2026 Thomas Built SAF-T-LINER HDX2 School Bus Recall for Joint Strength
Daimler Trucks North America is recalling 2026 Thomas Built SAF-T-LINER HDX2 school buses because rear exterior joints may have insufficient strength, failing federal safety standards.
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 (insufficient joint strength) that fails to meet federal safety standards and increases the risk of injury in a crash, which aligns with the 'Severe' criteria for structural vehicle defects.
Plain-English summary
Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2026 Thomas Built SAF-T-LINER HDX2 school buses. The recall addresses rear exterior joints that may have been manufactured incorrectly, resulting in insufficient joint strength. As a result, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 221, "School Bus Body Joint Strength."
A school bus with insufficient joint strength may not adequately protect passengers in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury. The source text does not report any specific incidents, injuries, or fatalities associated with this defect.
Dealers will add additional fasteners to secure the joints, free of charge. The source states that all vehicles have been remedied. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-574-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is F1026.
The recalled product
- Product
- THOMAS BUILT BUSES SAF-T-LINER HDX2
- Brand
- THOMAS BUILT BUSES
- Manufacturer
- Daimler Trucks North America, LLC
- Category
- Vehicle — School Bus
- Affected units
- 2
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 HDX2
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
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