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2009 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 problems

It has 2.0 times the complaints of a typical Saf-T-Liner C2 model year.

Typical year2.0x the typical complaints
Owner complaints
2
Recalls
21
Service bulletins
172

The worst 2009 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Recalls 21

EquipmentReported January 30, 2018 · 606 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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:
Risk
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.

Recall number 18V083000 · Recall details

EquipmentReported July 17, 2017 · 1,462 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
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.

Recall number 17V453000 · Recall details

EquipmentReported July 17, 2017 · 32 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
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.

Recall number 17V454000 · Recall details

Equipment adaptive/mobilityReported September 4, 2015 · 4,334 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
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.

Recall number 15V565000 · Recall details

Structure: body: doorReported July 7, 2015 · 103,038 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
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.

Recall number 15V432000 · Recall details

Structure: body: doorReported July 6, 2015 · 3,013 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
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.

Recall number 15V425000 · Recall details

Equipment adaptive/mobilityReported May 17, 2012 · 890 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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 wheelchair’s 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.

Recall number 12V225000 · Recall details

Equipment adaptive/mobilityReported May 17, 2012 · 100 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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 wheelchair’s 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.

Recall number 12V226000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulicReported October 18, 2011 · 700 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
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.

Recall number 11V505000 · Recall details

Equipment: appliance: air conditionerReported April 6, 2011 · 6,831 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
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.

Recall number 11V222000 · Recall details

Engine and engine coolingReported March 15, 2011 · 475 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
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).

Recall number 11V172000 · Recall details

Engine and engine coolingReported October 8, 2010 · 2,687 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
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.

Recall number 10V468000 · Recall details

Engine and engine coolingReported July 27, 2010 · 5,445 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
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.

Recall number 10V340000 · Recall details

Exterior lighting: brake lights: switchReported April 30, 2010 · 6,548 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
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.

Recall number 10V177000 · Recall details

Structure: body: doorReported March 16, 2010 · 9,588 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Dtna has notified the federal safety agency 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.
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.

Recall number 10V100000 · Recall details

Suspension: rearReported December 1, 2009 · 3,739 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
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.

Recall number 09V458000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulicReported December 1, 2009 · 602 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
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.

Recall number 09V460000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulic: pedals and linkagesReported December 1, 2009 · 2,631 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
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.

Recall number 09V461000 · Recall details

Structure: body: doorReported September 2, 2009 · 15,123 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
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.

Recall number 09V344000 · Recall details

Structure: body: door: hinge and attachmentsReported January 8, 2009 · 22,206 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
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.

Recall number 09V010000 · Recall details

Exterior lighting: brake lightsReported November 19, 2008 · 15,686 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
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.

Recall number 08V602000 · Recall details

See all 21 recalls for the 2009 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2

Defect investigations

Rear Leaf Spring FracturesOpened June 18, 2019, closed October 17, 2023

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 the federal safety agency’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 the federal safety agency’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 the federal safety agency’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 the federal safety agency’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 the federal safety agency that a safety‐related defect does not exist. The Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances.

PE19007

Brake Line ChafingOpened September 12, 2011, closed January 30, 2012

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a complaint alleging brake fluid loss caused by a ruptured brake line that had chafed against a wire harness in the engine compartment of the complainant?s vehicle.It was determined that the chafing was caused by contact between the convoluted tubing covering the fuel supply line and the metal brake lines.This issue only affects units with a Caterpillar (CAT) C7 engine and a fuel water separator mounted in a specific location on the frame rail.Not all units with CAT engines were equipped with fuel water separators, but all units with CAT engines and a fuel water separator have them mounted in the same location.Units with other engines have a different fuel supply line routing and are not affected by this defect.Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) submitted a recall notice on 18 October 2011 involving seven-hundred (700) model year (MY) 2005-2009 vehicles.In its notice, DTNA provided an explanation that MY2010 vehicles were not built with CAT C7 engines and, that of the model years that were built with C7 engines, only 700 had fuel water separators.All 700 such vehicles are included in this recall.DTNA's announcement of a safety recall addresses ODI's concerns.The recall remedy involves replacement of any damaged brake lines and rerouting as needed.This investigation is closed.The ODI report cited above can be reviewed at www-odi.the federal safety agency.dot.gov/owners/Searchreference under the following identification (ODI) number: 10383939

PE11032

Stop Lamps IntermittentOpened February 3, 2010, closed May 23, 2010

This investigation was opened after ODI was contacted by a fleet alleging that in certain situations, such as a light brake peal application during a low speed operation, the brake lamps fail to illuminate on the rear of the bus.ODI confirmed the problem with two fleets.On April 29, 2010, Daimler filed a defect report concerning this issue. The stop lamps may be intermittent during light brake applications.They are still evaluating the remedial program and will furnish this information to ODI when it is available. This safety recallresolves the issue raised by this investigation. Hence, this investigation is closed.

PE10007

Inoperative 8-Way Warning LampsOpened January 20, 2010, closed April 5, 2010

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, decided to conduct a safety recall to replace the reed switch on the front entrance door with a more robust switch. All repairs will be made by Thomas Built Buses dealers and direct warranty customers. The action taken by Daimler and Thomas Built Buses resolves this investigation. Accordingly, this investigation is closed.

PE10003

Rear spring trailing arm bolt looseOpened October 7, 2009, closed January 7, 2010

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 rear suspension can shift, allowing the rear end housing to move forward or backward.this could have a detrimental impact on vehicle control.in late november2009, daimlerfiled a safety recall (09v‑458) outlining theirremedy program.daimler will inspect and torque all the rear suspension fasteners as needed.a copy of the recall notification is attached. The action taken by daimler resolves this investigation.accordingly, this investigation is closed.

PE09050

Door glass detachmentOpened May 21, 2009, closed September 24, 2009

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 another vehicle or hit a pedestrian.odi's findings were relayed to daimler and they commenced an investigation.daimler will conduct a safety recall to correct this condition on approximately 13,945 buses. Daimler believes that the entrance door glass may be inadequately bonded to the door frame.daimler will notify the agency in the near further as to what corrective action they plan to take.this resolves the issues raised by this investigation and thereforethis investigation is closed.

PE09027

Improper handrail installationOpened December 3, 2008, closed January 15, 2009

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 drawstrings would not get caught in the handrail while exiting the bus.)several other new buses were inspected and they also failed the test. Daimler took immediate action to confirm the problem and determine the scope. Odi has a prior history with this type of failure and opened a pe to further evaluate the report. Of particular concern was the scope of the improper handrail installations.during the investigation, odi visited school bus fleets andarea dealers and inspected suspect buses.odi found that there were inconsistencies with the mounting of the lower portion of the handrails.this resulted in inadequate clearances between the last step and the bulkhead (wall of the bus), creating a place for a drawstring to become entangled.these findings were relayed back to daimler/thomas built buses.after discussions with odi and further review of the field incidents, daimler decided to conduct a safety recall.they will order the inspection of suspect buses and repairs, as necessary, to ensure proper installation of the handrails on the affected vehicles.this recall resolves the issues raised by this investigation. Therefore, this investigation is closed.

PE08068

Technical service bulletins for the 2009 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 172

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 172 bulletins for the 2009 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2

What 2009 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jan 24, 2019 · 190,664 miles · NC

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.

Filed Jan 24, 2019 · 171,651 miles · NC

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

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Questions about the 2009 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2

Is the 2009 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 reliable?

Owners have filed 2 complaints about the 2009 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2, 2.0 times a typical Saf-T-Liner C2 model year.

What is the most common problem with the 2009 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2?

There are not enough complaints to tell.

How many recalls does the 2009 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 have?

21 recalls, covering equipment, equipment adaptive/mobility and structure.

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