Recall 17V313 covers 2014-2018 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Efx and Hdx school buses with missing seat washers. Free repair at a Thomas Built Buses dealer.
Thomas Built Buses is recalling 1,132 2014-2018 Saf-T-Liner Efx and Saf-T-Liner Hdx school buses because the recall concerns occupant seats installed without under-rail washers, reducing seat anchorage strength. In a crash, loose seats increase injury risk; Thomas Built Buses dealers will install the washers free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The occupant seats in 2014-2018 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Efx and Saf-T-Liner Hdx school buses are mounted to rails that secure the seat structure to the bus body. Under-rail washers are small metal pieces installed beneath the rail fasteners. Their job is to spread clamping force and help the seat anchorage hold as designed.
On affected school buses, some seats were installed without those under-rail washers. Without the washers, the fasteners do not distribute load the same way through the seat rail. That reduces the anchorage strength of the seat assembly, so the seat is not secured to the same standard as a properly installed seat.
There is no warning sign before failure. A seat can look correctly installed from the passenger area even when the missing washer is underneath the rail. The issue is in the seat mounting hardware, so it requires inspection and correction by a Thomas Built Buses dealer.
Who's affected?
Covers both Saf-T-Liner models across the 2014-2018 model years, with the same seat assembly listed for each.
| 2016 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Efx | seat assembly |
|---|---|
| 2018 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Efx | seat assembly |
| 2015 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Hdx | seat assembly |
| 2016 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Hdx | seat assembly |
| 2017 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Hdx | seat assembly |
| 2018 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Hdx | seat assembly |
| 2014 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Efx | seat assembly |
| 2015 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Efx | seat assembly |
| 2017 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Efx | seat assembly |
| 2014 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Hdx | seat assembly |
| Units affected | 1,132 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
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?
In a crash, seats installed without under-rail washers can come loose and increase injury risk. Confirm the VIN and schedule the dealer inspection so the seat mounting hardware is checked and replaced as needed. Repair is free at any franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2014-2018 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Efx or Saf-T-Liner Hdx is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer to schedule the free seat inspection and mounting-hardware repair that restores seat anchorage strength.
- Bring the recall notice if Thomas Built Buses mailed one, or reference recall number 17V313 when you call.
- Avoid carrying passengers in seats that have not been inspected until the dealer confirms the under-rail washers and mounting hardware are correct.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Thomas Built Buses technician inspects the occupant seats for missing under rail washers and checks whether the seat mounting hardware has the required anchorage strength. The dealer replaces the mounting hardware where needed. Parts and labor are free under the recall. Because the remedy is available, schedule the inspection with a Thomas Built Buses dealer and ask the service desk to reference campaign 17V313 when writing the repair order.
Timeline
| May 11, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 28, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
| July 9, 2017 | Dealer notification began |
| July 9, 2017 | Dealer notification ended |
| July 9, 2017 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| July 9, 2017 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V313?
Recall 17V313 covers 1,132 2014-2018 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Efx and Saf-T-Liner Hdx school buses with occupant seats installed without under-rail washers. Missing washers reduce seat anchorage strength. In a crash, the seats can come loose and increase injury risk. Dealers inspect the seats and replace mounting hardware for free.
What should I do if my 2014-2018 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Efx or Saf-T-Liner Hdx is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 17V313. If it is included, contact a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer to schedule the seat inspection and mounting-hardware repair. Reference recall 17V313 and DTNA recall number FL-737 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair recalled safety defects at no cost, and Thomas Built Buses dealers will inspect the seats and replace the affected mounting hardware free of charge.
What is the safety risk in recall 17V313?
The safety risk is reduced seat anchorage strength. Without under-rail washers, occupant seats can come loose in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. If your VIN is included, schedule the free dealer inspection and mounting-hardware repair.
What if I bought this Thomas Built Buses school bus used?
The free repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the original owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Saf-T-Liner Efx or Saf-T-Liner Hdx is included, then call a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer and reference recall 17V313.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V313000 |
|---|---|
| Thomas Built Buses customer service | 1-800-547-0712 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V313 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V313000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (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 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →