Recall 21V370 covers 479 2021-2022 Thomas Built Buses school buses with loose tie rod clamps. Repair is free at franchised dealers.
Thomas Built Buses is recalling 479 2021-2022 Saf-T-Liner C2 and Saf-T-Liner Hdx school buses because loose tie rod clamps can let tie rod ends break or detach. That failure can cause steering loss and increase crash risk; Thomas Built Buses dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The tie rod clamp nut on affected 2021-2022 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 and Saf-T-Liner Hdx buses helps hold the tie rod end tight in the steering linkage. The tie rod connects steering movement across the front axle, so the wheels turn together when the driver moves the wheel. The clamp keeps that threaded connection from shifting under road vibration and steering load.
On these buses, supplied lock nuts were over-crimped. That over-crimping damaged the threads during installation, a problem called thread galling, which means the metal threads bind and scrape instead of tightening cleanly. The clamp can be loose even when the assembly reached its torque target. A loose clamp lets the tie rod end loosen, and a tie rod end that breaks or detaches reduces steering control.
The warning sign is decreased steering response. A driver can notice more play in the steering wheel or a bus that does not respond as directly as usual.
Who's affected?
Spans the Saf-T-Liner C2 and Saf-T-Liner Hdx across the 2021 and 2022 model years, with the same tie rod clamp nut in the steering linkage.
| 2021 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 | tie rod (steering linkage) |
|---|---|
| 2022 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| 2021 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Hdx | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| 2022 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Hdx | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| Units affected | 479 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific bus is included.
What's the safety risk?
Detached or broken tie rod ends can cause steering loss and increase the risk of a crash. If steering response feels reduced, stop using the bus and call a Thomas Built Buses dealer before the next trip. 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 C2 or Saf-T-Liner Hdx is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer to schedule the free tie-rod clamp bolt and nut replacement that secures the loose tie rod ends.
- Bring the recall notice if Thomas Built Buses mailed one. If not, reference recall number 21V370 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete, and stop using the bus if the steering feels loose or abnormal.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Thomas Built Buses technician replaces the tie rod clamp bolts and nuts covered by recall 21V370. This work addresses loose tie rod clamps, which can let tie rod ends loosen, break, or detach. The replacement parts and labor are free under the recall. Ask the service desk to confirm the repair is open for your VIN and to note the completed recall on the bus service record.
Timeline
| May 19, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 17, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| July 17, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| July 17, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| December 23, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V370?
Recall 21V370 covers 479 2021-2022 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 and Saf-T-Liner Hdx school buses with loose tie rod clamps. Loose tie rod ends can break or detach, causing steering loss and increasing crash risk. Dealers replace the tie rod clamp bolts and nuts for free.
What should I do if my 2021-2022 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 or Saf-T-Liner Hdx is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific school bus is included in recall 21V370. If it is, contact a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer to schedule replacement of the tie rod clamp bolts and nuts. Reference recall number 21V370 or DTNA recall FL-888 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 replace the tie rod clamp bolts and nuts free of charge. The free repair applies through any franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer handling this recall.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is steering loss. In recall 21V370, loose tie rod clamps can lead to loose tie rod ends that break or detach. If that happens, the driver can lose steering control, increasing crash risk. The repair replaces the clamp bolts and nuts.
When were owners notified about recall 21V370?
Owner notification letters were mailed December 23, 2021. If you manage a 2021-2022 Saf-T-Liner C2 or Saf-T-Liner Hdx and never received a letter, check your VIN and call a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer with recall number 21V370 or FL-888.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V370000 |
|---|---|
| Thomas Built Buses customer service | 1-800-547-0712 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V370 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V370000 |
Source documents
-
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 →