The Recall Desk
HighNHTSA·22V438000·Announced 2023-08-06

School Bus Engine Control Module Defect May Cause Unexpected Shutdown

Daimler Trucks recalls certain Thomas Built school buses (2020-2023) due to an engine control module defect that can cause unexpected engine shutdown while driving, increasing crash risk.

What this means for you

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: No deaths or injuries have been reported. The defect creates a risk of crash and potential passenger injury but the hazard is theoretical without reported incidents. This meets the criterion for 'risk-of-harm products where injury has not yet been reported,' warranting a High severity rating.

Plain-English summary

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) in these vehicles may set a fault code that causes unexpected engine shutdown while the bus is in operation.

An unexpected engine shutdown while driving increases the risk of a crash. When a school bus loses power while transporting students, it may require emergency evacuation procedures in an uncontrolled traffic situation, further increasing the risk of injury to passengers.

Approximately 461 vehicles are affected by this defect, encompassing model years 2020 through 2023.

The fix is a free software update to the engine control module. DTNA mailed owner notification letters beginning October 28, 2022. Vehicle owners should contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712 to schedule the update. For additional information, owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or visit www.nhtsa.gov.

The recalled product

Product
2021 THOMAS BUILT BUSES SAF-T-LINER C2
Brand
THOMAS BUILT BUSES
Manufacturer
Daimler Trucks North America, LLC
Category
Vehicle — School Bus Engine Control
Hazard
  • unexpected-engine-shutdown
  • crash-risk
Affected units
461

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 (1)

  • SAF-T-LINER C2

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same brand · THOMAS BUILT BUSES

Same category