Recall 16V712 affects 162 2017 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 school bus chassis for an inoperable brake shift interlock. Repair will be free once available.
Thomas Built Buses is recalling 162 2017 Saf-T-Liner C2 school bus chassis because the brake transmission shift interlock can be inoperable, which permits a shift into drive without pressing the brake pedal. The defect can let the bus move unintentionally or roll away, increasing the risk of injury or a crash; the dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The brake transmission shift interlock on the 2017 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 is a safety lock tied to the service brake and automatic transmission selector. Its normal job is simple: keep the bus from shifting into a drive gear until the brake pedal is pressed. That brake-pedal check helps hold the bus in place while the driver selects a gear.
In recall 16V712, that interlock is inoperable on affected school bus chassis. When the interlock does not work, the transmission selector can move into a drive gear without the driver first pressing the brake pedal. The listed defect is functional, not a worn brake pad or low-fluid problem, so a normal brake inspection alone does not explain it.
There is no warning sign before failure. The driver is not told to expect a warning light, sound, pedal change, or shift-selector message before the interlock fails to block a shift.
Who's affected?
The scope involves the brake system and automatic transmission on the same Saf-T-Liner C2 buses.
| 2017 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 | brake system |
|---|---|
| 2017 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 | automatic transmission |
| Units affected | 162 |
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?
Unintended vehicle movement or rollaway can injure someone or lead to a crash. Before shifting or parking the bus, keep people clear and make sure it is secured. Schedule the software update through the dealer as soon as the repair is open. Repair will be free at any franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 is included in this recall.
- Watch for the Thomas Built Buses recall notice if you have not received one.
- Call Thomas Built Buses customer service at 1-800-547-0712 and reference recall number 16V712 if the notice is missing.
- Ask a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer when the free software update is available; the update fixes the brake-transmission-shift interlock that lets the bus shift without the brake pedal pressed.
- Set the parking brake before shifting and keep the brake pedal pressed until the interlock software repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Thomas Built Buses technician will update the vehicle software that controls the brake transmission shift interlock. That software is meant to keep the bus from shifting into a drive gear unless the brake pedal is pressed. Because the final remedy is not listed as available, treat the dealer repair as not yet open until Thomas Built Buses confirms availability. Once it opens, the software update will be free under the recall, with the dealer work covered.
Timeline
| October 5, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 1, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
| December 1, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
| December 1, 2016 | Dealer notification ended |
| December 1, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V712?
Recall 16V712 covers 162 2017 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 school bus chassis with a brake transmission shift interlock issue. The interlock can be inoperable, allowing a shift into drive without pressing the brake pedal. Dealers update the vehicle software for free.
What should I do if my 2017 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus chassis is included in recall 16V712. If it is, contact a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer to schedule the software update. Reference recall number 16V712 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. For recall 16V712, Thomas Built Buses dealers update the vehicle software free of charge, including parts and labor tied to the recall repair.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is unintended movement. If the brake transmission shift interlock does not work, the bus can shift into a drive gear without the brake pedal being pressed. That can let the vehicle move unintentionally or roll away, increasing the risk of injury or a crash.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V712000 |
|---|---|
| Thomas Built Buses customer service | 1-800-547-0712 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V712 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V712000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (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 →