Recall 18V877 affects 6,031 2017-2019 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 buses for roof header adhesive placement. Repair is free at a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer.
Thomas Built Buses is recalling 6,031 2017-2019 Saf-T-Liner C2 school buses because the roof adhesive supporting the roof header has an improper application defect. In a rollover crash, the weaker roof header joint can increase the risk of injury, and Thomas Built Buses dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The roof header on 2017-2019 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 school buses is part of the upper body structure that helps tie the roof panel into the surrounding bus body. Adhesive at that joint helps bond and support the header so the roof structure holds together as designed.
On affected school buses, the adhesive was not installed in the correct location for proper bonding. That placement error reduces how much support the adhesive gives the roof header joint. The concern is joint strength in the roof and pillar structure, not an engine, brake, or electrical problem.
There is no warning sign before failure. The issue is hidden inside the roof structure, so a driver or owner will not be able to confirm it from normal bus operation.
Who's affected?
Covers one bus model across 3 model years, all tied to the body structure.
| 2018 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 | body structure |
|---|---|
| 2019 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 | body structure |
| 2017 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 | body structure |
| Units affected | 6,031 |
| 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?
Improper roof header adhesive reduces joint strength. In a rollover crash, that weaker joint can increase the risk of injury. Schedule the dealer inspection soon so the adhesive placement can be checked and fasteners installed if needed. Repair is free at any franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017-2019 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer to schedule the free roof-header adhesive inspection and fastener repair.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it, and reference recall number 18V877 when you call.
- Ask the dealer to confirm whether mechanical fasteners are needed to restore the roof header joint strength.
- Keep the bus available for dealer inspection before regular route use until the repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Thomas Built Buses technician inspects where the roof header adhesive was placed and installs mechanical fasteners when the adhesive placement needs reinforcement. The recall repair is free, and parts and labor are covered. This work addresses the roof header support on affected school buses, so ask the service desk to confirm that the inspection and any fastener installation are completed under recall 18V877.
Timeline
| December 10, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| February 7, 2019 | Dealer notification began |
| February 7, 2019 | Dealer notification ended |
| February 7, 2019 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| March 25, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V877?
Recall 18V877 covers 6,031 2017-2019 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 school buses with roof header adhesive that was not applied correctly. The defect can reduce roof header joint strength in a rollover crash and increase injury risk. Dealers inspect the adhesive placement and install mechanical fasteners for free.
What should I do if my 2017-2019 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm the specific bus is included in recall 18V877. If it is, contact a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer to schedule the roof header adhesive inspection. Reference recall number 18V877 or DTNA recall FL-801 when you call.
Does the recall repair cost anything?
No. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair this safety defect at no cost. A franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer will inspect the roof header adhesive placement and install mechanical fasteners, when needed, free of charge.
What is the safety risk in recall 18V877?
The risk is weaker roof header joint strength during a rollover crash. If the roof adhesive was not applied correctly, the joint is less able to perform as intended, which can increase injury risk. The repair path is an inspection and added mechanical fasteners when needed.
When did the recall repair become available?
DTNA issued an interim owner notification on February 1, 2019, and the recall began on March 25, 2020. Because the remedy is available, owners can contact a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer or DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712 for scheduling help.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V877000 |
|---|---|
| Thomas Built Buses customer service | 1-800-547-0712 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V877 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V877000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - 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 →