Recall 20V435 covers 1,713 2021 Saf-T-Liner C2 school buses with brake pedal arm rotation. Thomas Built Buses dealers repair it free.
Thomas Built Buses is recalling 1,713 2021 Saf-T-Liner C2 school buses because the adjustable brake pedal arm can rotate from its set position due to an incorrect fit in the pedal assembly. A brake pedal that moves out of position increases crash risk, and Thomas Built Buses dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The adjustable brake pedal on the 2021 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 is the pedal assembly the driver presses to apply the service brakes. Because it is adjustable, it uses a tube and upper brake arm casting to hold the pedal in the set position while still letting the pedal move through its normal braking travel. The pedal has to stay oriented correctly so the driver gets a predictable brake pedal location.
On affected buses, the fit between the pedal adjustment tube and the upper brake arm casting is incorrect. That fit allows the adjustable brake pedal arm to rotate away from its original location instead of staying fixed in the intended position. If the arm rotates, the pedal position changes, and the driver can have trouble applying the brakes with the expected force and timing.
There is no warning sign before failure. A driver should not rely on a noise, warning light, or gradual change to confirm this defect before the pedal moves.
Who's affected?
| 2021 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 | brake system |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 1,713 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2021 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 bus is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific bus is included.
What's the safety risk?
A brake pedal that rotates out of position creates a direct control problem at the moment the driver needs braking. That increases the risk of a crash. If your VIN is included, schedule the brake pedal assembly repair soon and use extra caution until it is complete. Repair is free at any franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2021 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer to schedule the free brake pedal assembly repair that keeps the adjustable pedal arm from rotating out of position.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it, and reference recall number 20V435 (DTNA recall FL-857) when you call.
- Inspect the brake pedal position before each trip and stop using the bus if the pedal has rotated or feels out of position.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Thomas Built Buses technician installs a new brake pedal assembly for the affected Saf-T-Liner C2. Parts and labor are covered under the recall, and the repair is available now. This replacement addresses the adjustable brake pedal arm fit problem, which allowed the arm to rotate from its original position instead of staying fixed in the intended pedal location.
Timeline
| July 28, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| January 7, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| January 7, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| January 7, 2021 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| January 7, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| February 17, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V435?
Recall 20V435 covers 1,713 2021 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 school buses with an adjustable brake pedal arm that can rotate out of position because of an incorrect fit between the pedal adjustment tube and upper brake arm casting. Dealers will install a new brake pedal assembly for free.
What should I do if my 2021 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 20V435. If it is, contact a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer to schedule the brake pedal assembly replacement. Reference recall number 20V435 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair recall defects at no cost, and the manufacturer's remedy says dealers will install a new brake pedal assembly free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of proper brake pedal position. If the adjustable brake pedal arm rotates from its original location, the driver has less predictable pedal placement during braking, which increases the risk of a crash. The repair replaces the brake pedal assembly.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V435000 |
|---|---|
| Thomas Built Buses customer service | 1-800-547-0712 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V435 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V435000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (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 →