Thomas Built Buses Recalls School Buses for Steering Defect
Daimler Trucks is recalling 2024-2025 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner models because front axle tie rod studs may crack, risking loss of steering control.
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: The recall involves a structural vehicle defect (steering linkage) that can cause a sudden loss of steering control and increase the risk of a crash, meeting the criteria for a Severe rating.
Plain-English summary
Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 and 2025 Thomas Built Buses Safe-T-Liner EFX school buses. The recall addresses a defect where the front axle tie rod ball joint studs may crack and break, which can result in tie rod separation.
Tie rod separation can cause a sudden loss of steering control and increase the risk of a crash. The source text does not report any specific injuries or fatalities associated with this defect.
Dealers will replace the tie rod assembly free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 25, 2024. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 800-745-8000 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.
The recalled product
- Product
- THOMAS BUILT BUSES SAF-T-LINER EFX, SAF-T-LINER C2
- Brand
- THOMAS BUILT BUSES
- Manufacturer
- Daimler Trucks North America, LLC
- Category
- Vehicle — School Bus
- Affected units
- 27
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 (2)
- SAF-T-LINER EFX
- SAF-T-LINER C2
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
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