Recall 21V255 affects 1,252 2021-2022 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2, Efx, and Hdx school buses for steering-bolt fractures. Free repair at any franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer.
Thomas Built Buses is recalling 1,252 2021-2022 Saf-T-Liner C2, Saf-T-Liner Efx, and Saf-T-Liner Hdx school buses because steering arm and tie rod bolts can fracture. A fractured bolt can cause loss of steering and raise crash risk, and Thomas Built Buses dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The steering arm and tie rod are part of the front axle steering linkage on 2021-2022 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Efx, Saf-T-Liner Hdx, and Saf-T-Liner C2 school buses. The steering arm transfers steering movement into the axle, and the tie rod keeps the front wheels moving together. Their bolts hold those steering parts in position under road load and turning force.
On affected buses, certain steering arm bolts and tie rod bolts used in Detroit front axle assemblies have a lengthwise seam defect in the metal. That defect creates a weak line in a bolt that is supposed to stay solid under repeated steering loads. Over time, fatigue can start at that weak line and lead the bolt to fracture.
The warning sign is a decrease in steering response. If the bus does not react to steering input the way it normally does, treat that as a steering problem and arrange service before carrying passengers.
Who's affected?
Spans Saf-T-Liner Efx, Saf-T-Liner Hdx, and Saf-T-Liner C2 buses across 2021-2022, with steering-arm and tie-rod fasteners listed for each model.
| 2022 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Efx | steering system |
|---|---|
| 2022 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Efx | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| 2021 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Efx | steering system |
| 2021 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Efx | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| 2021 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Hdx | steering system |
| 2021 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Hdx | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| 2022 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Hdx | steering system |
| 2022 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Hdx | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| 2022 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 | steering system |
| 2022 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| 2021 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 | steering system |
| 2021 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| Units affected | 1,252 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The year, model, and bus name narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific bus is included.
What's the safety risk?
A fractured tie rod arm bolt can cause loss of steering and increase the risk of a crash. A decrease in steering response is the warning sign, so take the bus out of service and call the dealer if steering feels delayed or weak. Repair is free at any franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2021-2022 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Efx, Saf-T-Liner Hdx, or Saf-T-Liner C2 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer to schedule the free steering-arm and tie-rod-bolt replacement that addresses bolts that can fracture and cause loss of steering.
- Bring the recall notice if Thomas Built Buses has mailed one. If not, reference recall number 21V255 when you call.
- Drive only as needed until the repair is complete; a fractured bolt can cause loss of steering.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Thomas Built Buses technician replaces the tie rod arm bolts and the steering arm covered by recall 21V255. Parts and labor are free under the recall. The work is meant to remove the defective steering hardware named in the filing and restore the bolted steering connection with replacement parts supplied through the dealer. The recall repair is available now, so the service desk can handle it as a recall appointment.
Timeline
| April 12, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 10, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| June 10, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| June 10, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| June 10, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V255?
Recall 21V255 covers 1,252 2021-2022 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Efx, Saf-T-Liner Hdx, and Saf-T-Liner C2 school buses. The steering arm and tie rod bolts have a defective seam that can fracture, causing loss of steering and increasing crash risk.
What should I do if my 2021-2022 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Efx, Saf-T-Liner Hdx, or Saf-T-Liner C2 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 21V255. If it is, contact a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer to schedule replacement of the tie rod arm bolts and steering arm. Reference recall number 21V255 or FL-884 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Thomas Built Buses dealers will replace the tie rod arm bolts and steering arm free of charge. The recall repair has been available since June 10, 2021.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of steering. A fractured steering arm or tie rod bolt can prevent the driver from controlling the bus as expected, increasing crash risk. If your VIN is included, arrange the free dealer repair before putting the bus back into regular service.
What if I bought this Thomas Built Buses school bus used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your bus is included, then contact a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer and reference recall number 21V255 or FL-884.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V255000 |
|---|---|
| Thomas Built Buses customer service | 1-800-547-0712 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V255 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V255000 |
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 →