defect description

Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Thomas Built C2 Saf-T-Liner school buses. The parking brake activation switch may fail to set the parking brake.

Safety risk

Unintended movement of the vehicle increases the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

DTNA will update the Dash Electronic Control Unit (DECU ) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 14, 2021. Owners may contact DTNA's customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-896.

Recall campaignNHTSA 21V370000

Steering: linkages: tie rod assembly

Component
Steering: linkages: tie rod assembly
Manufacturer
Daimler Trucks North America, LLC
Vehicles affected
479
Reported to NHTSA
2021-05-19
Owners notified
2021-12-23

Defect description

Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Thomas Built Saf-T-Liner HDX School Buses and Saf-T-Liner C2 School Buses. The tie rod clamps may be loose, which could result in loose tie rod ends that could break or detach.

Safety risk

Detached or broken tie rod ends can result in steering loss, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Dealers will replace the tie rod clamp bolts and nuts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 23, 2021. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-888.

Recall campaignNHTSA 21V255000

Steering: critical fasteners

Component
Steering: critical fasteners
Manufacturer
Daimler Trucks North America, LLC
Vehicles affected
1,252
Reported to NHTSA
2021-04-12
Owners notified
2021-06-10

Defect description

Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2, Saf-T-Liner EFX, and Saf-T-Liner HDX school buses. The steering arm and tie rod bolts may have a defective seam that can fracture.

Safety risk

A fractured bolt may cause a loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the tie rod arm bolts and steering arm, free of charge. The recall began on June 10, 2021. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-884.

Recall campaignNHTSA 21V207000

Tires: valve

Component
Tires: valve
Manufacturer
Daimler Trucks North America, LLC
Vehicles affected
22
Reported to NHTSA
2021-03-24
Owners notified
2021-05-19

Defect description

Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2021 Thomas Built C2 Saf-T-Liner School Buses. The tire valve stem extension may be damaged by contact with disc brake caliper.

Safety risk

A damaged tire valve stem may cause a loss of tire pressure, increasing the risk of a crash. A disabled bus may require passengers to transfer to a different bus on the side of the road, increasing the risk of injury.

Manufacturer remedy

DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the valve stems, free of charge. This recall is expected to begin on May 22, 2021. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-882.

Recall campaignNHTSA 21V120000

Engine and engine cooling: engine: engine control module (ECU/ECM): software

Component
Engine and engine cooling: engine: engine control module (ECU/ECM): software
Manufacturer
Daimler Trucks North America, LLC
Vehicles affected
159
Reported to NHTSA
2021-02-25
Owners notified
2021-03-29

Defect description

Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 school buses equipped with Cummins B6.7N engines. The engine control module software may be calibrated incorrectly, causing the engine to not limit engine speed or torque as intended for certain safety-related functions such as vehicle braking, traction and stability control, speed control, or collision avoidance.

Safety risk

If safety-related functions such as vehicle braking, stability, speed, and collision avoidance do not function properly, it can increase the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

DTNA will work with the engine manufacturer Cummins Inc. to notify owners, and Cummins dealers will recalibrate the engine control module, free of charge. Owner notifications were mailed on March 29, 2021. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA number for this recall is FL-879.

Recall campaignNHTSA 20V787000

Parking brake: conventional: air

Component
Parking brake: conventional: air
Manufacturer
Daimler Trucks North America, LLC
Vehicles affected
28
Reported to NHTSA
2020-12-16
Owners notified
2021-01-22

Defect description

Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2021 Thomas Built Saf-T-Liner C2 Jouley electric school buses. If the service brake pedal is pressed and then released while the parking brake is engaged, the parking brake may release unexpectedly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 121, "Air Brake Systems."

Safety risk

An unexpected disengagement of the parking brake without continual application of the service brake may allow the vehicle to roll freely, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Manufacturer remedy

DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will update the electronic control unit (ECU) software, free of charge. The recall began January 22, 2021. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-745-8000. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-870.

Recall campaignNHTSA 20V435000

Service brakes

Component
Service brakes
Manufacturer
Daimler Trucks North America LLC
Vehicles affected
1,713
Reported to NHTSA
2020-07-28
Owners notified
2021-02-17

Defect description

Daimler Trucks North America, LLC. (DTNA) is recalling certain 2021 Saf-T-Liner C2 School Buses. The adjustable brake pedal arm may rotate from its original location due to an incorrect fit between the pedal adjustment tube and the upper brake arm casting.

Safety risk

A brake pedal that rotates out of position increases the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will install a new brake pedal assembly, free of charge. DTNA issued owners an interim notification on September 22, 2020. The recall began February 17, 2021. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-857.

Recall campaignNHTSA 20V113000

Other: school bus stop arm assembly

Component
Other: school bus stop arm assembly
Manufacturer
Daimler Trucks North America LLC
Vehicles affected
6,010
Reported to NHTSA
2020-02-26
Owners notified
2020-04-15

Defect description

Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2017-2020 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 school buses configured with a specific Switch Hub Module (part numbers 204803 and 216434) combined with a 500k Bulk Head Module and a certain 3-position momentary switch warning light package. The Switch Hub Module (SHM) that controls the exterior warning lights and stop sign may fail, resulting in deactivation of the red warning lights, stop sign and system indicator.

Safety risk

If the exterior warning lights and stop sign indicator stop working, other drivers may inadvertently proceed driving before the school bus loading/unloading of students is complete, increasing the risk of an injury.

Manufacturer remedy

DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will update the SHM, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2020. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-844.

Recall campaignNHTSA 19V869000

Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: fan

Component
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: fan
Manufacturer
Daimler Trucks North America LLC
Vehicles affected
145
Reported to NHTSA
2019-12-06
Owners notified
2020-01-16

Defect description

Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Thomas Built Saf-T-Liner C2 school buses equipped with Detroit Diesel DD5 engines. The fan hub bolts may have been may have been insufficiently tightened.

Safety risk

The loose bolts can cause the fan to damage surrounding components and/or detach from the engine, disabling the bus and resulting in an evacuation in an uncontrolled traffic situation, thereby increasing the risk of an injury.

Manufacturer remedy

DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and repair the fan hub bolts, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 16, 2020. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-841.

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

No complaints recorded for this model year.

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.