Recall 10V184 affects 118 2009-2010 Thomas Built Buses Hdx buses for heater coolant valve actuator overheating. Repair is free at Thomas Built Buses dealerships.
Thomas Built Buses is recalling 118 2009-2010 Hdx buses because coolant can leak past the heater coolant flow valve actuator O-ring into the heater core compartment and actuator circuit board area. If the actuator overheats or melts, it creates a vehicle fire risk; the dealer repair will be free once available.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The heater coolant flow valve actuator in the 2009-2010 Thomas Built Buses Hdx controls coolant flow through the heater core. The heater core uses hot engine coolant to warm air for the bus interior, and the actuator opens or closes the valve so the system sends heat when needed.
On affected buses, the O-ring seal for that actuator does not keep coolant where it belongs. Coolant can leak into the heater core compartment and reach the actuator's printed circuit board area. Once coolant gets into that electrical area, the actuator can overheat or melt instead of operating the valve normally.
There is no warning sign before failure. Do not count on a dashboard message, smell, or heater change to appear first, because the recall record does not identify an owner-noticeable symptom before the actuator overheats or melts.
Who's affected?
Covers the 2009 and 2010 Hdx model years, both tied to the wiring component.
| 2010 Thomas Built Buses Hdx | wiring |
|---|---|
| 2009 Thomas Built Buses Hdx | wiring |
| Units affected | 118 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific bus is included.
What's the safety risk?
An overheated or melted actuator can result in a vehicle fire. Arrange service promptly, and keep the bus out of service if you see smoke, fire, or heat damage. Repair will be free at any franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2009-2010 Thomas Built Buses Hdx is included in this recall.
- Wait for Thomas Built Buses owner instructions if a dealer cannot confirm an open repair for recall number 10V184.
- Contact a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer to ask about the free heater coolant flow valve actuator O-ring repair that stops coolant from leaking into the heater core compartment.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it, and give the dealer recall number 10V184 when you schedule.
- Avoid operating the bus until the dealer confirms whether the coolant leak and actuator overheating risk has been repaired.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Thomas Built Buses technician repairs the heater coolant flow valve actuator issue that allowed coolant to leak into the heater core compartment and actuator circuit board area. The remedy is performed by Thomas Built Buses dealerships at no charge. The recall repair began on July 6, 2010, according to the remedy record, so ask the dealer to confirm the completed recall work for your VIN and document the repair on the service order.
Timeline
| May 3, 2010 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 6, 2010 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 10V184?
Recall 10V184 covers 118 2009-2010 Thomas Built Buses Hdx non-school buses with a heater coolant flow valve actuator O-ring issue. Coolant can leak into the heater core compartment and actuator circuit board area, causing the actuator to overheat or melt and resulting in a vehicle fire.
What should I do if my 2009-2010 Thomas Built Buses Hdx is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 10V184. If it is, contact a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealership to schedule the free repair. Reference recall number 10V184 when you call, or contact Thomas Built Buses at 1-336-889-4871.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the safety defect at no cost. Thomas Built Buses dealerships perform the recall repair free of charge, and the recall repair has been available since July 6, 2010.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is vehicle fire. The coolant leak can reach the heater core compartment and actuator circuit board area, where the actuator can overheat or melt. If your VIN is included, arrange the free dealer repair before putting the bus back into regular service.
What if I bought this Thomas Built Buses Hdx used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the original owner. If you never received a letter, check your VIN to confirm whether this 2009-2010 Thomas Built Buses Hdx is included, then call a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealership with recall number 10V184.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/10V184000 |
|---|---|
| Thomas Built Buses customer service | 1-336-889-4871 |
| NHTSA recall # | 10V184 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 10V184000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
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 →