Recall 15V842 affects 1,222 2016 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 buses for a window-retention defect. Repair is free at a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer.
Thomas Built Buses is recalling 1,222 2016 Saf-T-Liner C2 school buses because push-out tempered glass windows are at risk of detaching in a crash. Detached windows reduce occupant retention and increase injury risk, and Thomas Built Buses dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The push-out tempered glass windows on the 2016 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 are part of the bus emergency exit system. They are designed to stay secured in normal service, then release when someone opens them for emergency escape. Window retention also matters during a crash because the glass and frame are supposed to remain attached to the bus structure.
On affected buses, the specific Spectal push-out windows were built with propeller hardware that did not perform as intended in testing. That hardware helps hold and control the push-out window assembly. In a crash, the window can separate instead of staying attached, leaving the bus out of compliance with the school bus emergency exit and window retention rule.
There is no warning sign before failure. A driver or owner is not expected to feel a change in how the bus drives or see a dashboard warning before the window retention problem shows up in a crash.
Who's affected?
| 2016 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 | body or structural component |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 1,222 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2016 Thomas Built Buses 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?
In a crash, the affected windows can fail to retain bus occupants, which increases injury risk. Until the recall work is complete, use the bus with added caution and keep passengers properly seated. Repair is free at any franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer to schedule the free window modification.
- Ask the dealer to confirm the repair addresses the push-out tempered glass windows so they meet retention requirements in a crash.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. Reference recall number 15V842 when you call.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Thomas Built Buses technician modifies the push-out tempered glass windows so they meet the window retention requirements for the bus. The work is meant to make sure the windows stay attached as required if the bus is in a crash. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered by the campaign. Because the remedy is available, the service desk can schedule the window work for an affected 2016 Saf-T-Liner C2 once the VIN is confirmed.
Timeline
| December 15, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| February 9, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
| February 9, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
| February 9, 2016 | Dealer notification ended |
| February 9, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V842?
Recall 15V842 covers 1,222 2016 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 school buses with push-out tempered glass windows that can detach in a crash. Per NHTSA campaign 15V842, the windows can fail to retain occupants, increasing injury risk. Dealers modify the windows for free.
What should I do if my 2016 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 15V842. If it is, contact a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer to schedule the window modification. Reference recall number 15V842 or FL-697 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Thomas Built Buses dealers will modify the affected windows free of charge so they meet the required window retention standard.
What is the safety risk in recall 15V842?
The safety risk is occupant retention during a crash. Per NHTSA campaign 15V842, the affected push-out tempered glass windows can fail to stay attached, which can keep the window from retaining bus occupants and increase their risk of injury.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V842000 |
|---|---|
| Thomas Built Buses customer service | 1-800-547-0712 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V842 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V842000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →