The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereNHTSA·21V255000·Announced 2021-04-12

School Bus Steering System Bolts May Fracture and Cause Crashes

Daimler Trucks recalls 2021-2022 Thomas Built school buses due to steering arm and tie rod bolts with defective seams that may fracture. A fractured bolt could cause loss of steering control and increase crash risk.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).

The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: This recall involves a structural vehicle defect in the steering system of school buses. Although no injuries or fatalities have been reported, a fractured steering bolt could cause complete loss of steering control, creating an immediate crash hazard for drivers and passengers. Structural vehicle defects are classified as Severe (score 4) per the rubric.

Plain-English summary

Daimler Trucks North America, LLC is recalling certain 2021-2022 Thomas Built Buses SAF-T-Liner C2, SAF-T-Liner EFX, and SAF-T-Liner HDX school buses. The steering arm and tie rod assembly bolts may contain a defective seam that can fracture.

A fractured bolt may cause a loss of steering control, which increases the risk of a crash.

The recall affects approximately 1,252 vehicles. Owners will be notified, and dealers will replace the tie rod arm bolts and steering arm at no cost. The recall remedy began on June 10, 2021. Owners can contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712 (recall number FL-884) or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or visit www.safercar.gov.

The recalled product

Product
THOMAS BUILT BUSES SAF-T-LINER C2, SAF-T-LINER EFX, SAF-T-LINER HDX
Brand
THOMAS BUILT BUSES
Manufacturer
Daimler Trucks North America, LLC
Category
Vehicle — School Bus
Hazard
Affected units
1,252

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Model numbers (3)

  • SAF-T-LINER C2
  • SAF-T-LINER EFX
  • SAF-T-LINER HDX

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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