Recall 18V702 covers 1,532 2018-2019 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner buses for loose brake caliper bolts. Free repair at any franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer.
Thomas Built Buses is recalling 1,532 2018-2019 Saf-T-Liner C2, Saf-T-Liner Hdx, and Saf-T-Liner Efx school buses because brake caliper mounting bolts were not tightened enough. Loose caliper bolts can reduce brake effectiveness and increase crash risk, and Thomas Built Buses dealers will complete the free repair.
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 disc brake caliper on the 2018-2019 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Hdx, Saf-T-Liner Efx, and Saf-T-Liner C2 is the part that squeezes the brake pads against the disc rotor. When the driver presses the brake pedal, air pressure helps move the caliper so the pads clamp down and slow the bus. The caliper has to stay fixed in the correct position for the brake to work as designed.
On affected buses, the caliper mounting bolts were not tightened to the required torque at the axle assembly plant. Torque is the measured tightness of a fastener. If those bolts are loose, the caliper is not held as securely as designed, and reports found loose or missing caliper bolts on some vehicles.
There is no warning sign before failure. A driver or technician should not rely on noise, pedal feel, or a dashboard message to confirm this problem.
Who's affected?
Covers Saf-T-Liner C2, Efx, and Hdx buses across the 2018 and 2019 model years, all tied to the same brake caliper component.
| 2018 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Hdx | brake system |
|---|---|
| 2018 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Efx | brake system |
| 2019 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Hdx | brake system |
| 2018 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 | brake system |
| 2019 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 | brake system |
| 2019 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Efx | brake system |
| Units affected | 1,532 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 3 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?
Loose brake caliper mounting bolts reduce braking effectiveness and increase the risk of a crash. Until the recall work is done, use extra following distance and schedule service promptly. Repair is free at any franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018-2019 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Hdx, Saf-T-Liner Efx, or Saf-T-Liner C2 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer to schedule the free brake-caliper mounting-bolt check and tightening that fixes loose caliper bolts and protects brake effectiveness.
- Bring the recall notice if Thomas Built Buses sent one. If not, reference recall number 18V702 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Leave extra stopping distance and avoid hard braking when the bus is in service.
- Call Thomas Built Buses customer service at 1-800-547-0712 with questions about scheduling or the dealer repair.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Thomas Built Buses technician checks the brake caliper mounting bolts and tightens any loose bolts to the proper specification. The work is handled through Thomas Built Buses authorized service facilities, and parts and labor are covered under the recall. For affected Saf-T-Liner C2, Saf-T-Liner Hdx, and Saf-T-Liner Efx buses, the key dealer step is confirming that the brake caliper fasteners are secure before the bus returns to service.
Timeline
| October 5, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 3, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| December 3, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| December 3, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
| December 3, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V702?
Recall 18V702 covers 1,532 2018-2019 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Hdx, Saf-T-Liner Efx, and Saf-T-Liner C2 school buses with brake caliper mounting bolts that were not tightened enough. Loose bolts can reduce braking effectiveness and increase crash risk.
What should I do if my 2018-2019 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Hdx, Saf-T-Liner Efx, or Saf-T-Liner C2 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 18V702. If it is, contact a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer to have the brake caliper mounting bolts checked and tightened. Reference recall 18V702 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to fix the defect at no cost, and Thomas Built Buses dealers will check and tighten the brake caliper mounting bolts free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
Loose brake caliper mounting bolts can reduce brake effectiveness and increase the risk of a crash. Until your VIN is checked and the dealer completes the recall repair, treat braking concerns seriously and schedule service with a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer.
When did the recall repair begin?
The recall repair began December 3, 2018. Thomas Built Buses has notified owners, and dealers can check and tighten the brake caliper mounting bolts at no cost. Owners can call Thomas Built Buses customer service at 1-800-547-0712 with recall number 18V702.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V702000 |
|---|---|
| Thomas Built Buses customer service | 1-800-547-0712 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V702 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V702000 |
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 →