Recall 12V358 affects 2 2013 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 school buses for front-knuckle machining errors. Repair is free at franchised Thomas Built Buses dealers.
Thomas Built Buses is recalling 2 2013 Saf-T-Liner C2 school buses because a machining error in the front axle knuckle's wheel bearing area can lead to premature spindle failure. If the spindle fails, the wheel can separate from the knuckle, causing loss of vehicle control and increasing crash risk; the dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The front axle knuckle on a 2013 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 school bus is a heavy suspension part at the front wheel. It supports the wheel bearing area and helps keep the wheel, hub, and steering parts aligned while the bus turns and carries weight.
On these buses, the Detroit Axle front knuckles have a machining error in the wheel bearing area. That area has to be shaped correctly so the bearing and spindle sit and rotate as designed. When the machined surface is wrong, the spindle wears or fails before its expected service life.
There is no warning sign before failure. If the spindle fails, the front wheel assembly loses the support it depends on, so the bus needs dealer inspection and repair under recall 12V358.
Who's affected?
| 2013 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 | front suspension |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 2 |
Not every 2013 Saf-T-Liner C2 bus is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific bus is included.
What's the safety risk?
A failed spindle can let the wheel separate from the knuckle, causing loss of vehicle control and increasing crash risk. Because the problem involves wheel attachment and vehicle control, schedule the recall inspection soon with the dealer. Repair will be free at any franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 is included in this recall.
- Review the Thomas Built Buses owner notice mailed on August 10, 2012, if you have it.
- Contact a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer and reference recall number 12V358 to ask about the front-knuckle inspection and replacement that addresses the spindle-failure risk.
- Drive cautiously until the dealer confirms the repair status. Stop using the bus if you notice front-wheel noise, looseness, or handling changes.
What happens at the repair
When the dealer repair is available, a Thomas Built Buses technician will inspect the front axle knuckles and related wheel bearing area, then replace affected components at no charge. The repair focuses on the front knuckle assembly because a machining error in that area can lead to premature spindle failure. Parts and labor will be covered under the recall once the repair opens.
Timeline
| July 24, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 10, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V358?
Recall 12V358 covers 2 2013 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 school buses with Detroit Axle front axle knuckles. A machining error in the wheel bearing area can lead to premature spindle failure. Thomas Built Buses dealers will inspect and replace the affected components for free.
What should I do if my 2013 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 12V358. If it is, contact a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer to arrange inspection and replacement of the affected front axle components. Reference recall number 12V358 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 12V358, Thomas Built Buses dealers will inspect the front axle knuckle area and replace affected components free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of vehicle control. If the spindle fails, the wheel can separate from the knuckle and increase the risk of a crash. Keep the bus out of service until a dealer confirms whether the VIN is included and completes the required repair.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V358000 |
|---|---|
| Thomas Built Buses customer service | 1-800-547-0712 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V358 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V358000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (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 →