2008 Thomas Built Buses SAF-T-Liner C2 Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Problem: 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

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

Fix: 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.

Problem: 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.

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

Fix: 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 for this recall is FL-743.

Problem: 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.

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

Fix: 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 recall is FL-743.

Problem: 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.

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.

Fix: 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.

Problem: 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.

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.

Fix: 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.

Problem: 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.

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.

Fix: 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.

Problem: 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.

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 wheelchairâ’s occupant could fall and sustain injury.

Fix: 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.

Problem: 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.

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 wheelchairâ’s occupant could fall and sustain injury.

Fix: 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.

Problem: 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 engine may rub on the hydraulic brake lines potentially resulting in brake fluid leak.

Risk: A brake fluid leak may reduce braking performance increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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 dtna at 1-800-547-0712.

Problem: 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.

Risk: If sufficient arcing occurs, the fuse holder may melt, and a vehicle fire may occur.

Fix: 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.

Problem: 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 are equipped with load range "e" tires that require a higher minimum tire pressure. Accordingly, these buses fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 120, "tire selection and rims for motor vehicles other than passenger cars."

Risk: Incorrect tire information may lead to vehicle overloading that can result in a tire failure which may lead to a vehicle crash.

Fix: 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 recall is expected to begin on or about may 28, 2011.

Problem: 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.

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.

Fix: 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).

Problem: 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.

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.

Fix: 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.

Problem: 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 excessive internal temperatures.

Risk: A short circuited grid heater could result in a vehicle fire and injury to vehicle occupants.

Fix: 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.

Problem: 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.

Risk: The stop lamps may not properly indicate that the service brakes are applied which may lead to a crash without warning.

Fix: 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.

Problem: 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 arm to operate improperly during student loading and unloading.

Risk: Malfunctioning warning lights during the loading and unloading process could put the students at risk of injury.

Fix: 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.

Problem: 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. Under torqued fasteners may become loose and potentially fall out.

Risk: Loose or missing fasteners may allow the rear suspension to become misaligned, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

Problem: 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 heater. The front right hand crossover brake line may have been secured using shorter offset than specified clamps potentially allowing the brake line to rub on the surrounding components. This may lead to a brake fluid leak.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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 daimler trucks toll-free at 1-800-547-0712.

Problem: 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 rotate around its shaft and swing in front of the accelerator pedal, reducing braking function.

Risk: A loose brake pedal increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

Problem: 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.

Risk: Separation of the door glass while the vehicle is in operation could create a road hazard, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.

Fix: 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.

Problem: 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.

Risk: It may be possible for items such as drawstrings and straps to become caught on the handrails potentially leading to injury or death.

Fix: 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.

Problem: 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 contaminated by silicone during assembly causing insulating deposits to build up over time preventing the brake lamps from operating.

Risk: Inoperative brake lamps would not provide a signal to following drivers that the brakes are applied and a crash may occur.

Fix: 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.

Problem: 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 drive mechanism causing the protective finish to chip and flake. Continued corrosion and pitting weakens the handle. Handles weakened by corrosion may break while trying to open the door from the exterior.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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 thomas built at 336-889-4871.

Problem: 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 conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 217, bus emergency exits and window retention and release.

Risk: Improperly identified emergency exits may hinder evacuation efforts.

Fix: 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.

Problem: 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 over or under tightened.

Risk: Incorrectly tightened steering arm fasteners may fatigue and fracture which could cause a crash without warning.

Fix: 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.

Problem: 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.

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.

Fix: 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.

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.