2013 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner HDX problems

What is wrong

Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2011-2023 Thomas Built EFX and HDX school buses. The exterior roof panel was manufactured with insufficient joint strength. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 221, "School Bus Body Joint Strength."

Risk

A school bus exterior roof panel with insufficient joint strength may separate during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will add additional mechanical fasteners to secure the joints, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 2, 2023. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1‑800‑547‑0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL957.

Recall number 22V762000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2011-2021 Thomas Built Saf-T Liner HDX school buses. The forward seat barriers may not provide sufficient protection to passengers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 222, "School Bus Passenger Seating and Crash Protection."

Risk

Occupants may collide with the front seat barriers with more force than intended during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will install a spacer between the seat rail and the seat barrier, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 25, 2023. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1‑800‑547‑0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL843. This recall replaces the federal safety agency recall 19V899.

Recall number 22V634000 · Recall details

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 2013-2018 Thomas Built Saf-T-Liner HDX transit buses. The occupant seat lap belts may have been anchored to the seat instead of the bus structure.

Risk

A seat lap belt anchored to the seat instead of the bus structure may not properly restrain the seat occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the seats and modify the seat belt anchorage if necessary, free of charge. An interim notification was sent to owners on June 15, 2017. The recall began on February 6, 2018. Owners may contact DTNA Customer Service 1‑800‑547‑0712. DTNA's number for the recall is FL-736.

Recall number 17V314000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Thomas Built Saf-T-Liner HDX school buses. The occupant seat lap belts may have been anchored to the seat instead of the bus structure.

Risk

A seat lap belt anchored to the seat instead of the bus structure may not properly restrain the seat occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the seats and modify the anchorage if necessary, free of charge. An interim notice was mailed to owners on June 15, 2017. A second notice will be mailed when the remedy becomes available. The recall is expected to begin on July 9, 2017. Owners may contact DTNA Customer Service 1‑800‑547‑0712. DTNA's number for the recall is FL-736.

Recall number 17V317000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 1998-2002 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Conventional, 2000-2002 Saf-T-Liner ER, 2000-2017 Saf-T-Liner MVP-EF, 1998-1999 Vista, 2003 Saf-T-Liner FS65, 2013-2017 Saf-T-liner C2, 2000-2002 Saf-T-Liner MVP-ER, 2013-2017 Saf-T-Liner HDX. 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 sent to owners on July 28, 2016. A second notice was mailed to owners on December 16, 2016. Parts are available. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1‑800‑547‑0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-713.

Recall number 16V395000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2011-2017 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner HDX school buses manufactured April 28, 2010, to April 15, 2016. The affected vehicles have a transmission retarder that may increase coolant system pressure high enough to cause hose fatigue and lead to premature failure of the hose, resulting in a coolant leak inside the bus body.

Risk

If the heater hose fails, hot coolant may leak inside the bus body increasing risk of injury to the passengers.

Remedy

DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the heater hose, free of charge. An interim notice was mailed on July 6, 2016. The recall began on September 20, 2016. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1‑800‑547‑0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-709.

Recall number 16V325000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2011-2017 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner HDX buses manufactured April 28, 2010, to April 15, 2016. The affected vehicles have a transmission retarder that may increase coolant system pressure high enough to cause hose fatigue and lead to premature failure of the hose, resulting in a coolant leak inside the bus body.

Risk

If the heater hose fails, hot coolant may leak inside the bus body increasing risk of injury to the passengers.

Remedy

DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the heater hose, free of charge. DTNA distributed interim notifications to owners on July 6, 2016. The recall began on September 20, 2016. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1‑800‑547‑0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-709.

Recall number 16V326000 · 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 2007-2016 Freightliner 114SD and M2 Business Class trucks, 2008-2009 Sterling LT8500 trucks and Thomas Built Bus Saf-T-Liner HDX transit buses 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 will 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 15V343000 · 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 2013-2015 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2, Saf-T-Liner HDX, and Minotour school buses manufactured August 5, 2013, through November 15, 2013 and equipped with IMMI-brand L9 seat belt buckles. When the button is pressed to release the seat belt, the latch plate can become partially engaged with the buckle, making the seat belt difficult to unlatch. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies."

Risk

If the latch plate remains partially engaged after the button is pressed, egress from the vehicle could be hindered which would increase the risk of injury in the event of an emergency.

Remedy

DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt buckles, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to by January 26, 2014. Owners may contact DTNA at 1‑800‑385‑4357. DTNA's number for this campaign is FL-654.

Recall number 13V606000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Thomas Built Saf-T-Liner HDX and Saf-T-Liner EFX school buses manufactured October 17, 2011, through July 2, 2013. A U-bolt intended to reinforce certain seat installations to the chassis may have been left out of the assembly process.

Risk

In the event of a crash, the seats may not stay mounted to the chassis, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

DTNA will notify owners and dealers will install the U-bolts as required, free of charge. The recall began on December 13, 2013. Owners may contact DTNA at 1‑503‑745‑5219. DTNA's recall number is FL-650.

Recall number 13V537000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Daimler Trucks North America (Daimler) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Saf-T-Liner (EF, EFX, and HDX) buses equipped with an auxiliary fuel pickup tube for use with an optional chassis coolant heater and manufactured January 1, 2012, through October 4, 2012. An information label affixed to the auxiliary heater fuel pickup tube may detach and fall off into the fuel tank, inhibiting fuel delivery to the engine.

Risk

Insufficient fuel delivery may cause the engine to stumble, run erratically, or stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Daimler will notify owners and dealers will inspect the tanks and auxiliary heater fuel pickup tubes for labels. Any labels will be removed, free of charge. The recall began on October 18, 2013. Owners may contact Daimler at 1‑800‑716‑7466. Daimler's recall number is FL-643.

Recall number 13V364000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Daimler Trucks North America (Daimler) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Saf-T-Liner (EF, EFX, and HDX) buses equipped with an auxiliary fuel pickup tube for use with an optional chassis coolant heater and manufactured January 1, 2012, through October 4, 2012. An information label affixed to the auxiliary heater fuel pickup tube may detach and fall off into the fuel tank, inhibiting fuel delivery to the engine.

Risk

Insufficient fuel delivery may cause the engine to stumble, run erratically, or stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Daimler will notify owners and dealers will inspect the tanks and auxiliary heater fuel pickup tubes for labels. Any labels will be removed, free of charge. The recall began on October 15, 2013. Owners may contact Daimler at 1‑800‑716‑7466. Daimler's recall number is FL-643.

Recall number 13V365000 · 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