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Campaign 10V168 Posted April 23, 2010 192 units

2009-2010 Trans Tech School Bus Recall 10V168: HVAC Knob

RN
Reviewed by the RecallNotify editorial team
Published June 3, 2026

Recall 10V168 covers 192 2009-2010 Trans Tech school buses for HVAC knobs that can prevent defroster control. Repair is free at any Trans Tech dealer.

Trans Tech is recalling 192 2009-2010 school buses, including DW5+9195 and Sst 30 Pak models, because HVAC control knobs can fracture and spin on the shaft, leaving the driver unable to control the defrost system. Reduced defrost control can decrease visibility and increase crash risk; the dealer repair will be free once Trans Tech makes it available.

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What's wrong?

The HVAC control knobs on these 2009-2010 Trans Tech school buses let the driver set heat and airflow for the windshield defroster. In normal use, each knob grips a control shaft behind the dash. When the driver turns the knob, that shaft moves the defrost system to direct warm air onto the windshield.

On affected buses, the knob can fracture at the shaft connection. Once that grip breaks, the knob spins without moving the shaft. The driver turns the knob, but the defrost setting does not change, leaving the operator unable to control windshield defrosting and defogging.

There is no warning sign before failure. The first sign is the knob spinning on the shaft or failing to change the defroster setting when the driver turns it. That means the defrost control works until it breaks.

Who's affected?

Spans Trans Tech bus models from both the 2009 and 2010 model years, all tied to the same visibility component.

2009 Trans Tech DW5+9195 visibility component
2010 Trans Tech DW5+9195 visibility component
2009 Trans Tech DW5139 visibility component
2010 Trans Tech DW5193FRL visibility component
2009 Trans Tech DW6159 visibility component
Units affected192

A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific bus is included.

What's the safety risk?

A defroster problem can reduce the driver's visibility when the system is needed, increasing the risk of a crash. If the windshield does not clear, pull over when safe and arrange recall service before putting the bus back in use. Repair will be free at any franchised Trans Tech dealer once available.

What should I do?

  1. Check your VIN to confirm your 2009-2010 Trans Tech school bus is included in this recall.
  2. Contact Trans Tech customer service at 1-845-988-0419 for recall repair instructions.
  3. Ask how to schedule the free HVAC control knob repair that restores defroster control.
  4. Bring the recall notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 10V168 when you call.
  5. Avoid driving in weather that requires windshield defrost until the repair is complete.

What happens at the repair

At the dealer, a Trans Tech technician repairs the HVAC control knob concern on the affected bus so the defrost controls operate on the control shaft as intended. TCI notified owners, and the recall repair began on April 29, 2010. The source remedy does not list a more specific part replacement or labor step. Parts and labor are covered under the recall, and the dealer repair is free.

Timeline

April 23, 2010 NHTSA published the recall
April 29, 2010 Owner notification mailed

Frequently asked questions

What is recall 10V168?

Recall 10V168 covers 192 2009-2010 Trans Tech school buses with HVAC control knobs that can fracture and spin on the shaft. If that affects defroster control when defrosting is needed, driver visibility is reduced. Trans Tech dealers will repair the buses for free.

What should I do if my 2009-2010 Trans Tech school bus is on this recall?

Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific bus is included in recall 10V168. If it is, contact a franchised Trans Tech dealer to schedule the HVAC control knob repair. Reference recall number 10V168 when you call. The dealer repair is free.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Trans Tech's recall remedy says dealers will repair the buses free of charge. Ask the dealer to confirm the recall work is open for your VIN before the service visit.

What is the safety risk?

The safety risk is reduced driver visibility if the HVAC control knob fails and the operator cannot control the defroster when it is needed. Reduced visibility increases crash risk. If your VIN is included, ask the dealer whether the bus should stay out of service until the free repair is complete.

What if I bought this Trans Tech bus used?

The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2009-2010 Trans Tech bus is included, then reference recall number 10V168 when you call a franchised Trans Tech dealer.

More information

NHTSA campaign pagenhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/10V168000
Trans Tech customer service1-845-988-0419
NHTSA recall #10V168
NHTSA recall # (full)10V168000

Source documents

This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 3, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →