CarRecallWatchThe 2019 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner HDX has 21 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA, including 1 fire.
The most-reported problem area is Electrical System (1 report).
2019 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner HDX recalls
Emergency exit labels may be too small to read
Certain Thomas Built school buses from 2019 to 2022 have emergency exit labels with lettering that is too small and may be difficult to read.
Roof panel joints may separate in a crash
Certain Thomas Built Saf-T-Liner EFX and HDX school buses have an exterior roof panel that was made with insufficient joint strength.
School Bus Seat Barriers May Not Protect Riders in a Crash
Certain Thomas Built Saf-T-Liner HDX school buses have forward seat barriers that may not provide sufficient protection to passengers.
Bus Seat Frames May Crack and Fail to Secure Riders
Certain Thomas Built school buses equipped with 39-inch S3C seat frames and 3-point flex seatbelts may develop cracks in the passenger seat frames from fatigue.
Battery Cable May Chafe and Cause Fire Risk
The positive battery cable on certain school buses may be routed improperly.
Battery cable can chafe and short, risking fire
The positive battery cable on these school buses may be routed improperly.
Steering hose can wear and cause a fire
Certain school buses have a power steering hose routed with too little clearance from the power cables.
Power steering hose can rub power cables and leak, causing fire risk
The power steering hose on certain transit buses may be routed with too little clearance from the power cables.
School bus seats may not protect riders in a crash
Certain 2018-2022 Thomas Built Saf-T-Liner HDX school buses may have been built with an incorrect passenger seat configuration.
Diesel Fuel Leak Can Create Fire Risk
A sealing washer on the high pressure fuel rail assembly may not seat correctly in the pilot bore holes, which can allow diesel fuel to leak from the fuel rail.
Small rear emergency exit label may slow escape
The instruction label for the rear emergency exit window on certain Saf-T-Liner HDX school buses may have lettering that is too small.
Loose Brake Caliper Bolts Can Reduce Braking on School Buses
Some 2019-2020 Saf-T-Liner HDX, EFX, and C2 school buses equipped with air disc brakes may have brake caliper mounting bolts that were not tightened enough at the factory.
Loose Torque Converter Bolts Can Disable School Bus
Certain 2018-2020 Thomas Built Saf-T-Liner HDX school buses with Detroit DD8 engines and Allison transmissions may have flex-plate/torque converter fasteners that were not tightened enough.
School Bus Seats May Not Absorb Crash Impact
Certain Thomas Built school buses from 2014 through 2020 may have been built with seats that use styrene blocks in the back support that may not absorb enough impact in some areas around the steel seat frame.
Roof emergency hatch handle can break, blocking outside exit
The external handle on the roof escape hatch of certain school buses can break during normal use.
Roof emergency hatch handle may break, blocking exit
The external handle on the roof emergency escape hatch may break unexpectedly during normal use.
Rear brakes may drag and overheat, risking smoke or fire
The driver-side rear brakes on certain school buses fitted with Bendix air disc brakes may drag, meaning they can stay partially applied when the driver is not pressing the pedal.
Loose Steering Tie Rod Bolts Can Cause Loss of Steering
Certain 2018-2019 Thomas Built Saf-T-Liner school buses (HDX, C2, and EFX models, equipped with Detroit Axle axles) may have loose steering tie rod arm bolts.
Loose Brake Caliper Bolts Can Reduce Braking
Some 2018-2019 Thomas Built Saf-T-Liner C2, EFX and HDX school buses may have brake caliper mounting bolts that were not tightened enough during assembly.
Wheelchair Lift May Stop Above Floor, Risking Injury
The wheelchair lift positioning input cam may fail while the lift is in use, allowing the platform to travel higher than the vehicle's floor height.
School Bus Brake Caliper Bolts May Loosen, Reducing Braking
Certain 2017-2019 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner school buses equipped with air disc brakes may have brake caliper mounting bolts that were not tightened enough.
Most common 2019 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner HDX problems
Problem areas named in the 1 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Electrical System | 1 |
| Power Train | 1 |
What owners report
It appears the battery cables were rubbing the transmission cooler lines and after an extended period caused a thermal event. it burned wiring harnesses, the DEF pump and lines and a good portion of battery cable. Had there been children on the bus at the time of the thermal event it could have been catastrophic. This vehicle has been inspected by the Manufacturer and they are covering repairs. There has been an interim/info only recall issued. FL928-A.
2019 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner HDX questions
Does the 2019 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner HDX have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 21 safety recalls for the 2019 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner HDX: Emergency exit labels may be too small to read; Roof panel joints may separate in a crash; School Bus Seat Barriers May Not Protect Riders in a Crash; Bus Seat Frames May Crack and Fail to Secure Riders; Battery Cable May Chafe and Cause Fire Risk. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner HDX?
Based on 1 owner complaint filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Electrical System (1), Power Train (1).
How do I check if a recall on my 2019 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner HDX has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.