Recall 21V741 covers 87 2015-2018 Thomas Built Buses Minotour buses for a corroding CNG shut-off solenoid connector. Free repair at franchised dealers.
Thomas Built Buses is recalling 87 2015-2018 Minotour school buses because the under-body shut-off solenoid connector for the CNG fuel tank can corrode and short. A short at that connector can cause flame or overheating and increase fire risk; Thomas Built Buses dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The CNG fuel shut-off solenoid on 2015-2018 Thomas Built Buses Minotour school buses controls fuel flow from the compressed natural gas tank. The connector brings electrical power to that solenoid, so the fuel system can open or close the valve when the bus starts, runs, or shuts down.
On affected Minotour buses, the under-body connector is exposed to conditions that let corrosion form at the solenoid connection. Corrosion raises electrical resistance inside the connector. That resistance can create heat at the connection, leading to an electrical short, overheating, smoke, or, in rare circumstances, a self-extinguishing flame near the CNG tank shut-off solenoid.
There is no warning sign before failure. If the engine shuts down, or if anyone sees smoke, heat damage, or flame under the bus, the problem has already reached the connector area and the bus needs service before it returns to use.
Who's affected?
The listed components point to the same CNG fuel shut-off solenoid, split between wiring and fuel storage tank assembly descriptions.
| 2017 Thomas Built Buses Minotour | wiring |
|---|---|
| 2017 Thomas Built Buses Minotour | fuel system |
| 2016 Thomas Built Buses Minotour | wiring |
| 2016 Thomas Built Buses Minotour | fuel system |
| 2015 Thomas Built Buses Minotour | wiring |
| 2015 Thomas Built Buses Minotour | fuel system |
| 2018 Thomas Built Buses Minotour | wiring |
| 2018 Thomas Built Buses Minotour | fuel system |
| Units affected | 87 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 1 field incident to date. |
A matching 2015-2018 Thomas Built Buses Minotour bus does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific bus is included.
What's the safety risk?
A connector short can cause overheating or flame, increasing the risk of a fire. If you suspect overheating or see flame, stop using the bus and contact the dealer before another trip. Schedule the recall repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015-2018 Thomas Built Buses Minotour is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer to schedule the free CNG fuel shut-off solenoid replacement that fixes the corrosion-prone connector at the fuel tank.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 21V741 when you call.
- Keep the bus out of service and call the dealer if you see overheating or flame near the CNG fuel-tank connector.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Thomas Built Buses technician replaces the CNG fuel shutoff solenoid connected to the underbody fuel tank system. The recall repair is free at the dealer now, with parts and labor covered. This repair addresses the solenoid connector corrosion issue that can lead to an electrical short. Tell the service desk you are asking about recall 21V741 for a 2015-2018 Thomas Built Buses Minotour, and have your VIN ready so the dealer can confirm the recall applies to that bus.
Timeline
| September 23, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 14, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| November 14, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| November 14, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| February 3, 2022 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V741?
Recall 21V741 covers 87 2015-2018 Thomas Built Buses Minotour school buses with a CNG fuel tank shut-off solenoid connector that can corrode and short. That short can cause a flame or overheating, increasing fire risk. Dealers replace the CNG fuel shut-off solenoid for free.
What should I do if my 2015-2018 Thomas Built Buses Minotour is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 21V741. If it is, contact a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer to schedule the CNG fuel shut-off solenoid replacement. Reference recall number 21V741000 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to fix the defect at no cost, and Thomas Built Buses dealers replace the CNG fuel shut-off solenoid free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for buses included in recall 21V741.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is fire. In recall 21V741, corrosion at the under-body shut-off solenoid connector can create an electrical short at the CNG fuel tank connection. The short can cause a flame or overheating, increasing the risk of a fire.
When were owners notified about recall 21V741?
Owner notification letters were mailed February 3, 2022. If the bus changed owners or the notice never reached you, check your VIN and call a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer with recall number 21V741000.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V741000 |
|---|---|
| Thomas Built Buses customer service | 1-800-547-0712 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V741 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V741000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (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 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →