Recall 17V126 affects 6 2017-2018 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Hdx buses for a loose steering pinch bolt. Free dealer repair.
Thomas Built Buses is recalling 6 2017-2018 Saf-T-Liner Hdx transit buses because an upper pinch bolt in the steering connection was not properly tightened. A loose pinch bolt can cause loss of steering and vehicle control, and the dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The steering linkage on 2017-2018 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Hdx transit buses is the mechanical path between the steering wheel and the front wheels. When the driver turns the wheel, the steering shaft and linkage transfer that motion so the front wheels point in the intended direction. The upper pinch bolt is one of the fasteners that clamps that connection together.
On affected buses, that upper pinch bolt was not properly tightened. If the bolt does not clamp the joint with enough force, the mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the front wheels can separate. At that point, turning the steering wheel no longer gives the driver normal control of the front wheels.
There is no warning sign before failure. The issue is found by inspection of the steering connection, not by waiting for a dashboard alert, noise, or steering feel change.
Who's affected?
Covers the 2017 and 2018 model years, both tied to the same steering linkage component.
| 2018 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Hdx | steering linkage |
|---|---|
| 2017 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Hdx | steering linkage |
| Units affected | 6 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 1 field incident 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 loose steering shaft pinch bolt can cause loss of steering and vehicle control, increasing crash risk. There is no warning sign before failure, so schedule inspection soon and avoid trips that are not necessary until the bolt is checked. Repair will be free at any franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017-2018 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Hdx is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer to schedule the free steering-shaft pinch-bolt inspection and tightening.
- Reference recall number 17V126 when you call so the service desk can match the repair to the steering-linkage recall.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it, and ask the dealer to inspect the steering shaft pinch bolt before the bus returns to service.
- Avoid driving the bus if the steering feels loose or abnormal; ask the dealer about towing if it needs to be moved.
What happens at the repair
Once the dealer repair is available, a Thomas Built Buses technician will inspect the steering shaft pinch bolt and tighten it if it is not torqued correctly. That bolt holds the upper steering shaft connection between the steering wheel and the front wheels, so the repair focuses on restoring the mechanical connection in the steering system. Parts and labor will be covered under the recall.
Timeline
| February 27, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 10, 2017 | Dealer notification began |
| March 10, 2017 | Dealer notification ended |
| March 15, 2017 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| March 24, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V126?
Recall 17V126 covers 6 2017-2018 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Hdx transit buses with an upper steering shaft pinch bolt that was not tightened correctly. A loose bolt can cause loss of steering and vehicle control. Dealers will inspect the pinch bolt and tighten it for free.
What should I do if my 2017-2018 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Hdx is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 17V126. If it is, contact a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer to schedule the steering shaft pinch bolt inspection. Reference recall number 17V126 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. For recall 17V126, Thomas Built Buses dealers will inspect the steering shaft pinch bolt and tighten it when needed free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of steering and vehicle control. The recall filing says a loose upper pinch bolt can break the mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the front wheels, increasing crash risk. Confirm the VIN, then arrange the free dealer inspection.
When did the recall repair start?
The recall repair began on February 24, 2017. Owners with an included 2017-2018 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Hdx can contact a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer and reference recall 17V126 to schedule the free steering pinch bolt inspection.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V126000 |
|---|---|
| Thomas Built Buses customer service | 1-800-547-0712 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V126 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V126000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (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 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →