Recall 21V207 covers 22 2021 Saf-T-Liner C2 buses for damaged tire valve stems. Repair is free at any franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer.
Thomas Built Buses is recalling 22 2021 Saf-T-Liner C2 school buses because a tire valve stem extension can contact the disc brake caliper and become damaged. Loss of tire pressure increases crash risk, and a disabled bus creates roadside transfer risk for passengers; Thomas Built Buses dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The tire valve stem extension on the 2021 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 school bus lets service staff reach the tire valve to check pressure and add air. The disc brake caliper is the brake part that holds the pads and clamps them against the rotor to slow the bus.
On affected buses, the combination of axial mounted brake calipers and a particular valve stem places the stem extension too close to the caliper. As the bus is driven or braked, the caliper rubs the stem. That contact wears through the stem and lets air leak from the inner tire, which leaves the tire flat.
A thorough visual inspection can show the caliper touching the valve stem before the tire loses air. The operator can also hear a scraping noise from the brake caliper rubbing against the stem while driving or braking.
Who's affected?
| 2021 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 | tire |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 22 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 1 field incident 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 damaged tire valve stem can let tire pressure drop, which increases the risk of a crash. If the bus is disabled, passengers can be exposed to roadside injury while transferring to another bus. Treat scraping from the brake caliper area or visible caliper contact with the stem as a reason to schedule service soon. 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 valve-stem replacement tied to brake-caliper contact and tire-pressure loss.
- Bring the recall notice if Thomas Built Buses has mailed one. If not, reference recall number 21V207 when you call.
- Inspect tire pressure before use and keep the bus out of service if a tire is losing pressure.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Thomas Built Buses technician replaces the valve stems covered by recall 21V207. The work addresses valve stem extensions that can contact the disc brake caliper and become damaged. The recall repair is available now, and parts and labor are free. Ask the service desk to confirm the valve stem replacement is tied to FL-882 when scheduling the school bus for service.
Timeline
| March 24, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 19, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| May 22, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| May 22, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| May 22, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V207?
Recall 21V207 covers 22 2021 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 school buses with tire valve stem extensions that can contact a disc brake caliper and become damaged. A damaged stem can cause tire pressure loss and increase crash risk. Dealers will replace the valve stems 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 21V207. If it is, contact a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer to schedule the valve stem replacement. Reference recall number 21V207 or DTNA recall number FL-882 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair recall defects at no cost, and DTNA's remedy says dealers will replace the valve stems free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is tire pressure loss from a damaged valve stem. That can increase crash risk. If the bus becomes disabled, passengers can need to transfer to another bus on the side of the road, which increases injury risk.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V207000 |
|---|---|
| Thomas Built Buses customer service | 1-800-547-0712 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V207 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V207000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (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 →