The problem
Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2018 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 transit buses equipped with two 8D batteries. The battery power cable may not have adequate clearance between the cable and battery hold down bracket. As a result, the cable can rub against the bracket damaging the cable.
The risk
The damaged battery cable may electrically arc, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix
DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the battery cable routing, rerouting it as necessary to provide the proper clearance, free of charge. DTNA issued owners an interim notification on August 6, 2018. The recall began October 3, 2018. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-768.
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 18V378000.
- 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.