2010 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner HDX problems

What is wrong

Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2010-2020 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner HDX school buses. The lettering on the instruction label for the rear emergency exit window may be too small. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 217, "Bus Emergency Exits and Window Retention and Release."

Risk

Small lettering may be difficult for occupants to read, delaying the reaction time to open the exit, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

DTNA will notify owners and mail a new label to attach to the exit window by first class mail, free of charge. DTNA issued owners an interim notification on June 17, 2020. The recall began September 10, 2020. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1‑800‑547‑0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-849.

Recall number 20V252000 · Recall details

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

What is wrong

Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2006-2015 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner HDX, Saf-T-Liner EF, Saf-T-Liner EFX, and Minotour DRW transit 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 on November 2, 2015. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1‑800‑745‑8000. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-686.

Recall number 15V564000 · Recall details

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

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

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

What is wrong

Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2008-2015 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner HDX school buses manufactured May 25, 2008, to December 18, 2014, and equipped with certain Cummins Westport ISL G engines. Excessive engine crankcase pressures may cause the 90-degree elbow of the vent tube assembly to detach from the crankcase ventilation breather, possibly allowing engine oil to come into contact with hot surfaces.

Risk

If engine oil comes into contact with a hot surface, there is an increased risk of a fire.

Remedy

Cummins will notify owners on behalf of DTNA, and dealers secure the ends of the 90-degree elbow. In addition, the electronic control module (ECM) will be reprogrammed with software that can adjust the engine output under misfire conditions to limit crankcase pressures. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on June 12, 2015. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1‑800‑745‑8000, or Cummins customer service at 1‑800‑343‑7357. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-681.

Recall number 15V344000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Daimler Trucks North America LLC (Daimler) is recalling certain model year 2009-2015 Thomas Built Saf-T-Liner HDX school buses manufactured February 25, 2008, through February 11, 2014, equipped with Cummins Westport Model ISL G engines. Condensation in the intake manifold may freeze during cold weather conditions and interfere with the proper operation of the intake manifold pressure sensor.

Risk

The sensor malfunction could induce elevated exhaust temperatures or flames from the exhaust pipe, increasing the risk of a vehicle fire or burn injury to a person near the exhaust pipe.

Remedy

Cummins and Cummins Westport will notify owners, and authorized Cummins service facilities will upload a new ECM calibration, free of charge. The recall began on April 12, 2014. Customers may contact Daimler at 1‑800‑385‑4357 or Cummins Inc. at 1‑800‑343‑7357. Daimler's number for this recall is FL-660.

Recall number 14V079000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Daimler Trucks North America LLC (Daimler) is recalling certain model year 2008-2015 Freightliner 114SD, Cascadia, M2 Business Class, Sterling LT8500, and Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner HDX vehicles manufactured February 19, 2008, through February 11, 2014, and equipped with Cummins Westport Model ISL G and Cummins Westport Model ISX12 G engines. Condensation in the intake manifold may freeze during cold weather conditions and interfere with the proper operation of the intake manifold pressure sensor.

Risk

The sensor malfunction could induce elevated exhaust temperatures or flames from the exhaust pipe, increasing the risk of a vehicle fire or burn injury to a person near the exhaust pipe.

Remedy

Cummins and Cummins Westport will notify owners, and authorized Cummins service facilities will upload a new ECM calibration, free of charge. The recall began on April 12, 2014. Customers may contact Daimler at 1‑800‑385‑4357 or Cummins Inc. at 1‑800‑343‑7357. Daimler's number for this recall is FL-660.

Recall number 14V080000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Daimler trucks north america (dtna) is recalling certain model year 2010 through 2013 thomas built saf-t-liner ef, saf-t-liner hdx, saf-t-liner c2, and minotour school buses manufactured from april 5, 2011, through april 23, 2012, equipped with specialty manufacturing inc. (smi) prolo roof hatches. Increased friction between the rear plate assemblies, p/no. 009327, and the nylon rear pop-up support, p/no. 008956, may result in an opening force of the prolo roof hatches that exceeds federal standard requirements. Thus, these hatches fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 217, "bus emergency exits and window retention and release."

Risk

In the event of an emergency, egress of the bus may be hindered possibly resulting in injury to the vehicle occupants.

Remedy

Thomas built buses will notify owners. Smi will provide service kits along with repair instructions to dealers and owners, free of charge. The safety recall began on august 22, 2012. Owners may contact thomas built buses at 1‑336‑889‑4871 or smi at 1‑800‑951‑7867.

Recall number 12V296000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Daimler trucks north america (dtna) is recalling certain model year 2010 through 2013 thomas built saf-t-liner ef, saf-t-liner hdx, saf-t-liner c2, and minotour non school buses manufactured from april 5, 2011, through april 23, 2012, equipped with specialty manufacturing inc. (smi) prolo roof hatches. Increased friction between the rear plate assemblies, p/no. 009327, and the nylon rear pop-up support, p/no. 008956, may result in an opening force of the prolo roof hatches that exceeds federal standard requirements. Thus, these hatches fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 217, "bus emergency exits and window retention and release."

Risk

In the event of an emergency, egress of the bus may be hindered possibly resulting in injury to the vehicle occupants.

Remedy

Thomas built buses will notify owners. Smi will provide service kits along with repair instructions to dealers and owners, free of charge. The safety recall began on august 22, 2012. Owners may contact thomas built buses at 1‑336‑889‑4871 or smi at 1‑800‑951‑7867.

Recall number 12V297000 · Recall details

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

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

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

What is wrong

Daimler trucks (dtna) is recalling certain model year 2006 through 2011 saf-t-liner hdx, mvp-ef, and minotor non 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 11V223000 · Recall details

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

On August 29, 2011 ODI received a Vehicle Owner's Questionnaire (VOQ) from a Los Angeles school district indicating a 2003 Thomas Built Saf-T-Liner HDX compressed natural gas (CNG) school bus in their fleet had insufficient clearance between the CNG tank and mounting bracket resulting in damage to the outer tank wrapping.The Mathematical Analysis Division of the federal safety agency calculated that a sample size of thirty (30) buses would give a high confidence (90%) estimation of whether similar buses were experiencing tank abrasion.In the course of this investigation nearly 70 buses (over 300 tanks) were inspected; no tank other than the subject of the VOQ was found to have insufficient clearance.Busses manufactured before and after the subject vehicle were inspected.As a result of this investigation, Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) developed an improved inspection procedure that addresses the concerns identified in the Los Angeles complaint.In early February 2012 DTNA will mail an owner letter along with the new inspection procedure.See the investigative file for copies of DTNA's bulletin and owner letter.This preliminary evaluation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that no safety-related defect exists.The agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by circumstances.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:10423400

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