Recall 19V869 covers 145 2020-2021 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 buses with loose fan hub bolts. Free repair at franchised Thomas Built Buses dealers.
Thomas Built Buses is recalling 145 2020-2021 Saf-T-Liner C2 school buses equipped with Detroit Diesel DD5 engines because the recall concerns fan hub bolts that were insufficiently tightened. Loose bolts can let the fan damage nearby components or detach from the engine, disabling the bus in traffic; Thomas Built Buses dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The engine cooling fan on a 2020-2021 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 school bus helps pull air through the radiator so the Detroit Diesel DD5 engine can shed heat. The fan hub is the mount at the center of that fan assembly. It holds the fan in place and lets it spin in the correct position while the engine cooling system works.
On affected buses, the fan hub bolts were not tightened enough during assembly because the wrong torque wrench process was used. Bolts that are under-tightened do not clamp the hub firmly. As the engine runs, vibration and fan load can let the hub loosen, which leaves the fan assembly moving where it should stay fixed.
The warning sign is sound. DTNA reported that noise from a loose fan hub is expected to be very audible, so a new loud fan-area noise from the engine compartment needs dealer attention.
Who's affected?
Both model years are tied to the same cooling-fan component.
| 2021 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 | Fan |
|---|---|
| 2020 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 | Fan |
| Units affected | 145 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 5 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 fan hub bolts can let the fan damage nearby components or detach from the engine. That can disable the bus and force evacuation in uncontrolled traffic, increasing injury risk. A very audible noise from the fan hub is the warning sign. Repair is free at any franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020-2021 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer to schedule the free fan-hub-bolt inspection and repair, which fixes bolts that can loosen and let the fan damage engine components or detach.
- Bring the owner letter if you have it. If not, reference recall number 19V869 and Thomas Built Buses recall FL-841 when you call.
- Avoid passenger service until the dealer completes the repair if the bus shows fan noise, vibration, overheating, or engine-compartment damage.
- Call Thomas Built Buses customer service at 1-800-547-0712 with questions before scheduling.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Thomas Built Buses technician inspects the fan hub bolts on the Detroit Diesel DD5 engine and repairs any bolts that are loose or improperly tightened. The inspection and repair are free under recall 19V869. The work focuses on securing the fan hub hardware so the cooling fan assembly stays properly fastened. Schedule the bus with a Thomas Built Buses dealer and give the service desk the recall number FL-841.
Timeline
| December 6, 2019 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| January 16, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
| February 3, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| February 3, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| February 3, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 19V869?
Recall 19V869 covers 145 2020-2021 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 school buses with Detroit Diesel DD5 engines. The fan hub bolts need inspection because loose bolts can let the fan damage nearby components or detach from the engine. Thomas Built Buses dealers will inspect and repair the bolts for free.
What should I do if my 2020-2021 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 19V869. If it is, contact a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer to schedule the fan hub bolt inspection and repair. Reference recall number 19V869 or DTNA recall FL-841 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and DTNA says dealers will inspect and repair the fan hub bolts as necessary free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is a disabled bus and an evacuation in traffic. Loose fan hub bolts can let the fan damage surrounding components or detach from the engine, which can stop the bus in an uncontrolled traffic situation and increase the risk of injury.
When did the Thomas Built Buses recall repair start?
The recall repair began January 16, 2020. Because that date has passed, owners can contact a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer now for the fan hub bolt inspection and repair. DTNA customer service is available at 1-800-547-0712.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/19V869000 |
|---|---|
| Thomas Built Buses customer service | 1-800-547-0712 |
| NHTSA recall # | 19V869 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 19V869000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - 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 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →