Recall 17V665 affects 916 2012-2018 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 school buses for propane fuel-line routing. Free repair once available.
Thomas Built Buses is recalling 916 propane-powered 2012-2018 Saf-T-Liner C2 school buses because propane fuel lines can contact the transmission yoke and leak. A propane leak near an ignition source increases the risk of fire, and the dealer repair will be free once Thomas Built Buses opens the remedy.
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What's wrong?
The propane fuel lines on the 2012-2018 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 carry propane from the fuel system toward the engine. They are part of the fuel delivery system, so they need a clear path away from moving driveline parts. The transmission yoke is a rotating connector at the transmission that helps transfer power to the driveline.
In NHTSA campaign 17V665, the concern is clearance. On affected propane-powered school buses, a fuel line sits close to the transmission yoke. If the line is routed against the yoke, the rotating yoke rubs the line during operation. That contact wears into the line and creates a propane leak risk.
There is no warning sign before failure. A bus operator or service technician should treat this as a routing and inspection issue, not as a problem that announces itself before the line is damaged.
Who's affected?
Spans 7 model years of the Saf-T-Liner C2, all tied to the same fuel system hose, line, and fitting area.
| 2017 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 | fuel system |
|---|---|
| 2013 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 | fuel system |
| 2014 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 | fuel system |
| 2015 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 | fuel system |
| 2016 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 | fuel system |
| 2018 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 | fuel system |
| 2012 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 | fuel system |
| Units affected | 916 |
| 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?
A propane leak near an ignition source increases the risk of a fire. If your VIN is included, schedule the inspection when the dealer can take the bus, and avoid using propane equipment if you smell gas or suspect a leak. Repair will be free at any franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2012-2018 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 is included in this recall.
- Use the owner letter Thomas Built Buses mailed after the interim notice to confirm the current repair instructions before moving the bus.
- Call Thomas Built Buses customer service at 1-800-547-0712 with questions and reference recall number 17V665.
- Ask a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer about the propane-line routing inspection that fixes fuel lines contacting the transmission yoke.
- Keep ignition sources away from the bus if you smell propane or see signs of a fuel leak.
What happens at the repair
The final dealer repair is still under development. Once it opens, a Thomas Built Buses authorized service facility will inspect the propane fuel line routing and correct the routing if the line is too close to the transmission yoke. That repair will be free under the recall. Until then, use the interim owner instructions from DTNA and ask the service facility how to handle the bus if a propane smell or fuel leak is present.
Timeline
| October 19, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 16, 2017 | Dealer notification began |
| December 16, 2017 | Dealer notification ended |
| December 16, 2017 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| August 24, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V665?
Recall 17V665 covers 916 2012-2018 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 school buses with propane fuel lines routed where they can contact the transmission yoke. That contact can create a propane leak, and a propane leak near an ignition source can increase fire risk.
What should I do if my 2012-2018 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm the bus is included in recall 17V665. If it is, contact a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer and reference recall FL-752 or 17V665. The dealer will inspect the propane line routing and correct it as necessary at no charge.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to provide the recall remedy at no cost. For recall 17V665, Thomas Built Buses dealers will inspect the propane line routing and correct it as necessary free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is fire. The propane fuel line can contact the transmission yoke, which can cause a propane leak. If leaking propane reaches an ignition source, fire risk increases. If you smell propane or see fuel-system damage, stop using the bus and call the dealer.
What if I never received a recall letter?
The VIN still decides whether the bus is included. Owners received an interim notice for recall 17V665, but mail can miss transferred or fleet vehicles. Check your VIN, then call a Thomas Built Buses dealer with recall number FL-752 or 17V665.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V665000 |
|---|---|
| Thomas Built Buses customer service | 1-800-547-0712 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V665 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V665000 |
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 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →