Recall 16V664 affects 1,621 2016-2017 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 buses for wrong brake warning text. Free repair at any franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer.
Thomas Built Buses is recalling 1,621 2016-2017 Saf-T-Liner C2 school buses because the ICU3s instrument cluster can show "PARK" instead of "BRAKE" during a brake malfunction. If that happens, the driver is not alerted to the braking issue, increasing crash risk; Thomas Built Buses dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The 2016-2017 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 school buses in this recall use hydraulic brakes and an ICU3s instrument cluster. The hydraulic brake system uses brake fluid pressure to help slow and stop the bus. The instrument cluster is the dash display that shows the driver warning lights and labels when a system needs attention.
The problem is in the way the cluster labels a brake malfunction. On affected buses, if the hydraulic brake system has a malfunction, the dash can light the Brake System Malfunction indicator with the word "PARK" instead of "BRAKE." That does not match the federal display rules for brake warnings, because the driver is supposed to see a clear brake warning when the brake system reports a problem.
Drivers still get warning signs before relying on the label alone. The filing says there are adequate alarms for a brake malfunction, including an audible alert, so the driver should hear and see warnings even though the displayed word is wrong.
Who's affected?
Covers the 2016 and 2017 Saf-T-Liner C2 with instrument-panel and hydraulic brake components listed for both model years.
| 2016 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 | instrument panel |
|---|---|
| 2016 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 | hydraulic brake system |
| 2017 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 | instrument panel |
| 2017 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 | hydraulic brake system |
| Units affected | 1,621 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific bus is included.
What's the safety risk?
A brake warning that shows "PARK" instead of "BRAKE" can leave the driver unaware of a braking malfunction, increasing the risk of a crash. Treat any brake alarm, warning light, or unusual braking feel as a reason to stop in a safe place and arrange service. Repair is free at any franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016-2017 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer to schedule the free ICU3s instrument-cluster replacement that corrects the BRAKE warning display.
- Reference recall number 16V664 and Thomas Built Buses recall FL-724 when you call.
- Bring the owner notice if you have it.
- Treat any brake-system warning as a service issue until the repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Thomas Built Buses technician replaces the ICU3s instrument cluster with a new cluster. The recall repair is available now, and parts and labor are free. This repair corrects the brake warning display so the cluster shows the proper brake system malfunction indicator instead of showing PARK for that condition. Ask the service desk to confirm the replacement cluster is covered under recall 16V664 before the bus is returned to service.
Timeline
| September 14, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 11, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
| November 11, 2016 | Dealer notification ended |
| November 11, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| April 17, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V664?
Recall 16V664 covers 1,621 2016-2017 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 school buses with ICU3s instrument clusters and hydraulic brakes. During a brake malfunction, the cluster can show "PARK" instead of "BRAKE," leaving the driver unaware of a braking issue. The dealer repair is free.
What should I do if my 2016-2017 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 16V664. If it is, contact a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer to schedule replacement of the ICU3s instrument cluster. Reference recall number 16V664 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 replace the affected ICU3s instrument cluster free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for included buses.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is that a brake malfunction warning shows the wrong word. If "PARK" appears instead of "BRAKE," the driver can miss a braking issue, increasing crash risk. If your VIN is included, schedule the free cluster replacement with a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V664000 |
|---|---|
| Thomas Built Buses customer service | 1-800-547-0712 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V664 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V664000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation 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 →