Recall 11V505 covers 700 2005-2009 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 school buses for a brake-fluid leak. Free repair at Thomas Built Buses service facilities.
Thomas Built Buses recall 11V505 covers 700 2005-2009 Saf-T-Liner C2 school buses with Caterpillar C7 engines, hydraulic brakes, and a fuel water separator. A fuel line can rub against hydraulic brake lines, causing a brake fluid leak that reduces braking performance and increases crash 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 hydraulic brake system on 2005-2009 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 school buses uses brake fluid under pressure to help slow and stop the bus. When the driver presses the brake pedal, that fluid moves through hydraulic brake lines and applies braking force at the wheels. These buses also have a fuel water separator, which removes water from diesel fuel before fuel reaches the engine.
On affected buses, the fuel line from the fuel water separator to the engine is routed too close to the hydraulic brake lines. As the bus runs and vibrates, the fuel line can rub against the brake lines. That contact can wear into the brake line and cause brake fluid to leak.
There is no warning sign before failure. The recall record does not give owners or drivers a reliable symptom to wait for before the brake line starts leaking.
Who's affected?
Spans five model years of Saf-T-Liner C2 buses, all tied to the hydraulic brake system.
| 2009 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 | hydraulic brake system |
|---|---|
| 2008 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 | hydraulic brake system |
| 2005 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 | hydraulic brake system |
| 2006 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 | hydraulic brake system |
| 2007 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 | hydraulic brake system |
| Units affected | 700 |
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?
A brake fluid leak reduces braking performance and increases the risk of a crash. Drive cautiously, leave extra following distance, and arrange the recall inspection soon so damaged brake lines are replaced before braking performance drops further. Repair will be free at any franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2005-2009 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Thomas Built Buses service facility to ask about the free inspection and repair.
- Schedule the fuel-line and brake-line clearance inspection that addresses rubbing between the fuel line and hydraulic brake lines.
- Bring any recall notice you have, and reference recall number 11V505 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Leave extra following distance and watch for brake-fluid leaks.
What happens at the repair
The current remedy status is not listed. Once the dealer repair is available, a Thomas Built Buses technician will inspect the vehicle for correct clearance between the fuel line and the hydraulic brake lines. If rubbing has damaged either line, the damaged line will be replaced. The repair will be handled by a DTNA authorized service facility, with parts and labor covered under the recall.
Timeline
| October 18, 2011 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 27, 2011 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 11V505?
Recall 11V505 covers 700 2005-2009 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 school buses with Caterpillar C7 engines, hydraulic brakes, and a fuel water separator. The fuel line can rub hydraulic brake lines and cause a brake fluid leak. Authorized service facilities inspect clearance and replace damaged lines for free.
What should I do if my 2005-2009 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 11V505. If it is, contact a Thomas Built Buses authorized service facility or dealer to schedule the fuel-line and brake-line clearance inspection. Reference recall number 11V505000 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the safety defect at no cost, and the recall remedy says DTNA authorized service facilities will inspect the fuel and brake line clearance and replace damaged lines free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced braking performance. If the fuel line rubs the hydraulic brake lines and causes a brake fluid leak, the bus has less braking performance, increasing crash risk. The recall repair addresses the line clearance and replaces damaged lines.
When did the recall repair start?
The safety recall began on December 27, 2011. For an included bus, contact a Thomas Built Buses authorized service facility or dealer and ask for the inspection and any needed line replacement under recall 11V505000.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/11V505000 |
|---|---|
| Thomas Built Buses customer service | 1-800-547-0712 |
| NHTSA recall # | 11V505 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 11V505000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (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 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →