Recall 18V190 covers 957 2014-2019 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 buses for propane line chafing. Free repair at any franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer.
Thomas Built Buses is recalling 957 2014-2019 Saf-T-Liner C2 school buses with propane engines because the propane fuel line can rub against a body support bracket and leak. A propane leak near an ignition source increases fire risk, and Thomas Built Buses dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The propane fuel line on 2014-2019 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 school buses carries propane from the fuel system toward the engine. The line has to stay routed away from brackets and body supports while the bus moves, because the fuel system depends on a sealed line and tight fittings.
On affected propane-engine buses, the fuel line routing leaves too little clearance near a j-hook body support bracket. That bracket supports the bus body, but it can contact the fuel line or its fitting. Repeated contact rubs the line surface and creates chafing. Once the line is worn enough, propane can leak from the fuel system.
There is no warning sign before failure. A driver or maintenance tech is not given a reliable early symptom before the line has chafed, so the problem is found through inspection of the routing and the area around the bracket.
Who's affected?
Spans the 2014-2019 Saf-T-Liner C2 model years, all tied to the same fuel system component.
| 2018 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 | fuel system |
|---|---|
| 2019 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 | fuel system |
| 2017 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 | fuel system |
| 2016 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 | fuel system |
| 2015 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 | fuel system |
| 2014 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 | fuel system |
| Units affected | 957 |
| 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 your specific bus is included.
What's the safety risk?
A propane leak near an ignition source increases the risk of fire. Until the bus is inspected, keep ignition sources away from the propane system and stop using propane equipment if a leak is suspected. Schedule the dealer inspection soon so the line clearance and any damage are checked. Repair is free at any franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2014-2019 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer to schedule the free propane-line inspection and routing repair that prevents chafing against the j-hook body support bracket.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it, and reference recall number 18V190 and recall FL-765 when you call.
- Keep the bus away from ignition sources if you smell propane, and arrange service before returning it to regular use.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Thomas Built Buses technician inspects the propane fuel line where it passes near the j-hook body support bracket. If the line does not have enough clearance, the technician reroutes it for proper clearance. If chafing or other damage is found, the damaged propane line is replaced. The recall repair is available, and parts and labor are free of charge at an authorized service facility.
Timeline
| March 26, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 21, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| May 21, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| May 21, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| July 3, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V190?
Recall 18V190 covers 957 2014-2019 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 school buses with propane engines. The propane fuel line can contact the j-hook body support bracket, which can chafe the line and create a propane leak. Thomas Built Buses dealers inspect line clearance, reroute the line, and replace damaged lines for free.
What should I do if my 2014-2019 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 18V190. If it is, contact a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer to schedule the propane fuel line inspection and repair. Reference recall number 18V190 or DTNA recall FL-765 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 18V190, Thomas Built Buses dealers inspect the propane line clearance, reroute the line when required, and replace damaged lines free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is fire. In recall 18V190, a chafed propane fuel line can leak propane, and a propane leak near an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire. Confirm the VIN, then arrange the free dealer inspection and repair.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V190000 |
|---|---|
| Thomas Built Buses customer service | 1-800-547-0712 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V190 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V190000 |
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 →