The problem
Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2011-2017 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner HDX buses manufactured April 28, 2010, to April 15, 2016. The affected vehicles have a transmission retarder that may increase coolant system pressure high enough to cause hose fatigue and lead to premature failure of the hose, resulting in a coolant leak inside the bus body.
The risk
If the heater hose fails, hot coolant may leak inside the bus body increasing risk of injury to the passengers.
The fix
DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the heater hose, free of charge. DTNA distributed interim notifications to owners on July 6, 2016. The recall began on September 20, 2016. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-709.
Contacts
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
What to do
- Check your VIN. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls - it shows whether this recall applies to your vehicle and whether the repair has been done.
- Call a dealer. Any authorized Thomas Built Buses dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 16V326000.
- Ask about parts and a loaner. If parts aren't available yet, ask what to do in the meantime.
- Keep your paperwork. If you paid for this repair before the recall, you may be able to get reimbursed - here's how.