Recall 20V787 covers 28 2021 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 school buses for parking brake release. Free repair at any franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer.
Thomas Built Buses is recalling 28 2021 Saf-T-Liner C2 Jouley electric school buses because the parking brake can release unexpectedly after the service brake is pressed and released while the parking brake is engaged. Without continual service brake pressure, the bus can roll freely and raise crash risk; Thomas Built Buses dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The Electronic Control Unit, or ECU, is the brake control computer on the 2021 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 electric school bus. It reads brake inputs and commands brake-related functions, including Hill Start Assist, which helps manage brake hold behavior when the bus starts on a grade. The air brake system depends on the ECU keeping the service brake and parking brake commands separate.
On affected buses, the ECU software sequence does not keep those brake functions isolated as required by FMVSS 121. If the driver presses the service brake pedal and then releases it while the parking brake is engaged, the control logic can release the parking brake unexpectedly. That means a normal pedal action can change the parking brake state without the driver selecting a parking brake release.
There is no warning sign before failure. The driver is not given a separate symptom that this brake sequence is about to release the parking brake, so the bus needs the recall software remedy before the defect is fixed.
Who's affected?
The listed brake and parking-brake components point to the same electronic control unit.
| 2021 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 | brake system |
|---|---|
| 2021 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 | Air |
| 2021 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 | Software |
| Units affected | 28 |
| 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?
If the parking brake disengages unexpectedly and the service brake is not held, the bus can roll freely, increasing crash risk. Keep firm pressure on the service brake when parked or stopped until the repair 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 ECU software update that prevents the parking brake from releasing after the service brake is pressed and released.
- Bring the recall notice if Thomas Built Buses has mailed one. If not, reference recall number 20V787 when you call.
- Keep the service brake applied whenever the parking brake is engaged until the repair is complete.
- Call Thomas Built Buses customer service at 1-800-745-8000 with questions about the recall or dealer scheduling.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Thomas Built Buses technician updates the electronic control unit software that controls the parking brake logic. The software update is free under the recall, and parts and labor are covered. If you already paid for a related parking brake or ECU repair before the owner notice, follow the reimbursement instructions included in the owner notification letter or contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-745-8000 for claim details. DTNA's internal number for this recall is FL-870.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| December 16, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| January 22, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| February 13, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| February 13, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| February 13, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V787?
Recall 20V787 covers 28 2021 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 Jouley electric school buses. The parking brake can release unexpectedly after the service brake pedal is pressed and released while the parking brake is engaged. Dealers will update the ECU software 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 20V787. If it is included, contact a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer to schedule the ECU software update. Reference DTNA recall number FL-870 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 20V787, a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer will update the ECU software free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is unintended vehicle movement. If the parking brake releases without continuous service-brake pressure, the bus can roll freely and increase crash risk. The free dealer repair updates the ECU software that controls the affected braking behavior.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V787000 |
|---|---|
| Thomas Built Buses customer service | 1-800-745-8000 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V787 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V787000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Owner Notice (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 →