The problem
Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 and 2025 Thomas Built Buses Safe-T-Liner EFX school buses. The front axle tie rod ball joint studs may crack and break, which can result in tie rod separation.
The risk
Tie rod separation can cause a sudden loss of steering control and increase the risk of a crash.
The fix
Dealers will replace the tie rod assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 25, 2024. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 800-745-8000. DTNA's number for this recall is D24R6.
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.nhtsa.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 24V401000.
- 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.