Recall 16V326 affects 43 2011-2017 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Hdx buses for heater-hose failure. Repair is free at any franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer.
Thomas Built Buses is recalling 43 2011-2017 Saf-T-Liner Hdx buses because transmission-retarder pressure can fatigue a heater hose and let hot coolant leak inside the bus body. The leak raises the risk of passenger injury, and Thomas Built Buses dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The transmission retarder on a 2011-2017 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Hdx bus helps slow the bus through the driveline, reducing the load on the service brakes during repeated or downhill braking. That retarder works alongside the engine cooling system, which moves coolant through hoses to carry heat away from engine and heater components.
On affected buses, a bypass fitting in the cooling system can raise local coolant pressure above the working pressure of the standard heater hoses when the retarder is operating. That extra pressure fatigues the hose material. Over time, the hose can fail early and let coolant leak inside the bus body.
There is no warning sign before failure. An operator or technician learns about the problem only after a hose has weakened or coolant is already leaking, so the repair focuses on correcting the pressure condition before another hose fails.
Who's affected?
The scope stays on one Saf-T-Liner Hdx bus line across 7 model years, with both automatic transmission and engine and engine cooling components listed.
| 2014 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Hdx | automatic transmission |
|---|---|
| 2014 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Hdx | Engine and engine cooling |
| 2015 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Hdx | automatic transmission |
| 2015 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Hdx | Engine and engine cooling |
| 2017 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Hdx | automatic transmission |
| 2017 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Hdx | Engine and engine cooling |
| 2011 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Hdx | automatic transmission |
| 2011 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Hdx | Engine and engine cooling |
| 2013 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Hdx | automatic transmission |
| 2013 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Hdx | Engine and engine cooling |
| 2012 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Hdx | automatic transmission |
| 2012 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Hdx | Engine and engine cooling |
| 2016 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Hdx | automatic transmission |
| 2016 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Hdx | Engine and engine cooling |
| Units affected | 43 |
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 failed heater hose can let hot coolant leak inside the bus body, which increases injury risk for passengers. Treat coolant smell, steam, or visible leaking as a reason to stop using the bus and call the dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011-2017 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Hdx is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer to schedule the free heater-hose replacement that stops hot coolant from leaking inside the bus body.
- Bring the recall notice if Thomas Built Buses mailed one.
- Watch for coolant leaks inside the bus body until the repair is complete.
- Call Thomas Built Buses customer service at 1-800-547-0712 with questions, and reference recall number 16V326.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Thomas Built Buses technician replaces the affected heater hose at no charge. The recall repair is open, and parts and labor are covered. The hose is tied to the coolant system on buses with a transmission retarder, where higher coolant pressure can fatigue the hose and lead to a coolant leak inside the bus body. Ask the authorized service facility to confirm recall 16V326 and DTNA recall FL-709 before the bus is brought in.
Timeline
| May 19, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 10, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
| July 10, 2016 | Dealer notification ended |
| July 10, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| September 20, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V326?
Recall 16V326 covers 43 2011-2017 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Hdx buses with a transmission retarder that can raise coolant system pressure, fatigue a heater hose, and cause hot coolant to leak inside the bus body. Dealers will replace the heater hose for free.
What should I do if my 2011-2017 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Hdx is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 16V326. If it is, contact a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer to schedule the heater hose replacement. Reference recall number 16V326 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and this recall remedy states that dealers will replace the heater hose free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is hot coolant leaking inside the bus body. If the heater hose fails, passengers face an increased risk of injury from the coolant leak. The repair path is to have the dealer replace the heater hose for free.
When did the Thomas Built Buses recall repair begin?
The recall repair began on September 20, 2016. Interim owner notices were distributed on July 6, 2016. If your VIN is included and the repair has not been completed, call a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer and reference recall 16V326.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V326000 |
|---|---|
| Thomas Built Buses customer service | 1-800-547-0712 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V326 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V326000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (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 →