Recall 18V410 affects 5 2017-2018 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Efx buses for an air-brake check-valve plumbing defect. Free repair at a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer.
Thomas Built Buses is recalling 5 2017-2018 Saf-T-Liner Efx transit buses because the air brake check valve was plumbed incorrectly, leaving the primary and secondary air systems improperly isolated. If secondary air pressure drops quickly, both systems can lose air and the parking brakes can activate suddenly. That increases crash risk; Thomas Built Buses dealers will fix the brake plumbing free of charge.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The air brake check valve on a 2017-2018 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Efx is a one-way valve in the compressed-air brake supply system. Its job is to keep the primary and secondary air systems separated, so air pressure stays controlled in each side of the brake system.
On affected buses, the air lines were attached to the wrong ports on the check valve during assembly. When that happens, the check valve no longer separates the primary air system from the secondary air system as designed. The routing problem was tied to airline installation work during November and December 2017, when less experienced technicians and inspectors were working in that area.
There is no warning sign before failure. A brake inspection can find the incorrect plumbing, but a driver should not rely on a dashboard light, sound, or pedal feel to identify this condition.
Who's affected?
Covers the Saf-T-Liner Efx across the 2017 and 2018 model years, with the brake-system check valve listed for both.
| 2017 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Efx | brake system |
|---|---|
| 2018 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Efx | brake system |
| Units affected | 5 |
| 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 rapid air pressure loss in the secondary system can spread to the primary system if the check valve is plumbed incorrectly. That sudden air loss can activate the parking brakes and increase the risk of a crash. Schedule the dealer inspection and repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017-2018 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Efx is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer to schedule the free air-brake check-valve inspection and repair.
- Reference recall number 18V410 and Thomas Built Buses recall FL-774 when you call.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it, and ask the dealer to inspect the check valve plumbing that separates the primary and secondary air systems.
- Keep the bus out of passenger service until the dealer completes the repair if the parking brakes activate suddenly or the air system loses pressure.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Thomas Built Buses technician inspects the air brake system check valve and repairs the valve plumbing as needed so the primary and secondary air systems are correctly isolated. The recall repair is free, including parts and labor. Because the remedy is available, schedule service with a Thomas Built Buses dealer and ask the service desk what the inspection will involve for your Saf-T-Liner Efx bus. If the valve is plumbed incorrectly, the dealer corrects the check valve setup before returning the bus to service.
Timeline
| June 15, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 12, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
| August 13, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| August 13, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| August 13, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V410?
Recall 18V410 covers 5 2017-2018 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Efx transit buses with an air-brake check valve that was plumbed incorrectly. A rapid air-pressure loss can activate the parking brakes suddenly and increase crash risk. Dealers will inspect and repair the check valve for free.
What should I do if my 2017-2018 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Efx is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 18V410. If it is, contact a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer to schedule the air-brake check-valve inspection and repair. Reference recall 18V410 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 this recall is a dealer inspection and check-valve repair as needed, free of charge. Thomas Built Buses customer service is available at 1-800-547-0712.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is sudden parking-brake activation after a rapid loss of air pressure in the secondary air system. Because the check valve was plumbed incorrectly, air loss can affect both brake air systems. That sudden brake activation increases crash risk.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V410000 |
|---|---|
| Thomas Built Buses customer service | 1-800-547-0712 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V410 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V410000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (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 May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →