Recall 20V113 covers 6,010 2020-2021 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 school buses for warning-light and stop-sign failure. Repair is free at Thomas Built Buses dealers.
Thomas Built Buses is recalling 6,010 2020-2021 Saf-T-Liner C2 school buses with a Switch Hub Module fault that can shut off the exterior red warning lights, stop sign, and system indicator. If those warnings stop working, drivers can proceed before students finish loading or unloading, increasing the risk of injury; Thomas Built Buses dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
On 2020-2021 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 school buses, the Switch Hub Module is the control unit that manages the exterior warning lights and stop sign. In normal use, the driver activates the warning-light package, and the module keeps the red lights, stop sign, and system indicator operating while children load or unload.
The recalled buses have a specific Switch Hub Module, part numbers 204803 and 216434, paired with a 500k Bulk Head Module and a certain 3-position momentary switch warning-light package. In that setup, the module can stop holding the warning-light circuit active after the system has been operating continuously for an extended period. The red warning lights, stop sign, and system indicator then deactivate without another driver command.
There is no warning sign before failure. The driver finds out when the exterior warning lights, stop sign, and system indicator turn off while the warning-light system is supposed to stay active.
Who's affected?
Scope is split by stop-arm assembly and exterior lighting for both listed model years.
| 2020 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 | School bus stop arm assembly |
|---|---|
| 2020 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 | Exterior lighting |
| 2021 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 | School bus stop arm assembly |
| 2021 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 | Exterior lighting |
| Units affected | 6,010 |
| 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?
When exterior warning lights and the stop sign indicator stop working, drivers around the bus can move before students finish loading or unloading, increasing injury risk. Treat any warning-light or stop-sign problem as a reason to remove the bus from student service and schedule repair. 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 Switch Hub Module update that fixes the exterior warning lights and stop-sign control failure.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 20V113 when you call.
- Avoid student loading and unloading service if the exterior warning lights, stop sign, or system indicator are not working.
- Call Thomas Built Buses customer service at 1-800-547-0712 with questions about the repair.
What happens at the repair
At a Thomas Built Buses authorized service facility, a technician updates the Switch Hub Module software. That module controls the exterior warning lights, stop sign, and system indicator, so the repair is focused on restoring the module's control logic. The recall repair is available now, and the software update is free of charge. Parts and labor are covered under recall 20V113. The source does not give a clear public reimbursement process, so ask the service desk to apply the recall before any paid work is opened.
Timeline
| February 26, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 15, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
| April 25, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| April 25, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| April 25, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V113?
Recall 20V113 covers 6,010 2020-2021 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 school buses with a Switch Hub Module issue affecting exterior warning lights and the stop sign system. Thomas Built Buses dealers will update the SHM 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 20V113. If it is, contact a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer to schedule the SHM update. Reference recall number 20V113 or DTNA recall FL-844 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 20V113, Thomas Built Buses dealers will update the Switch Hub Module free of charge, with parts and labor covered.
What is the safety risk in recall 20V113?
The safety risk is that the red exterior warning lights, stop sign, and system indicator can stop working during student loading or unloading. Other drivers can proceed before students finish getting on or off the bus, increasing the risk of injury.
When did the recall repair start?
The recall repair began April 15, 2020. Owners of included 2020-2021 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 school buses should check the VIN, then call a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer or DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V113000 |
|---|---|
| Thomas Built Buses customer service | 1-800-547-0712 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V113 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V113000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall 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 →