Recall 20V126 covers 581 2019-2020 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Efx, C2, and Hdx buses for loose brake caliper bolts. Repair is free.
Thomas Built Buses is recalling 581 2019-2020 Saf-T-Liner Efx, Saf-T-Liner C2, and Saf-T-Liner Hdx school buses because the air disc brake caliper mounting bolts were not tightened enough. Loose bolts can reduce brake effectiveness and increase crash risk; Thomas Built Buses dealers will inspect and tighten the caliper bolts free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The air disc brake caliper on these 2019-2020 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Efx, Saf-T-Liner C2, and Saf-T-Liner Hdx school buses is the clamp that presses the brake pads against the rotor at the wheel end. When air pressure tells the brake system to slow the bus, the caliper holds the pads in the right position so the wheel can be stopped evenly and predictably.
On affected buses, the caliper mounting bolts were not tightened to the required torque during axle production. That leaves the caliper with less clamping support than it needs. As the bus is driven and the brakes cycle under load, the loose bolts allow movement at the wheel end. That movement can damage the brake assembly and reduce brake effectiveness.
There is no warning sign before failure. A driver or technician should treat abnormal brake noise, vibration, or visible wheel-end damage as a service concern, but the recall filing does not identify a reliable early symptom.
Who's affected?
Spans three Saf-T-Liner bus models across the 2019 and 2020 model years, all tied to the same brake system component.
| 2019 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Efx | brake system |
|---|---|
| 2020 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Efx | brake system |
| 2019 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 | brake system |
| 2019 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Hdx | brake system |
| 2020 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 | brake system |
| 2020 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Hdx | brake system |
| Units affected | 581 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 11 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 brake caliper mounting bolts can reduce brake effectiveness and increase the risk of a crash. If your VIN is included, drive cautiously and schedule the inspection and repair soon. 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 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 brake-caliper bolt inspection and repair that secures the loose caliper mounting bolts.
- Bring the recall notice if DTNA sent one. If not, reference recall number 20V126 and DTNA recall FL-845 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Avoid hard braking and leave extra following distance.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Thomas Built Buses technician inspects the air disc brake caliper mounting bolts on the affected school bus. If the bolts were not tightened correctly, the dealer repairs the brake hardware so the caliper is properly secured. The inspection and any needed repair are free under recall 20V126. The service visit focuses on the brake caliper fasteners identified in the recall, not a broad brake overhaul.
Timeline
| March 3, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 1, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| May 1, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| May 1, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| May 2, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V126?
Recall 20V126 covers 581 2019-2020 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Efx, Saf-T-Liner C2, and Saf-T-Liner Hdx school buses with air disc brakes. The brake caliper mounting bolts need inspection for insufficient tightening. Loose bolts can reduce brake effectiveness and increase crash risk.
What should I do if my 2019-2020 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 20V126. If it is, contact a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer to schedule the brake caliper mounting bolt inspection and repair. Reference DTNA recall number FL-845 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 affected Thomas Built Buses vehicles free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for included VINs.
What is the safety risk?
Loose brake caliper mounting bolts can reduce brake effectiveness. That increases the risk of a crash, especially in a school bus that needs predictable stopping performance. If your VIN is included, arrange the free dealer inspection and repair before returning the bus to regular service.
When did the recall repair become available?
The recall repair began May 2, 2020. DTNA directed dealers to inspect and repair the affected vehicles free of charge. If your bus is included and the work has not been completed, 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/20V126000 |
|---|---|
| Thomas Built Buses customer service | 1-800-547-0712 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V126 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V126000 |
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 →