2009 Thomas Built Buses SAF-T-LINER C2: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
2 owner complaints analyzed
21 distinct recall campaigns
181,158 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2009 model year. Data updated: . 2 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.
Most common problems
Unknown Or Other is the most frequently named component, appearing in 2 of 2 complaints (100.0%). A complaint can name multiple components.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Unknown Or Other | 2 |
Unknown Or Other: 2
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 0 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 0 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 0 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 0 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 2 |
Under 25,000: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 2
150,000 and above miles has the most reports with usable mileage (2). 0 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2019 | 2 |
2019: 2
Pattern summary
Unknown Or Other leads the component reports. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11171951 · 2019-01-24 (January 24, 2019)
THIS SCHOOL BUS USES A PLASTIC ELBOW TO CONNECT A COOLANT LINE TO THE REAR HEATER INSIDE THE BUS. THE ELBOW IS CRACKING AND OR FAILING WHICH ALLOWS HOT COOLANT IN THE BUS BODY INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE PASSENGERS.. THE BUS IS GENERALLY IN MOTION AND THE HEADER ON WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURS. *DT*JB
Owner-reported narrative. 171,651 miles reported. Look up ODI 11171951 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11171958 · 2019-01-24 (January 24, 2019)
THIS SCHOOL BUS USES A PLASTIC ELBOW TO CONNECT A COOLANT LINE TO THE REAR HEATER INSIDE THE BUS. THE ELBOW IS CRACKING AND OR FAILING WHICH ALLOWS HOT COOLANT IN THE BUS BODY INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE PASSENGERS. THE BUS IS GENERALLY IN MOTION AND THE HEADER ON WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURS.*DT
Owner-reported narrative. 190,664 miles reported. Look up ODI 11171958 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
21 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
08V602000 · Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights
Reported: 2008-11-19 (November 19, 2008)
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.
Consequence: INOPERATIVE BRAKE LAMPS WOULD NOT PROVIDE A SIGNAL TO FOLLOWING DRIVERS THAT THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED AND A CRASH MAY OCCUR.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗09V010000 · Structure:Body:Door:Hinge And Attachments
Reported: 2009-01-08 (January 8, 2009)
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.
Consequence: IT MAY BE POSSIBLE FOR ITEMS SUCH AS DRAWSTRINGS AND STRAPS TO BECOME CAUGHT ON THE HANDRAILS POTENTIALLY LEADING TO INJURY OR DEATH.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗09V344000 · Structure:Body:Door
Reported: 2009-09-02 (September 2, 2009)
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.
Consequence: SEPARATION OF THE DOOR GLASS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN OPERATION COULD CREATE A ROAD HAZARD, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗09V458000 · Suspension:Rear
Reported: 2009-12-01 (December 1, 2009)
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.
Consequence: LOOSE OR MISSING FASTENERS MAY ALLOW THE REAR SUSPENSION TO BECOME MISALIGNED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗09V460000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Reported: 2009-12-01 (December 1, 2009)
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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗09V461000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Pedals And Linkages
Reported: 2009-12-01 (December 1, 2009)
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.
Consequence: A LOOSE BRAKE PEDAL INCREASES THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗10V100000 · Structure:Body:Door
Reported: 2010-03-16 (March 16, 2010)
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.
Consequence: MALFUNCTIONING WARNING LIGHTS DURING THE LOADING AND UNLOADING PROCESS COULD PUT THE STUDENTS AT RISK OF INJURY.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗10V177000 · Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights:Switch
Reported: 2010-04-30 (April 30, 2010)
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.
Consequence: THE STOP LAMPS MAY NOT PROPERLY INDICATE THAT THE SERVICE BRAKES ARE APPLIED WHICH MAY LEAD TO A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗10V340000 · Engine And Engine Cooling
Reported: 2010-07-27 (July 27, 2010)
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.
Consequence: A SHORT CIRCUITED GRID HEATER COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE AND INJURY TO VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗10V468000 · Engine And Engine Cooling
Reported: 2010-10-08 (October 8, 2010)
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.
Consequence: 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.
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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗11V172000 · Engine And Engine Cooling
Reported: 2011-03-15 (March 15, 2011)
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.
Consequence: 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.
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).
NHTSA campaign record ↗11V222000 · Equipment:Appliance:Air Conditioner
Reported: 2011-04-06 (April 6, 2011)
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.
Consequence: IF SUFFICIENT ARCING OCCURS, THE FUSE HOLDER MAY MELT, AND A VEHICLE FIRE MAY OCCUR.
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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗11V505000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Reported: 2011-10-18 (October 18, 2011)
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.
Consequence: A BRAKE FLUID LEAK MAY REDUCE BRAKING PERFORMANCE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗12V225000 · Equipment Adaptive/Mobility
Reported: 2012-05-17 (May 17, 2012)
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.
Consequence: 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 WHEELCHAIRS OCCUPANT COULD FALL AND SUSTAIN INJURY.
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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗12V226000 · Equipment Adaptive/Mobility
Reported: 2012-05-17 (May 17, 2012)
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.
Consequence: 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 WHEELCHAIRS OCCUPANT COULD FALL AND SUSTAIN INJURY.
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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗15V425000 · Structure:Body:Door
Reported: 2015-07-06 (July 6, 2015)
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.
Consequence: 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.
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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗15V432000 · Structure:Body:Door
Reported: 2015-07-07 (July 7, 2015)
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.
Consequence: 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.
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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗15V565000 · Equipment Adaptive/Mobility
Reported: 2015-09-04 (September 4, 2015)
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.
Consequence: 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.
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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗17V453000 · Equipment
Reported: 2017-07-17 (July 17, 2017)
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.
Consequence: In the event of a crash, an unsecured wheelchair may increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗17V454000 · Equipment
Reported: 2017-07-17 (July 17, 2017)
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.
Consequence: In the event of a crash, an unsecured wheelchair may increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗18V083000 · Equipment
Reported: 2018-01-30 (January 30, 2018)
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
Consequence: In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗Vehicle analysis explorer
Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.
Data completeness
2 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.
Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.
Problems by model year
Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.
| Component | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unknown Or Other | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. |
| Structure:Body | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 2100.0%ODI 11195591 · 55,000 miWINDOW FRAMES CRACK AND BREAK LEAVING EXPOSED SHARP METAL EDGES AND HOLES FOR STUDENT RIDERS TO PLACE FINGERS IN, CAUSING INJURY. THE WINDOW FRAME MATERIAL IS A PLASTIC/VINYL PRODUCT THAT CRACKS AND/OR BREAKS UNDER EXTREME COLD OR HOT CONDITIONS. THERE ARE 10 CRACKED OR BROKEN WINDOWS IN THIS BUS AS OF 4/11/2019. *AS CONSUMER STATED AS OF 6/24/19 ALL BUSES ARE HAVING TROUBLE WITH THE THOMAS BUS WINDOWS, ALSO.*JB | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 1100.0%ODI 11084351 · 2,100 miA 2018 THOMAS BUILT TYPE C SCHOOL BUS WAS TRAVELING AT A SPEED OF APPROXIMATELY 42 MPH ON A CITY/URBAN STREET WITH 5 PASSENGERS, PLUS THE OPERATOR ON BOARD. A TREE FELL AND STRUCK THE BUS NEAR, OR ON, THE RIGHT FRONT WINDSHIELD/ROOF AREA. THIS IMPACT CAUSED THE ENTIRE ROOF AREA TO COLLAPSE WITH SEVERE DAMAGE THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE LENGTH OF THE BUS. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. |
| Parking Brake | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. |
| Seats | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. |
| Electrical System | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. |
| Lane Departure: Blind Spot Detection | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 1100.0%ODI 11440627This is a preventative complaint. In my opinion, all the Thomas Saf-T-Liner C2 school buses have a serious blind spot due to the location of the driver's side mirrors. When pulling up to an intersection, or stop sign, the driver has to bend forward and backward to see past the mirror for oncoming traffic. I brought this issue up earlier with the manufacturer representative, and he said they would look into it, but no changes have been made or any retro-fit kits to move mirrors. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. |
Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.
Failure mileage by component
Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.
| Component | Mileage range (25th–75th percentile) | Median | Usable records | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unknown Or Other | Too few reports for a range | 181,158 mi | 2 (sparse) | ODI 11171951 · 171,651 miTHIS SCHOOL BUS USES A PLASTIC ELBOW TO CONNECT A COOLANT LINE TO THE REAR HEATER INSIDE THE BUS. THE ELBOW IS CRACKING AND OR FAILING WHICH ALLOWS HOT COOLANT IN THE BUS BODY INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE PASSENGERS.. THE BUS IS GENERALLY IN MOTION AND THE HEADER ON WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURS. *DT*JB ODI 11171958 · 190,664 miTHIS SCHOOL BUS USES A PLASTIC ELBOW TO CONNECT A COOLANT LINE TO THE REAR HEATER INSIDE THE BUS. THE ELBOW IS CRACKING AND OR FAILING WHICH ALLOWS HOT COOLANT IN THE BUS BODY INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE PASSENGERS. THE BUS IS GENERALLY IN MOTION AND THE HEADER ON WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURS.*DT |
Complaint and recall timeline
Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.
Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.
Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
| Month | Complaints | Campaigns announced | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-11 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2024-12 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-01 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-02 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-03 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-04 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-05 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-06 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-07 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-08 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-09 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-10 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-11 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-12 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-01 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-02 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-03 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-04 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-05 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-06 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-07 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-08 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-09 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-10 (partial) | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
Emerging complaint spikes
Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.
This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.
No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.
Equal-age model-year comparison
Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.
2022: 0 complaints · 2023: 0 complaints
| Model year | Through age 0 | Through age 1 | Through age 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Date coverage across each selected cohort
| Year | Incident dates used | Filing date fallbacks | Excluded dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 2023 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.
Components reported together
Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.
| Component | Unknown Or Other |
|---|---|
| Unknown Or Other | — |
Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.
Recurring narrative patterns
Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.
0 patterns with matching reports.
No narratives match the published patterns.