Recall 18V378 affects 8 2018 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 buses for battery cable chafing. Repair is free at any franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer.
Thomas Built Buses is recalling 8 2018 Saf-T-Liner C2 transit buses with two 8D batteries because the battery power cable lacks adequate clearance from the battery hold-down bracket and can be damaged by rubbing. A damaged cable can electrically arc and raise the risk of a fire, and Thomas Built Buses dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The 2018 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 uses a battery power cable to carry electrical current from its two 8D batteries into the bus's electrical system. The battery hold down bracket is the metal clamp that keeps those large batteries secure in the tray, including when the tray is pulled out for service.
On affected transit buses, the power cable does not have enough clearance from that bracket. When the battery tray moves during service, the cable can rub against the bracket. That contact wears through the cable's protective outer covering and damages the cable underneath, leaving a part that is supposed to carry power safely exposed to abrasion.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner or service technician should treat unusual cable wear, damaged insulation, or a cable touching the battery bracket as a problem to raise with a Thomas Built Buses dealer.
Who's affected?
| 2018 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 | battery |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 8 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2018 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 bus is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific bus is included.
What's the safety risk?
A damaged battery cable can electrically arc and increase the risk of a fire. There is no warning sign listed before this problem creates risk, so schedule the inspection and routing repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer to schedule the free battery-cable routing inspection and rerouting so the cable has clearance from the battery hold-down bracket.
- Bring the recall notice if Thomas Built Buses mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V378 when you call.
- Ask the dealer about safe operation until the repair is complete, since a damaged battery cable can arc and increase the risk of fire.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Thomas Built Buses technician inspects the battery power cable routing near the battery hold down bracket. If the cable does not have proper clearance, the technician reroutes it so the cable no longer rubs against the bracket. The recall repair is free at an authorized Thomas Built Buses service facility. Parts and labor are covered under the recall.
Timeline
| June 7, 2011 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 6, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| August 6, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| August 6, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| October 3, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V378?
Recall 18V378 covers 8 2018 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 transit buses equipped with two 8D batteries. The battery power cable can rub against the battery hold-down bracket, damage the cable, and create electrical arcing that increases fire risk. Dealers will inspect and reroute the cable for free.
What should I do if my 2018 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 18V378. If it is, contact a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer to schedule the battery cable inspection. The dealer will reroute the cable as needed to provide proper clearance, free of charge.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair the defect at no cost. A franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer will inspect the battery cable routing and reroute it as needed for free.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is fire. If the battery power cable rubs against the battery hold-down bracket, the cable can become damaged and electrically arc. If your VIN is included, arrange the free dealer inspection and rerouting before continuing regular service.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V378000 |
|---|---|
| Thomas Built Buses customer service | 1-800-547-0712 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V378 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V378000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (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 June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →