Recall 22V271 affects 2,943 2019-2023 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Hdx buses for battery-cable chafing. Repair is free at any franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer.
Thomas Built Buses is recalling 2,943 2019-2023 Saf-T-Liner Hdx school buses because a positive battery cable can be routed against transmission oil cooler hoses and chafe. That damage can cause an electrical short circuit and raise the risk of a fire, and Thomas Built Buses dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The positive battery cable on a 2019-2023 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Hdx carries power from the battery into the bus electrical system. It is supposed to be routed and clamped so the insulation stays clear of moving parts, sharp edges, and hot or fluid-carrying lines. In this recall, the concern is where that cable crosses near the transmission oil cooler hoses, which carry oil to help control transmission temperature.
On affected buses, the cable routing lets the battery cable rub against those cooler hoses during normal use. That rubbing wears through the cable covering, a process called chafing. Once the cable insulation is damaged enough, the exposed power cable can create an electrical fault or short circuit at that contact point, with heat building where the cable and hose area meet.
Maintenance is the main warning path. Thomas Built Buses says the maintenance manual calls for battery-cable chafing checks every 4,000 miles or 60 days, and visible rubbing should appear before the cable wears to a safety-risk level.
Who's affected?
Spans five model years of the Saf-T-Liner Hdx, all tied to the same battery power cable clamp.
| 2022 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Hdx | battery |
|---|---|
| 2023 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Hdx | battery |
| 2020 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Hdx | battery |
| 2021 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Hdx | battery |
| 2019 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Hdx | battery |
| Units affected | 2,943 |
| 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 this recall applies to your specific bus.
What's the safety risk?
A short circuit in the battery-cable area can raise the risk of fire. Chafed cables show visible wear before the risk develops, so keep scheduled inspections current and treat any cable damage as a reason to stop using the bus until service checks it. Repair is free at any franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019-2023 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Hdx is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer to schedule the free inspection and cable-routing repair that keeps the positive battery cable from chafing against the transmission oil cooler hoses.
- Bring the recall notice if Thomas Built Buses mailed one. If not, reference recall number 22V271 when you call.
- Schedule the inspection before regular route service so the dealer can check for battery-cable chafing and repair the routing.
- Call Thomas Built Buses customer service at 1-800-547-0712 with questions about recall FL928.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Thomas Built Buses technician inspects the positive battery cable routing and repairs it if the cable is positioned where it can chafe against the transmission oil cooler hoses. The inspection and any needed routing repair are free under the recall. Daimler Truck North America is offering reimbursement for owner paid repairs covered by this recall when the repair was completed before the date in the reimbursement plan. Take repair documentation to an authorized dealer to submit the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| April 22, 2022 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 20, 2022 | Dealer notification began |
| June 20, 2022 | Dealer notification ended |
| June 20, 2022 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| January 20, 2023 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 22V271?
Recall 22V271 covers 2,943 2019-2023 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Hdx school buses with a positive battery cable that can chafe against transmission oil cooler hoses and cause an electrical short circuit. Dealers will inspect and repair the cable routing for free.
What should I do if my 2019-2023 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Hdx is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 22V271. If it is, contact a franchised Thomas Built Buses dealer to schedule the cable-routing inspection and repair. Reference recall number 22V271 or DTNA recall FL928 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 inspect and repair the positive battery cable routing free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is fire. If the positive battery cable chafes against the transmission oil cooler hoses, it can create an electrical short circuit. That short circuit can increase the risk of a fire, so included buses need the dealer inspection and repair.
When were owners notified about recall 22V271?
Owner notification letters were mailed January 20, 2023. If you manage or bought a 2019-2023 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner Hdx and never received a letter, check your VIN and call a Thomas Built Buses dealer with recall number 22V271.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/22V271000 |
|---|---|
| Thomas Built Buses customer service | 1-800-547-0712 |
| NHTSA recall # | 22V271 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 22V271000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (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 →