Recall 19V234 covers 65 2019-2020 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 school buses for a steering-hose clamp defect. Free repair at a franchised dealer.
Thomas Built Buses is recalling 65 2019-2020 Saf-T-Liner C2 school buses because an improperly installed steering gear return hose clamp can let the hose separate from the steering gear. A separated hose can remove steering assist and disable an occupied school bus, raising injury risk during evacuation and transfer; Thomas Built Buses dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The power steering return hose on a 2019-2020 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 school bus is part of the hydraulic steering assist system. Pressurized fluid helps the driver turn the wheels, then the return hose carries that fluid back from the steering gear so the system can keep circulating it.
On these buses, the clamp that secures the return hose to the steering gear was installed incorrectly. That clamp is supposed to hold the hose tight at the connection point. If it lets go, the hose separates from the steering gear and power steering fluid leaves the system. With less fluid in the system, steering assist drops and the bus takes more effort to turn.
There is no warning sign before failure. After the hose separates, a driver can notice heavier steering or fluid near the steering gear, but the recall filing does not identify an advance warning before the connection fails.
Who's affected?
Both model years list the same power steering system component.
| 2019 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 | power steering system |
|---|---|
| 2020 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 | power steering system |
| Units affected | 65 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific bus.
What's the safety risk?
Loss of steering assist can make the school bus harder to control and leave it disabled. If that happens while occupants are aboard, they need to exit and transfer to another vehicle, increasing injury risk. Schedule the inspection so the dealer can install power steering hose clamps if needed. 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 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer to schedule the free power-steering hose-clamp inspection and repair that keeps the steering gear return hose attached.
- Bring the recall notice if Thomas Built Buses mailed one. If not, reference recall number 19V234 and Thomas Built Buses recall FL-813 when you call.
- Stop the bus in a safe place if steering assist changes, and arrange service before carrying passengers.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Thomas Built Buses technician inspects the steering gear return hose clamp and installs power steering hose clamps where the inspection shows they are needed. The work addresses a return hose that can separate from the steering gear if the clamp was installed incorrectly. Parts and labor are covered under the recall, so the dealer repair is free.
Timeline
| March 25, 2019 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 10, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
| May 23, 2019 | Dealer notification began |
| May 23, 2019 | Dealer notification ended |
| May 23, 2019 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 19V234?
Recall 19V234 covers 65 2019-2020 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 school buses built on an FCCC chassis. The power-steering return hose clamp was installed incorrectly, which can let the hose separate from the steering gear. Dealers will inspect and install clamps 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 19V234. If it is, contact a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer to schedule the power-steering hose clamp inspection and installation. Reference recall number 19V234 or DTNA recall FL-813 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and the remedy for recall 19V234 is free. A franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer will inspect the power-steering hose clamp and install clamps as needed.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of steering assist if the return hose separates from the steering gear. That can disable the school bus. If students or passengers are on board, they would need to exit and transfer to another vehicle, increasing injury risk. The dealer repair is free.
When did the repair become available?
The recall repair began May 10, 2019. Because the remedy is available, owners can contact a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer for the power-steering hose clamp inspection and clamp installation. DTNA customer service is available at 1-800-547-0712.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/19V234000 |
|---|---|
| Thomas Built Buses customer service | 1-800-547-0712 |
| NHTSA recall # | 19V234 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 19V234000 |
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 →