Recall 19V138 covers 259 2019-2020 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 buses without ABS modules. Free inspection and repair at any franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer.
Thomas Built Buses is recalling 259 2019-2020 Saf-T-Liner C2 school buses because some were built without Anti-Lock Braking System modules. Drivers can miss the loss of ABS function while operating the bus, which can increase crash risk, and Thomas Built Buses dealers will install the missing ABS modules free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The air brake system on a 2019-2020 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 school bus uses an anti-lock braking system module as the control unit for wheel lockup. In normal braking, the module reads wheel-speed information and commands the air brake system to keep the wheels from locking during hard stops. That helps the driver keep steering control while braking.
On recalled buses, the ABS module was left out during the build. Without that control unit, the anti-lock function is not available even though the rest of the air brake system is installed. Thomas Built Buses found the issue after an ABS lamp malfunction was reported while completed buses were being moved from the plant to customers.
There is no warning sign before failure. Because the module is missing, the bus needs inspection and correction rather than waiting for a new symptom to appear.
Who's affected?
Both model years list the same anti-lock brake system (ABS) component.
| 2019 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 | anti-lock brake system (ABS) |
|---|---|
| 2020 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 | anti-lock brake system (ABS) |
| Units affected | 259 |
| 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?
A missing ABS module leaves the bus without anti-lock braking support, and the driver has no clear cue that the function is absent. Operating without ABS increases the risk of a crash. Schedule the inspection and installation of any missing ABS module. Repair is free at any franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019-2020 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 school bus is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer to schedule the free inspection.
- Schedule the ABS module inspection and installation that restores the missing anti-lock braking function.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 19V138 when you call.
- Limit use until the dealer confirms the ABS module is installed, and leave extra following distance if the bus must be driven.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Thomas Built Buses technician inspects the school bus to confirm whether the Anti-Lock Braking System module is present. If the module is missing, the technician installs the ABS module needed for the air brake system. The recall repair is available now through Thomas Built Buses authorized service facilities, and the inspection, parts, and labor are free under recall 19V138.
Timeline
| February 27, 2019 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 27, 2019 | Dealer notification began |
| April 27, 2019 | Dealer notification ended |
| April 27, 2019 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| June 26, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 19V138?
Recall 19V138 covers 259 2019-2020 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 school buses built without Anti-Lock Braking System modules. The missing ABS function violates the air-brake safety standard and increases crash risk. Dealers will inspect the buses and install missing ABS modules for free.
What should I do if my 2019-2020 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific school bus is included in recall 19V138. If it is, contact a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer to schedule the inspection and missing ABS module installation. Reference recall number 19V138 or DTNA recall FL-809 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 19V138, Thomas Built Buses dealers will inspect affected Saf-T-Liner C2 school buses and install any missing ABS modules free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of ABS function without the operator knowing it. A school bus operated without ABS loses that braking support during hard braking or low-traction stops, which increases crash risk. The fix is a dealer inspection and installation of any missing ABS module.
When did the recall repair start?
The recall repair began June 26, 2019. Because that date has passed, affected owners can contact a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer now to schedule the inspection and repair. DTNA customer service is also listed at 1-800-547-0712 for recall FL-809.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/19V138000 |
|---|---|
| Thomas Built Buses customer service | 1-800-547-0712 |
| NHTSA recall # | 19V138 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 19V138000 |
Source documents
-
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 →