2008 Thomas Built Buses SAF-T-Liner C2 recalls and problems

The 2008 Thomas Built Buses SAF-T-Liner C2 has 27 safety recalls and 5 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Thomas Built Buses dealer.

Recalls
27
Complaints
5
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2008 Thomas Built Buses SAF-T-Liner C2 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2008 Thomas Built Buses SAF-T-Liner C2 recalls

Recall 18V-083: Equipment

Reported Jan 30, 2018 · 606 vehicles affected · Daimler Trucks North America LLC

Problem: 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: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf

Risk: In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.

Fix: 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 17V-454: Equipment

Reported Jul 17, 2017 · 32 vehicles affected · Daimler Trucks North America LLC

Problem: Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2005-2018 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 transit buses. In the event of a crash, the wheelchair pocket track anchorage may not adequately secure a the wheelchair.

Risk: In the event of a crash, an unsecured wheelchair may increase the risk of injury.

Fix: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will add additional fasteners to the wheelchair pocket track to reinforce the anchorage, free of charge. An interim letter was mailed on September 13, 2017. The recall began on December 20, 2017. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-745-8000. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-743.

Recall 17V-453: Equipment

Reported Jul 17, 2017 · 1,462 vehicles affected · Daimler Trucks North America LLC

Problem: Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2005-2018 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 school buses. In the event of a crash, the wheelchair pocket track anchorage may not adequately secure a the wheelchair.

Risk: In the event of a crash, an unsecured wheelchair may increase the risk of injury.

Fix: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will add additional fasteners to the wheelchair pocket track to reinforce the anchorage, free of charge. An interim notice was sent to owners on September 13, 2017. The recall began on December 20, 2017. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-745-8000. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-743.

Recall 15V-565: Equipment Adaptive/Mobility

Reported Sep 4, 2015 · 4,334 vehicles affected · Daimler Trucks North America LLC

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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 15V-432: Structure

Reported Jul 7, 2015 · 103,038 vehicles affected · Daimler Trucks North America LLC

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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 15V-425: Structure

Reported Jul 6, 2015 · 3,013 vehicles affected · Daimler Trucks North America LLC

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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 12V-226: Equipment Adaptive/Mobility

Reported May 17, 2012 · 100 vehicles affected · DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA

Problem: Daimler trucks north america (Dtna) is recalling certain model year 2007 through 2011 saf-t-liner ef, minotour, saf-t-liner c2, saf-t-liner hdx transit buses equipped with braun century-2 and vista-2 wheelchair lifts. Over time, and with frequent use, the roll stop latches on the outer barrier may become bent or misaligned.

Risk: A wheelchair occupant may defeat or ride over the insufficiently latched roll stop. If this occurs when the lift platform is in an elevated position, the wheelchairâ’s occupant could fall and sustain injury.

Fix: Dtna will notify owners, and the repairs will be performed by authorized braun dealers, free of charge. The safety recall began on june 28, 2012. Owners may contact dtna at 1-800-547-0712.

Recall 12V-225: Equipment Adaptive/Mobility

Reported May 17, 2012 · 890 vehicles affected · DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA

Problem: Daimler trucks north america (Dtna) is recalling certain model year 2007 through 2011 saf-t-liner ef, minotour, saf-t-liner c2, and saf-t-liner hdx school buses equipped with braun century-2 and vista-2 wheelchair lifts. Over time, and with frequent use, the roll stop latches on the outer barrier may become bent or misaligned.

Risk: A wheelchair occupant may defeat or ride over the insufficiently latched roll stop. If this occurs when the lift platform is in an elevated position, the wheelchairâ’s occupant could fall and sustain injury.

Fix: Dtna will notify owners, and the repairs will be performed by authorized braun dealers free of charge. The safety recall began on june 28, 2012. Owners may contact dtna at 1-800-547-0712.

Recall 11V-505: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported Oct 18, 2011 · 700 vehicles affected · DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA

Problem: Daimler trucks (Dtna) is recalling certain model year 2005 through 2009 thomas built saf-t-liner c2 school buses manufactured from march 9, 2004, through january 2, 2008, equipped with caterpillar c7 engines, hydraulic brakes, and a fuel water separator. The fuel line going from the fuel water separator to the engine may rub on the hydraulic brake lines potentially resulting in brake fluid leak.

Risk: A brake fluid leak may reduce braking performance increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dtna will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles to ensure that there is the correct clearance between the fuel and brake lines. Damaged lines will be replaced. Repairs will be made by dtna authorized service facilities free of charge. The safety recall began on december 27, 2011. Owners may contact dtna at 1-800-547-0712.

Recall 11V-222: Equipment

Reported Apr 6, 2011 · 6,831 vehicles affected · DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA

Problem: Daimler trucks (Dtna) is recalling certain model year 2006 through 2011 saf-t-liner c2, saf-t-liner hdx, mvp-ef, fs-65, and minotor school buses manufactured from january 2, 2006, through january 31, 2011, equipped with carrier genv em-1 evaporator units. Due to time, temperature, and/or vibration, the fuse may loosen in the fuse holder resulting in high resistance and arcing.

Risk: If sufficient arcing occurs, the fuse holder may melt, and a vehicle fire may occur.

Fix: Dtna will notify owners and provide information on how to obtain the retrofit kit from carrier along with repair instructions. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on may 20, 2011. (See carrier's recall campaign 11e-003.) owners may contact carrier at 1-800-793-4741 or dtna at 1-800-547-0712.

Recall 11V-201: Equipment

Reported Mar 31, 2011 · 6,360 vehicles affected · DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA

Problem: Certain model year 2000 through 2009 thomas built school buses manufactured from april 17, 2000, through december 21, 2009, were equipped with an incorrect tire load certification label. The certification labels list "d" load range tires with a recommended cold tire inflation pressure greater than 65 PSI. The buses are equipped with load range "e" tires that require a higher minimum tire pressure. Accordingly, these buses fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 120, "tire selection and rims for motor vehicles other than passenger cars."

Risk: Incorrect tire information may lead to vehicle overloading that can result in a tire failure which may lead to a vehicle crash.

Fix: Dtna will notify owners and dealers will replace the incorrect label with a correct label free of charge or, if the owner wishes, they may replace the label themselves. Owners should contact dtna at 1-800-547-0712 or thomas built at 1-336-889-4871 to obtain the label if they wish to affix it themselves. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about may 28, 2011.

Recall 11V-172: Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported Mar 15, 2011 · 475 vehicles affected · DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA

Problem: Daimler trucks is recalling certain model year 2008 and 2009 thomas built saf-t-liner c2 and saf-t-liner hdx school buses and fccc b2 bus chassis used in saf-t-liner c2 school buses manufactured from august 18, 2006, through july 7, 2010, equipped with epa 2007 mbe 900 detroit diesel engines. Engine software may not react properly to certain aftermarket treatment device fault codes. The software may unnecessarily shutdown a vehicle or may fail to shutdown a vehicle with an aftermarket device over-temp fault.

Risk: Unexpected shutdown of a vehicle may increase the risk of a crash. Overheating of the aftertreatment device without engine shutdown may result in a fire.

Fix: Daimler trucks will notify owners and repairs will be performed by detroit diesel free of charge. The safety recall began on march 25, 2011. Owners may contact daimler trucks at 1-800-547-0712. This safety recall campaign is an expansion of a previous recall (Please see 10v-468).

Recall 10V-468: Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported Oct 8, 2010 · 2,687 vehicles affected · DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA

Problem: Daimler trucks is recalling certain model year 2008 through 2011 saf-t-liner c2 and saf-t-liner hdx school buses manufactured from october 5, 2006 through may 24, 2010, equipped with epa 2007 mbe 900 detroit diesel engines. Engine software may not react properly to certain aftermarket treatment device fault codes. The software may unnecessarily shutdown a vehicle or may fail to shutdown a vehicle with an aftermarket device over-temp fault.

Risk: Unexpected shutdown of a vehicle may increase the risk of a crash. Overheating of the aftertreatment device without engine shutdown may result in a fire.

Fix: Daimler trucks will notify owners and repairs will be performed by detroit diesel free of charge. The safety recall began on december 30, 2010. Owners may contact daimler trucks at 1-800-547-0712.

Recall 10V-340: Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported Jul 27, 2010 · 5,445 vehicles affected · DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA

Problem: Daimler trucks is recalling certain model year 2007 through 2011 fccc b2 106 ch and thomas built saf-t-liner c2 and hdx school buses manufactured from september 5, 2006 through june 30, 2010, equipped with specific mbe900 epa04 and epa07 model engines. The intake air grid heater may short circuit and fail due to excessive internal temperatures.

Risk: A short circuited grid heater could result in a vehicle fire and injury to vehicle occupants.

Fix: Daimler trucks will notify owners and dealers will repair the buses free of charge. Repairs will be performed by detroit diesel corporation authorized repair facilities. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about july 29, 2011. Owners may contact daimler trucks toll-free at 1-800-547-0712.

Recall 10V-177: Exterior Lighting

Reported Apr 30, 2010 · 6,548 vehicles affected · DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA

Problem: Dtna is recalling certain model year 2005 through 2011 thomas built saf-t-liner c2 school buses manufactured beginning january 19, 2005 through april 16, 2010. The stop lamps may be intermittent during light brake applications.

Risk: The stop lamps may not properly indicate that the service brakes are applied which may lead to a crash without warning.

Fix: Dtna will notify owners and repairs will be performed by dtna dealerships free of charge. The safety recall began on may 27, 2011. Owners may contact dtna at 1-800-547-0712.

Older recalls

RecallDateComponentSummary
10V-100Mar 16, 2010StructureDtna has notified NHTSA about a defect in certain model year 2008 through 2011 thomas built saf-t-liner c2 school buses manufactured from may 10, 2007, through january 8, 2010.
09V-458Dec 1, 2009SuspensionDaimler trucks is recalling certain model year 2008 through 2011 thomas built saf-t-liner c2 school buses and fccc b2 chassis manufactured from june 1, 2007 through september 28, 2009.
09V-461Dec 1, 2009Service Brakes, HydraulicDaimler trucks is recalling certain model year 2006 through 2011 thomas built saf-t-liner c2 school buses built on fccc b2 chassis manufactured from october 15, 2004 through november 25, 2009, equipped with kongsberg…
09V-460Dec 1, 2009Service Brakes, HydraulicDaimler trucks is recalling certain model year 2008 through 2010 thomas built saf-t-liner c2 school buses and fccc b2 chassis manufactured from october 1, 2007 through august 10, 2009, equipped with cummins isb cm2150…
09V-344Sep 2, 2009StructureDaimler trucks is recalling certain model year 2008 through 2010 school and non-school buses manufactured from may 10, 2007 through august 31, 2009, equipped with ag2 entrance doors.
09V-010Jan 8, 2009StructureDaimler trucks is recalling 22,206 thomas built my 2005 through 2010 school buses manufactured from october 2004 through november 24, 2008.
08V-602Nov 19, 2008Exterior LightingDaimler trucks is recalling 15,686 my 2005 through 2009 fccc and thomas built school and transit buses manufactured between march 2005 and may 2008 equipped with a certain brake lamp air pressure switch.
08V-087Feb 26, 2008StructureDaimler trucks is recalling 243,435 my 1995-2008 thomas built school buses manufactured between january 1994, and march 10, 2008.
07V-459Sep 21, 2007StructureCertain thomas built school buses manufactured between march 8, 2006, and august 10, 2007, equipped with one or more "pro lo roof hatch" option numbers d107307001, d107307002, or d107307003.
07V-306Jul 18, 2007SteeringFreightliner is recalling certain school bus chassis, heavy trucks, van chassis, rv motorhome chassis manufactured from january 5 to may 17, 2007, equipped with axle alliance company (Aac) front axles.
07V-302Jul 16, 2007Service Brakes, AirCertain freightliner school bus chassis, heavy trucks, and thomas built school buses manufactured between july 2002 and july 3, 2007, equipped with bendix sr-7 spring brake control valves.
07V-212May 18, 2007Exterior LightingCertain 2005 through 2008 thomas built saf-t-liner c2 school buses manufactured from december 1, 2003 to may 18, 2007.

2008 Thomas Built Buses SAF-T-Liner C2 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Parking Brake1
Service Brakes, Hydraulic1
Latches/Locks/Linkages1
Seats1
Structure1
Unknown or Other1

Most reported parts

  • Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch — 1
  • Structure › Body — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 25,792 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2008 Thomas Built Buses SAF-T-Liner C2 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Structure · at 127,000 miles · reported Nov 16, 2016
There is a plastic fitting at the rear heater that is failing which causes hot anti-freeze to spill into the passenger area of the school bus. This has happened on three buses in the past two weeks. Hot anti-freeze can cause injury to the students that are being transported.
Seats · reported May 21, 2012
The contact has a fleet that includes 18 my2000-2008 thomas school buses. All have exhibited multiple failures to passenger seatbacks; the seat pan becomes detached from the seat frame. The contact is concerned that a damaged seat may not perform its role in compartmentalization as intended by FMVSS 222. The contact further alleged that seats which have received the remedy described in thomas service bulletin 16a (Seatback pan is riveted to seat frame) are no less likely to fail again and many of them have. Other non-thomas school buses in his fleet do not experience this problem.
Latches/Locks/Linkages · reported Feb 2, 2012
In the process of replacing the emergency exit doors on the 2007-2008 model saf-t-liner c2 buses owned by sc department of education the fleet discovered corrosion related degradation of shaft to the outside door handle. It is believed that water is getting past the foam washer positioned between the exterior handle and the door skin. The contact is concerned that degradation to the strength of the shaft could cause it to fail in the event of an emergency and delay evacuation. Updated 02/17/12 updated 02/22/12
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · at 25,792 miles · reported Feb 22, 2011
As the bus driver pulled into the bus garage, he noticed his brake warning light on. I checked the brake fluid and found it low. I applied constant pressure to the brake pedal then inspected the brake system. The brake line running down from the master cylinder inside the frame rail was leaking. This line had a hole rubbed in it by the fuel line coming from the water separator. The fuel line was routed across the top of the brake line allowing it to rub. After repairing this bus I inspected our three other c2's with the same cat engine combination and found the fuel line laying on the brake…
Parking Brake · at 21,485 miles · reported May 23, 2008
Bus brake interlock will not release, must bypass brake switch to move bus from roadway after student pickup. Happens intermittently ,without warning. Have to replace amu brake switch block, part #a12-19776-010-01. To correct. Bus only has 21,485 miles .have 6 buses with similar mileage, have replaced 3 to date. Have replaced with identical part as original, feel problem will reoccur. Have talked to other school districts with multiple problems. Is very dangerous do to location that problem could occur such as busy two lane highway.

Other Thomas Built Buses SAF-T-Liner C2 years

Compare all Thomas Built Buses SAF-T-Liner C2 years · All Thomas Built Buses models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 Thomas Built Buses SAF-T-Liner C2 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 27 recalls for the 2008 Thomas Built Buses SAF-T-Liner C2: 18V-083 (equipment), 17V-454 (equipment), 17V-453 (equipment), 15V-565 (equipment adaptive/mobility), 15V-432 (structure) and more. Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2008 Thomas Built Buses SAF-T-Liner C2?

Owners report parking brake problems most often (1 reports), followed by service brakes, hydraulic (1). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 25,792 miles.

Are Thomas Built Buses recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Thomas Built Buses dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.