Recall 16V631 covers 3 2015-2017 Saf-T-Liner C2 and Saf-T-Liner Hdx buses for faulty wheelchair-lift link arms. Free repair at Thomas Built Buses dealers.
Thomas Built Buses is recalling 3 2015-2017 Saf-T-Liner C2 and Saf-T-Liner Hdx buses under recall 16V631 because certain Ricon wheelchair lift folding link arms have pivot holes that are too large, letting bearings move out of position. The stowed platform can move excessively and fail at its mount, and Thomas Built Buses dealers will complete the free repair.
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 wheelchair lift on affected 2015-2017 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 and Saf-T-Liner Hdx buses is adaptive mobility equipment that raises and lowers a passenger between the ground and the bus floor. These buses use Ricon S Series lifts, including S2005, S2010, S5005, S5010, S5505, and S5510 models. Folding link arms guide the lift through its travel, and bearings at the pivot points help those arms move smoothly and stay aligned.
On the affected lifts, the pivot holes in the folding link arms are too large. That extra space lets the bearings move out of position instead of staying centered in the arm. Once the bearing shifts, the lift mechanism no longer holds its intended alignment, which affects how the platform moves and supports the passenger during lift operation.
There is no warning sign before failure. A bus can look ready for service until the lift is used, so the defect centers on the lift hardware rather than a dashboard light or driver-visible symptom.
Who's affected?
Spans the Saf-T-Liner C2 and Saf-T-Liner Hdx across 3 model years, all tied to adaptive or mobility equipment.
| 2017 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 | Equipment adaptive/mobility |
|---|---|
| 2015 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Hdx | Equipment adaptive/mobility |
| 2017 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Hdx | Equipment adaptive/mobility |
| 2016 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Hdx | Equipment adaptive/mobility |
| 2015 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 | Equipment adaptive/mobility |
| 2016 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 | Equipment adaptive/mobility |
| Units affected | 3 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific bus is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the lift bearings move out of position, the stowed platform can move too much and the platform mounting can fail. The platform can fall out of the vehicle when the doors are opened, increasing injury risk for the lift operator. Keep people clear of the lift area when opening the doors and schedule the recall repair. Repair is free at any franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015-2017 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 or Saf-T-Liner Hdx is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer to schedule the free wheelchair-lift inspection and repair that checks the folding link arms, bearings, platform cracks, and platform mounting.
- Bring the recall notice if Thomas Built Buses mailed one. If not, reference recall number 16V631 when you call.
- Keep the lift stowed and avoid using it until the dealer inspection is complete if the platform shows movement, cracks, or bearing damage.
- Call Thomas Built Buses at 1-800-547-0712 with questions before the appointment.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Thomas Built Buses technician inspects the Ricon wheelchair lift link arms for damage or displaced bearings, then checks the platform for cracks. Damaged link arm or platform parts are replaced free of charge. DTNA has a general reimbursement plan on file. If you already paid for a covered wheelchair lift repair before the recall work, contact DTNA customer service and ask what documentation the plan requires.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| August 31, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 10, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
| October 27, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
| October 27, 2016 | Dealer notification ended |
| October 27, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V631?
Recall 16V631 covers 3 2015-2017 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 and Saf-T-Liner Hdx transit buses with certain Ricon wheelchair lifts. Oversized pivot holes in the folding link arms can let bearings move out of position. Ricon dealers will inspect the lift arms and platform, then replace damaged parts for free.
What should I do if my 2015-2017 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 or Saf-T-Liner Hdx is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 16V631. If it is, contact a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer or Ricon dealer to schedule the wheelchair-lift inspection. Reference recall number 16V631 and DTNA recall number FL-716 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Ricon dealers will inspect the wheelchair lift link arms, bearings, and platform, then replace damaged parts free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is lift-platform failure when the doors are opened. If a bearing moves out of position, the stowed platform can move excessively and fail at its mounting, increasing injury risk for the lift operator. The free repair addresses the lift arms, bearings, and platform condition.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V631000 |
|---|---|
| Thomas Built Buses customer service | 1-800-547-0712 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V631 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V631000 |
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 →