2023 THOMAS BUILT BUSES SAF-T-LINER C2

12 recalls — 0 complaints — 13 TSBs

STRUCTURE:EMERGENCY:ESCAPE/EGRESS/EXIT

Defect Description

Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 and 2024-2025 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 Jouley school buses. The audible emergency warning alarm sounds may not activate when the emergency hatch or window is open. As such, these vehi... Read more

Consequence

An inaudible alarm that fails to warn the driver of an open emergency exit can increase the risk of injury in a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the emergency sound software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 22, 2024. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is F1004.

162 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Daimler Trucks North America, LLC

STRUCTURE:EMERGENCY:ESCAPE/EGRESS/EXIT:LATCHING/RELEASE SYSTEM

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.

Consequence

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

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.

20,668 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Daimler Trucks North America, LLC

STRUCTURE:EMERGENCY:ESCAPE/EGRESS/EXIT:LATCHING/RELEASE SYSTEM

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.

Consequence

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

Remedy

173 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Daimler Trucks North America, LLC

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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 l... Read more

Consequence

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

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.

380 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Daimler Trucks North America, LLC

STRUCTURE:BODY

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 t... Read more

Consequence

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

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.

23,590 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Daimler Trucks North America, LLC

STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY

Defect Description

Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2023 Thomas Built Buses SAF-T-LINER SAF-T-LINER C2 Jouley, Thomas Built Buses SAF-T-LINER EFX, Thomas Built Buses SAF-T-Liner HDX, Thomas Built Buses Chassis and 2023-2024 School Bus Chassis school buses. The tie rod may be missing a fas... Read more

Consequence

A detached steering arm can result in a sudden loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

DTNA will inspect and repair or replace the tie rod assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 11, 2023. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL970.

48 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Daimler Trucks North America, LLC

STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY

Defect Description

Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2022 FCCC Shuttle Chassis, 2022-2023 FCCC RV Chassis, FCCC Van Chassis, Van Chassis Gas, 2023 Freightliner Cascadia, Freightliner Business Class M2, Thomas Built Bus School Bus Chassis, Western Star 4700, Western Star 47X, Western Star 49... Read more

Consequence

A detached steering arm can result in a sudden loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

306 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Daimler Trucks North America, LLC

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY

Defect Description

Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2023 Thomas Built Buses SAF-T-LINER C2 JOULEY school buses. An insufficient connection in the battery pack may cause the battery management system to shut down unexpectedly.

Consequence

An unexpected shut down can result in a sudden loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the battery pack, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 14, 2023. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-960.

151 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Daimler Trucks North America, LLC

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)

Defect Description

Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2023 Thomas Built Saf-T-Liner HDX and Saf-T-Liner C2 school buses. The engine control module (ECM) may experience an internal short-circuit, which can result in an unexpected engine shut down.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

Cummins will replace the ECM, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 26, 2022. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-949.

71 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Daimler Trucks North America, LLC

STRUCTURE:EMERGENCY:ESCAPE/EGRESS/EXIT

Defect Description

Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2023 Thomas Built Saf-T-Liner C2 School Buses. The buses may not have a sufficient number of emergency exits. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 217, "Bus Emergen... Read more

Consequence

An insufficient number of emergency exits can delay passengers from exiting the vehicle during an emergency, increasing their risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will add the emergency exit windows, as necessary, free of charge. All vehicles have been remedied. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL940.

3 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Daimler Trucks North America, LLC

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)

Defect Description

Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2019-2022 FCCC S2G and 2023 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 vehicles equipped with 8.8L LPG engines. The engine control module (ECM) may set a fault code that results in an unexpected engine shut down.

Consequence

Unexpected engine shut down can increase the risk of a crash.

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.

258 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Daimler Trucks North America, LLC

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)

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.

Consequence

Remedy

461 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Daimler Trucks North America, LLC

No complaints found for this vehicle.

Technical Service Bulletins — 2023 THOMAS BUILT BUSES SAF-T-LINER C2

13 manufacturer communications from 12 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

Component	Bulletins
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	4
980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER	3
220000 SEATS	2
200000 WHEELS	1
120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING	1
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	1
350000 EQUIPMENT	1

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Product Awareness Bulletin for NEW RESTRICTIONS FOR CARB OPT-IN DOMICILES

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Product Awareness Bulletin for NEW RESTRICTIONS FOR CARB OPT-IN DOMICILES

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Product Awareness Bulletin for NEW EXTENDED WARRANTY OPTIONS ??A?A?TOWING (revised)

220000 SEATS

Product Awareness Bulletin for SUSPENSION OF FREEDMAN SEATS TYPES C & D. Effective 1/27/2023, we are suspending Freedman Seat options for our Saf T Liner C2, eC2, HDX and EFX vehicles. Structural body changes now planned for 1/1/2024 implem

220000 SEATS

Product Awareness Bulletin for IMMI SABRE SafeGuard Belt Ready (SBR) SEATS. Beginning January 30, 2023 IMMI' s new Sabre seats will be available to select in RACE for use on all new orders for TBB products. The new SafeGuard Belt Ready (SBR

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Product Awareness Bulletin for NEW EXTENDED WARRANTY OPTIONS-TOWING.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Product Awareness Bulletin for Battery Option Updates - C2

350000 EQUIPMENT

Product Awareness Bulletin for First Light Fully Illuminated Stop Arms - Saf-T-Liner C2 and eC2

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Thomas Built Buses Service Bulletin for DEF Connector Reinforcement Caps. Some customers experience separation of the diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) lines from the connection ports in extreme cold temperatures. To prevent this, a process was de

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Product Awareness Bulletin for CUMMINS CNG POWERTRAIN DISCONTINUATION. Effective 12/15/2022, we will sundown the Cummins B6.7N compressed natural gas (CNG) powered engine options for our SafSaf-T-Liner C2.

120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Product Awareness Bulletin for WELDON LAMP SHORTAGE a??CONTAINMENT. Wea??ve been notified by Weldon that they are no longer able to provide LED lamp 162362. This light is across all product lines and this shortage will impact our production

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Product Awareness Bulletin for LOWER RADIATOR GUARD NOW OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT.

200000 WHEELS

Product Awareness Bulletin for Bridgestone Tires Discontinuation. As TBB continues to work through supply shortages that threaten delivery of vehicles, we will need to discontinue Bridgestonetires until further notice.

NHTSA Safety Investigations — THOMAS BUILT BUSES SAF-T-LINER C2

Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.

PE — Closed — Model Year: 2008

Rear Leaf Spring Fractures

On June 18, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE19-007 to investigate instances of leaf-style suspension springs fracturing in various model 2008-2018 Thomas Built Buses (TBB) school buses, which could lead to a road hazard if a piece of the leaf spring detaches from the vehicle... while driving. This investigation was prompted by ODI’s review of field reports in Daimler Truck North America's (DTNA) Early Warning Reporting (EWR) data, describing cracked rear leaf-style suspension springs in Thomas Built school buses. ODI contacted three municipal school bus fleets with subject vehicles. These fleets described similar failures where a fractured piece of leaf spring separated from the vehicle while driving. In addition, ODI contacted a nationwide school bus transportation service provider who identified several failures of this component. DTNA’s response to NHTSA’s Information Request (IR) in this investigation acknowledged that TBB school bus leaf springs may corrode and fracture. DTNA data provided in response to the IR did not show a high frequency of failures that result in portions of a cracked leaf spring detaching from the vehicle.In the response, the majority of the information concerned C2 springs. While the C2 represents approximately 71% of the sales, 136 of 141 warranty claims (97%) were for C2 buses, and 94% of all of the replacement parts sales were for C2 springs. In 2021, DTNA retained Exponent to assess reports of rear leaf spring fractures on TBB C2 school buses. As part of its assessment, Exponent inspected in-service buses and leaf springs, conducted material and metallurgical analyses of exemplar leaf springs, and analyzed manufacturer- and fleet-generated claims data. Exponent concluded based on its assessment that DTNA’s leaf springs are typical for the industry and within DTNA’s specification, and it found a low frequency of a cracked leaf springs detaching from vehicles. Exponent also asserted that it could not confirm any instance of detachment while driving, resulting in roadway debris. In 2022, in response to NHTSA’s ongoing investigation, Exponent conducted additional analysis of the metallurgical characteristics of new and used (in-service) subject leaf springs and reviewed data from a major nationwide school bus transportation provider that had obtained leaf spring replacements. Similar to its initial findings, Exponent determined that the leaf spring material specified by DTNA is commonly used for leaf springs and adheres to industry-adopted standards. Exponent’s metallurgical analysis also showed that DTNA’s springs are coated with a corrosion inhibitor. Exponent’s failure analysis of fractured leaf springs found that the fractures were due to fatigue crack initiation and growth, a common fracture mode for this component. Exponent’s inspection of in-service leaf springs found surface corrosion within the expected range. Exponent also found that corrosion pitting may play a role in fatigue crack initiation. Exponent’s analysis of DTNA warranty data found one claim in which part of the leaf spring was described as missing. Based on NHTSA’s investigation, including its careful review and assessment of the analysis provided by DTNA’s consultant Exponent, there is insufficient information at this time to conclude that a defect results in detached leaf springs creating a hazard for other roadway users. However, ODI does acknowledge that most roadway users encountering this type of debris would not know what it was or where it came from. For reporting purposes, using roadway debris as a measure could result in this issue being under-reported. Additionally, leaf springs are generally considered wear components that need routine inspection. If signs of corrosion or fracture are present, leaf springs should be immediately replaced. During NHTSA’s investigation, DTNA did share messaging with school bus fleets reminding them of the importance of routine and required inspection of school bus wear components, including leaf springs. Considering the nature of this component and available information, including the metallurgical analysis of DTNA’s in-use components and low rate of broken or missing leaf springs for the subject population, this Preliminary Evaluation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety‐related defect does not exist. The Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances.Read more

PE — Closed — Model Year: 2013

Blocked Fuel Delivery Resulting in Stall

ODI was made aware of multiple allegations of engine stall resulting from a loose barcode sticker in the fuel tank of certain model year (MY) 2012 Thomas Built Saf-T-Liner transit style buses manufactured by Thomas Built Buses, Inc. (TBB).The loose barcode sticker from a diesel powered cab heater (i... Read more

PE — Closed — Model Year: 2008

Inoperative 8-Way Warning Lamps

This investigation was opened after ODI received a complaint from a school bus fleet stating they had experienced warning lamps failing upon opening the front entrance door. After completing their evaluation, Daimler Trucks North America, the parent company of Freightliner and Thomas Built Buses, de... Read more

PE — Closed — Model Year: 2008

REAR SPRING TRAILING ARM BOLT LOOSE

THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED AFTER ODI WAS INFORMED BY TWO SCHOOL BUS FLEETS THAT THEY HAD FOUND LOOSE BOLTS ON THE REAR SUSPENSION TRAILING ARMS OF THE AIR RIDE SUSPENSION ON SEVERAL OF THEIR BUSES. ODI VISITED THE LOCAL DEALER AND CONFIRMED THE LOOSE BOLTS.IF THESE BOLTS FAIL AND SEPARATE, THE RE... Read more

PE — Closed — Model Year: 2008

DOOR GLASS DETACHMENT

THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED AFTER A FLEET NOTIFIED ODI THAT IT HAD LOST A FRONT DOOR GLASS PANEL WHILE THE BUS WAS BEING OPERATED.A FIELD INSPECTION REVEALED TWELVE MORE BUSES HAD LOOSE DOOR GLASS PANELS.ODI IS ALWAYS CONCERNED WITH OBJECTS THAT SEPARATE FROM VEHICLES AND COULD POSSIBLY STRIKE ANO... Read more

PE — Closed — Model Year: 2005

IMPROPER HANDRAIL INSTALLATION

THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED AFTERA SCHOOL BUS DISTRICT INFORMED ODI THAT DURING A NEW BUSINSPECTION THE HANDRAILS WERE FOUND TO BE MOUNTED TOO CLOSE TO THE BOTTOM STEP OF THE BUS AND FAILED THE DRAWSTRING TEST.(THE DRAWSTRING TEST WAS DEVELOPED IN THE EARLY 90'S TO ENSURE THAT CHILDREN'S DRAWSTRIN... Read more

PE — Closed — Model Year: 2005

INADVERTENT DOOR CLOSING

THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED BASED ON FOUR FLEETS CONTACTING ODI ALLEGING MULTIPLE EVENTS WHERE THE FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR UNEXPECTEDLY CLOSED WHILE LOADING AND DISCHARGING CHILDREN.WHEN THIS OCCURS, THE BUS WARNING LIGHTS (RED WARNING LAMPS AND STOP ARM LAMPS) ARE DE-ACTIVATED, SINCE THEY OPERATE OFF... Read more

THOMAS BUILT BUSES SAF-T-LINER C2 — All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the THOMAS BUILT BUSES SAF-T-LINER C2 across all model years (1995–2027).

430 Total Recalls

25 Total Complaints

7 Investigations

1 Reported Crashes

1 Reported Fires

0 Reported Deaths

THOMAS BUILT BUSES SAF-T-LINER C2 — Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year	Recalls	Complaints
2027	4	0	View
2026	5	0	View
2025	11	0	View
2024	12	0	View
2023 (current)	12	0
2022	12	3	View
2021	15	0	View
2020	16	1	View
2019	24	0	View
2018	22	1	View
2017	28	0	View
2016	25	0	View
2015	20	2	View
2014	18	0	View
2013	18	1	View
2012	16	3	View
2011	22	0	View
2010	22	1	View
2009	21	2	View
2008	27	6	View
2007	25	1	View
2006	21	2	View
2005	16	0	View
2004	5	0	View
2003	4	1	View
2002	2	1	View
2001	1	0	View
2000	1	0	View
1999	1	0	View
1998	1	0	View
1997	1	0	View
1996	1	0	View
1995	1	0	View

Other THOMAS BUILT BUSES Models

Model	Recalls	Complaints
C2	0	0	View
CL-960	0	0	View
CONVENTIONAL	0	0	View
EF	0	0	View
ER	0	0	View
FS-65	0	0	View
FS65	0	0	View
HDX	0	0	View