If your VIN is in recall 18V914, Thomas Built Buses will tighten loose tie rod arm bolts free at any franchised dealer.
Thomas Built Buses is recalling 73 2018-2019 Saf-T-Liner Efx, Saf-T-Liner C2, and Saf-T-Liner Hdx school buses because loose steering tie rod arm bolts can let the tie rod arm separate. That affects steering and increases crash risk, and Thomas Built Buses dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The recall centers on the steering and tie rod arm bolts on 2018-2019 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Efx, Saf-T-Liner C2, and Saf-T-Liner Hdx school buses equipped with Detroit Axle axles. The tie rod is part of the steering linkage that helps the front wheels turn together when the driver moves the steering wheel. The bolts hold that connection tight, so the steering linkage stays fixed while the bus turns and rides over bumps.
On the recalled buses, the factory torque confirmation for the steering and tie rod arm bolts is missing. Torque is the measured tightening force applied to a bolt. If these bolts were not tightened to the required value, they can loosen in service and let the steering connection move instead of holding its position.
An owner or driver does not get a listed warning sign before this failure. There is no warning sign before failure.
Who's affected?
Covers 3 Saf-T-Liner models across 2 model years, with control arm, tie rod, and steering system components identified for each model year.
| 2019 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Efx | control arm |
|---|---|
| 2019 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Efx | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| 2019 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Efx | steering system |
| 2018 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 | control arm |
| 2018 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| 2018 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 | steering system |
| 2018 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Efx | control arm |
| 2018 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Efx | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| 2018 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Efx | steering system |
| 2019 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Hdx | control arm |
| 2019 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Hdx | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| 2019 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Hdx | steering system |
| 2019 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 | control arm |
| 2019 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| 2019 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 | steering system |
| 2018 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Hdx | control arm |
| 2018 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Hdx | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| 2018 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Hdx | steering system |
| Units affected | 73 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 1 field incident 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 tie rod arm bolts can separate the tie rod arm from the steering arm, which affects steering and increases the risk of a crash. Schedule the dealer inspection soon so the bolts can be checked, tightened, and replaced with new fasteners if needed. 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 Efx, Saf-T-Liner C2, or Saf-T-Liner Hdx is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer to schedule the free steering arm and tie rod arm bolt inspection, tightening, and fastener repair.
- Bring the owner letter if you have it. If not, reference recall number 18V914 when you call.
- Avoid nonessential trips until the repair is complete, because loose tie rod arm bolts can affect steering.
- Call Thomas Built Buses at 1-800-547-0712 with questions about recall 18V914.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Thomas Built Buses technician inspects the steering arm and tie rod arm bolts to confirm they are properly tightened. If the fasteners need replacement, the technician installs new hardware as needed. The recall repair is free, and parts and labor are covered. Thomas Built Buses has a general reimbursement plan on file for owners who already paid for this repair before the recall work was performed. Bring related repair paperwork to the service desk and ask how the plan applies to your bus.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| December 19, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| February 9, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
| February 16, 2019 | Dealer notification began |
| February 16, 2019 | Dealer notification ended |
| February 16, 2019 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V914?
Recall 18V914 covers 73 2018-2019 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Efx, Saf-T-Liner C2, and Saf-T-Liner Hdx school buses equipped with Detroit Axle axles. Loose steering tie rod arm bolts can separate the tie rod arm, affect steering, and increase crash risk. Dealers inspect and tighten the bolts or install new fasteners for free.
What should I do if my 2018-2019 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Efx, Saf-T-Liner C2, or Saf-T-Liner Hdx is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 18V914. If it is, call a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer and reference recall 18V914. Ask for inspection of the steering arm and tie rod arm bolts. 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 Thomas Built Buses dealers perform this inspection and fastening repair free of charge. The remedy includes tightening the steering arm and tie rod arm bolts or installing new fasteners as needed.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of steering control from loose tie rod arm bolts. If the tie rod arm separates, steering is affected and crash risk increases. Confirm the VIN first, then schedule the free dealer inspection and repair if the bus is included.
When did the recall repair begin?
The recall repair began February 9, 2019. Owners were notified, and franchised Thomas Built Buses dealers inspect the steering arm and tie rod arm bolts for proper tightening. They install new fasteners as needed at no charge.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V914000 |
|---|---|
| Thomas Built Buses customer service | 1-800-547-0712 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V914 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V914000 |
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 →