Recall 17V217 covers 1 2016 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 school bus with a grade brake that stays engaged. Free repair at a franchised dealer.
Thomas Built Buses is recalling 1 2016 Saf-T-Liner C2 school bus because the transmission grade brake can stay engaged after the disable switch is pressed. In icy or other slippery conditions, that aggressive downshifting can reduce traction and increase crash risk; a Thomas Built Buses dealer will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The grade brake on the 2016 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 with the 8.0L propane engine and Allison transmission is part of the powertrain. Its normal job is to use transmission downshifts to help slow the school bus on grades. That reduces the load on the regular brake system during downhill driving.
On this bus, the grade brake disable switch does not turn the system off as intended. The problem comes from an incompatibility in the ordered options, which leaves the grade brake engaged when the driver presses the switch. In icy or slippery conditions, that aggressive downshifting can make the drive wheels lose traction.
There is no warning sign before failure. The driver presses the disable switch and expects the grade brake to disengage, but the bus can keep downshifting as if the switch had not been pressed.
Who's affected?
| 2016 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 | powertrain |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 1 |
| 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 this recall applies to your specific bus.
What's the safety risk?
NHTSA campaign 17V217 warns that the transmission grade brake can stay engaged without the operator knowing. In low-traction conditions, that unexpected braking effect increases crash risk. Use extra caution on slick roads and schedule the programming update promptly. Repair is free at any franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer to schedule the free programming update that lets the transmission grade brake disable switch work correctly.
- Bring the recall notice if Thomas Built Buses mailed one. If not, reference recall number 17V217 when you call.
- Avoid icy or slippery roads until the programming update is complete, because the grade brake can stay engaged and reduce traction.
- Call Thomas Built Buses customer service at 1-800-547-0712 with questions about recall number 17V217.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Thomas Built Buses technician updates the bus programming so the transmission grade brake disable switch works as intended. The software update is free under the recall, and the work is performed by an authorized service facility. This recall remedy is already available, so an owner or fleet manager can schedule service and ask the service desk to reference campaign FL-734 if needed.
Timeline
| March 29, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 26, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
| May 27, 2017 | Dealer notification began |
| May 27, 2017 | Dealer notification ended |
| May 27, 2017 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V217?
Recall 17V217 covers 1 2016 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 school bus with an 8.0L propane engine and Allison transmission. The transmission grade brake can stay engaged after the disable switch is pressed, causing aggressive downshifting in icy or slippery conditions. A dealer will update the bus programming for free.
What should I do if my 2016 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm this specific bus is included in recall 17V217. If it is, contact a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer to schedule the programming update. Reference recall number 17V217 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and the remedy for recall 17V217 is a free programming update at a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer. Parts and labor are covered.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of traction in icy or slippery conditions. If the transmission grade brake stays engaged without the driver knowing, aggressive downshifting can increase the risk of a crash. The fix is the free dealer programming update.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V217000 |
|---|---|
| Thomas Built Buses customer service | 1-800-547-0712 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V217 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V217000 |
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 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →