RecallNotify
Sign up Check my VIN
Home/ Recalls/ Thomas Built Buses/ 11V503
Campaign 11V503 Posted October 18, 2011 3,109 units

2005-2007 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 Recall 11V503

RN
Reviewed by the RecallNotify editorial team
Published June 2, 2026

Recall 11V503 affects 3,109 2005-2007 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 school buses for corroded power cables. Free repair once available.

Thomas Built Buses is recalling 3,109 2005-2007 Saf-T-Liner C2 school buses because pass-through power cable connections behind the driver's side kick panel can corrode and trigger an electric fault or short circuit. That fault can cause a vehicle fire, and the dealer repair will be free once Thomas Built Buses makes it 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 NHTSA

RecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.

What's wrong?

The pass-through power cable connections on 2005-2007 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 school buses are electrical junctions behind the driver's side kick panel. Their job is to carry power through the body panel area so the bus's electrical circuits receive steady current. Those connections need clean metal contact to move power without extra resistance.

On affected buses, the connections behind that kick panel can corrode. Corrosion creates a poor contact point, and a poor power connection can lead to an electrical fault or short circuit. The problem is not with a switch or display panel. It is at the hidden cable connection where power passes through.

There is no warning sign before failure. Because the affected connection is behind an interior panel, the recall does not identify a specific sound, smell, warning light, or driver cue before the electrical fault or short circuit occurs.

Who's affected?

Spans the 2005, 2006, and 2007 Saf-T-Liner C2 model years, all tied to the electrical system.

2005 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 electrical system
2006 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 electrical system
2007 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 electrical system
Units affected3,109

A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific bus.

What's the safety risk?

An electric fault or short circuit in an unfused power cable can start a vehicle fire. Inspect the area around the power terminals for corrosion, and if corrosion is excessive, arrange service through an authorized facility. Repair will be free at any franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer once available.

What should I do?

  1. Check your VIN to confirm your 2005-2007 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 is included in this recall.
  2. Review the interim notice Thomas Built Buses mailed for inspection instructions before the bus stays in service.
  3. Inspect the pass-through power cable connections behind the driver's side kick panel for corrosion around the power terminals.
  4. Contact an authorized Thomas Built Buses service facility if corrosion is found, so the unfused power cable connection can be repaired free of charge.
  5. Bring the recall notice if you have it, and reference recall number 11V503 when you call.

What happens at the repair

The source filing says the final remedy was still being developed, so start with the interim process. Inspect the bus for corrosion around the pass-through power cable terminals behind the driver's side kick panel. If you find excessive corrosion, take the bus to an authorized Thomas Built Buses service facility. A Thomas Built Buses technician will inspect the power cable connections and repair the corroded terminal area as needed. The final dealer repair will be free once available.

Timeline

October 18, 2011 NHTSA published the recall
December 15, 2011 Owner notification mailed

Frequently asked questions

What is recall 11V503?

Recall 11V503 covers 3,109 2005-2007 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 school buses with pass-through power cable connections that can corrode behind the driver's side kick panel. Corrosion at those power terminals can lead to an electric fault or short circuit and a vehicle fire.

What should I do if my 2005-2007 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 is on this recall?

Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 11V503. If it is, inspect the area around the power terminals for corrosion, then contact an authorized Thomas Built Buses service facility if corrosion is found. Reference recall number 11V503 when you call.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Thomas Built Buses states that recall repairs for campaign 11V503 are free. Use an authorized service facility and reference recall number 11V503 when arranging the inspection or repair.

What is the safety risk?

The safety risk in recall 11V503 is fire. NHTSA's consequence states that an electric fault or short circuit involving an un-fused power cable can result in a vehicle fire. If corrosion is found near the power terminals, take the bus to an authorized service facility.

What if I bought this bus used?

The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether this 2005-2007 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 is included, then reference recall number 11V503 when contacting an authorized service facility.

More information

NHTSA campaign pagenhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/11V503000
Thomas Built Buses customer service1-800-547-0712
NHTSA recall #11V503
NHTSA recall # (full)11V503000

Source documents

This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →